Communication is the exchange of information between two or more parties. It includes both verbal communication (oral and written) and non-verbal communication like gestures and body language. Effective communication flows in three directions - downward from superiors to subordinates, upward from subordinates to superiors, and horizontally between peers. Barriers to communication can occur due to issues with the sender, receiver, message, or environment and include noise, assumptions, cultural differences and more. Proper communication is important for the smooth functioning of any organization.