Improving Upward Communication Through Open-Door Policies

This article reviews the question of open-door policies used by organizations as a way to improve communication with employees. As organizations tend today to adopt a more human way of management, this question becomes even more relevant, particularly for high-technology firms which employ extensive numbers of highly educated professionals.

A genuine open-door policy can be most beneficial for organizations, though many difficulties may exist. The organizational advantages of open-door policies are discussed, together with dysfunctional and cost aspects. Finally, the paper suggests avenues for additional research, which seems to be needed for a better understanding of the nature of open-door policies, and for helping derive more effective forms of such policies.