In a tall hierarchy, messages may be distorted because managers interpret information through what lens?

In a tall hierarchy, messages can become distorted as they travel up and down the levels of management. Managers often interpret information through a narrow, functional perspective. This means that they may focus on their specific area of expertise or responsibility and interpret messages in a way that aligns with their departmental goals or challenges.

When communication passes through various layers of management, it can be subject to interpretation based on each manager’s functional role. For instance, a sales manager might prioritize information that underlines sales performance while overlooking operational concerns, thereby affecting the overall understanding of the message. This selective interpretation can introduce biases and cause important details to be lost or misrepresented as the information flows upward or downward in the organization.

In contrast, broader perspectives or collaborative perspectives would likely promote a more holistic understanding of information, engaging multiple viewpoints and reducing the risk of distortion. Therefore, the narrow, functional perspective significantly contributes to the potential misunderstandings in a tall hierarchical structure.