Communication that cuts across functions and levels in an organization is known as

The correct answer is C) Diagonal Communication. It is the flow of information between people who sit at different levels of the hierarchy and also belong to different departments or functions, such as a junior marketing executive messaging a senior finance manager directly. The question's phrase 'cuts across functions and levels' describes exactly this.

• A) Upward communication is flow from subordinates to superiors, along the chain of command. It moves across levels but stays within the line of authority, not across functions.
• B) Horizontal communication happens between peers at the same level, such as two department heads coordinating. It cuts across functions but not levels.
• D) Downward communication flows from superiors to subordinates, such as orders, policies and instructions. It is vertical and does not cross functions.

The core concept is the organisational communication network (vertical, horizontal and diagonal). It links to Mains questions on administrative efficiency, bureaucratic red tape and how a government department can shorten file movement through structured cross-functional channels.

Trap: aspirants pick horizontal because cross-functional work sounds like it. Check whether the question also mentions levels; if it does, the answer is diagonal.