Communication that cuts across functions and levels in organizations is

The answer is C) diagonal communication. It is the flow of information between people who sit in different departments and at different levels of the hierarchy, for example a junior officer in finance messaging a senior manager in marketing. It breaks the strict chain of command, which is why the question says it cuts across both functions and levels.

• A) Upward communication is from subordinates to superiors along the chain of command. It moves across levels but stays within one line, not across functions.
• B) Horizontal communication is between peers at the same level, such as two department heads coordinating. It crosses functions but not levels, so it is only half the answer.
• D) Downward communication is from superiors to subordinates, such as orders, policy circulars or instructions. It follows the hierarchy and does not cut across functions.

The core concept is the organisational communication network, which matters in Mains answers on coordination, bureaucratic rigidity and faster decision-making in government departments.

Trap: Many aspirants pick horizontal because it also crosses departments. Check for the words "and levels" in the question; that single condition makes the answer diagonal.