What role do supervisors have in gatekeeping?

Supervisors play a crucial role in gatekeeping by controlling the flow of information from management to employees. This involves filtering and relaying relevant information that is essential for employees to know while ensuring that sensitive or irrelevant details do not reach them. Effective gatekeeping helps maintain organizational clarity and focus, as supervisors determine what is necessary for their team to have in order to perform efficiently and effectively. By managing what information is shared, supervisors not only help in preventing misunderstandings but also shape the team's perception of management's goals and directives. This function helps in building a bridge between upper management and frontline staff, ensuring that communication is clear and purposeful, which is vital for maintaining operational effectiveness.