Give an example of lateral communication.

• A. Daily reports during shift change are critical lateral communication.
• B. A memo from the warden to all staff.
• C. A court order from a judge.
• D. A directive issued by a private consultant to external vendors.

Answer: (A)

Lateral communication is information shared between people at the same level in the organization to coordinate tasks and ensure safety. Daily reports during shift change fit this because they involve officers who hold similar roles sharing what happened, conditions, and needs across the facility so everyone on subsequent shifts is informed and can act consistently. The other options illustrate different flows: a memo from the warden is a top-down, vertical message from leadership to staff; a court order comes from outside the organization; a directive to external vendors is also external to the internal peer network.