Intelligence Systems in Corrections
In a bureaucratic organization, communication typically flows from the top down. One of the problems is that when a decision has to work its way up the hierarchy, a lot of knowledge and passion gets lost along the way. This occurs frequently when there are complex or big decisions that need to be made (Police Chief, 2010). This points to a couple of ways that communication in such organizations can be improved. First, decision-making can be pushed lower down. The fewer layers between the decision maker and the decision stakeholders, the less likely there is to be gaps in the information that is utilized to make the decision. Higher-ups can be informed of decisions, but a greater level of empowerment for lower-level leaders to make decisions would allow for more information to be communicated to the decision-maker, thereby improving the quality of decision-making. The second issue is with respect to bypassing layers. Normally, lower-level officers do not have direct access to senior people within the department, only their immediate supervisor. However, when communication flows either up or down there will be things lost in communication. To reduce this problem, organizational design...
In both of these instances, the objective is to bring the people who have the most information and the most passion closer to the people who are responsible for making the decision. This eliminates some of the layers that decisions must pass through. The role of a senior officer is not just to act as a go-between from lower levels to senior management so reducing the need for them to act as such might also free up more time on the part of middle layers to perform other useful functions. Hierarchy should not exist just to support itself.
2. Computerized communication is highly efficient, and has the capability to break down barriers. There are a couple of ways in which this works. One could be the use of email to allow people to send information directly to those who are the intended receivers, rather than to work through hierarchical channels. Superior officers can use mass emails to send out their messages directly, and lower officers can email superior officers directly to convey information. There are many instances in the corporate world where the CEO takes…
