You are a management consultant for Kroger analyzing communications and leadership. You have been asked to present a final report to the executive team with the UR findings including the following USE terms Communications and Culture: Kroger's formal communication structure or flow used within the chain of command defined by the CEO of the organization uses the three formal channels and types of information that are transmitted in a downward, upward and horizontal communication style. This is used by the lead CEO, Rodney McMullen, in a descending style through the numerous chains of command, eventually arriving down to the various store brands and store level management. Downward communication comes from the top level of the CEO and is communicated downward through chains of command. An example of how culture influenced Kroger's downward communication can be seen in the use of videos posted by Kroger's CEO. Upward communication occurs when messages come from subordinate to higher levels in the organization's management pyramid (Daft, 2012, p.579-580). An example of an upward and downward communication tool can also be seen on Kroger's intranet in the form of a company blog. A healthy flow of upward and downward communication ensures that communication between managers and employees is complete. For example, in 2010, Kroger surveyed over 200,000 employees in its “Associate First Tracker survey” and found the feedback valuable and “humbling.” Kroger then communicates the results to the employees who participated, thus generating a new dialogue regarding what the next steps should be (Orgel, 2010). The final communication channel is the use of horizontal communication between colleagues. This can...... half of the document...... 2014, from http://www.forbes.com/sites/glennllopis/2012/09/10/5-powerful-things-happen-when- a-leader-is-transparent/.Kroger History. (2013). In Progressive Grocer, 92(10), 30-52. Retrieved January 28, 2014. Retrieved from http://web.ebscohost.com.southuniversity.libproxy.edmc.edu/ehost/detail?sid=e0985541-de1c-4587-93a3-fa8be9bac40f%40sessionmgr114&vid=1&hid=127&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWht bGl2ZSZzY29wZT1zaXRl # db=bth&AN=91527502Orgel, D. (August 30, 2010). Kroger details employee communications. In supermarket news. Retrieved February 2, 2014, from http://supermarketnews.com/latest-news/kroger-details-employee-communications.Ruters, T. (2013). Trying to govern by fear demonstrates a lack of trust. In Westlaw campus search. Retrieved February 10, 2014, from http://southuniversity.campusguides.com.southuniversity.libproxy.edmc.edu/content.php?pid=389434&sid=3191292.