When working with my clients, I often hear them talk about taking a "bottom up" or "top down" approach to addressing a problem. Which method is most effective?
The terms "top down" and "bottom up" are often used to indicate how decisions are made or how initiatives are driven within an organization.
• A "top down" approach is one in which the top- level management determines the approach to be taken and then disseminates it to the lower levels of the organizational hierarchy.
• A "bottom up" approach usually emanates from people at the lower levels of the organization working together to drive a change or decision throughout the organization.
• A "top down" approach usually ensures compliance.
• A "bottom up" approach usually ensures strong organizational buy-in.
Although in certain circumstances one approach might be better than another, usually both approaches need to be employed during the life of a project and it is simply a question of balancing them. In fact, it might be better to "mix and match" at appropriate times (employ a "top down" approach in one stage of a project and a "bottom up" approach in another).
Tip: Don't be too quick try to adopt a single approach. Recognize that more often than not it is a question of balancing the two methods in an effective manner.
Source: institute of Management Consultants – USA