Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) Practice Exam

What type of communication is primarily used for peer-to-peer interactions?

1. Formal reports

2. Email correspondence

3. Horizontal communication

4. Vertical communication

The correct answer is: Horizontal communication

Horizontal communication is primarily used for peer-to-peer interactions because it involves the flow of information between individuals or teams at the same organizational level. This type of communication facilitates collaboration and coordination among colleagues who share similar roles or responsibilities, enabling them to exchange ideas, provide feedback, and work together on projects without the influence of hierarchical structures. In contrast, formal reports typically serve a more structured purpose and are often directed toward management or stakeholders rather than peers. Email correspondence can be utilized in many contexts, including both horizontal and vertical communication, but does not inherently define the relationship between participants as horizontal communication does. Vertical communication refers to the flow of information between different levels of an organization, such as from supervisors to subordinates or vice versa, which is not focused on peer relationships. Thus, horizontal communication clearly encapsulates the nature of peer-to-peer interactions in an organizational setting.