Explanation:

The democratic style of leadership is characterized by the involvement of team members in the decision-making process. This leadership style promotes open communication, collaboration, and participation from all members of the team. In this style, both upward and downward communication are encouraged and practiced.

Upward communication:
- In a democratic leadership style, upward communication refers to the flow of information from subordinates to superiors.
- It allows team members to express their opinions, concerns, and suggestions, and provides an opportunity for them to contribute to the decision-making process.
- Upward communication ensures that the leaders are aware of the needs and perspectives of their team members, which helps in creating a more inclusive and transparent work environment.

Downward communication:
- Downward communication refers to the flow of information from leaders to their subordinates.
- In a democratic leadership style, leaders share their vision, goals, and expectations with their team members.
- They provide guidance, feedback, and instructions to ensure that everyone is aligned and working towards a common objective.
- Downward communication also involves delegating tasks, setting performance expectations, and providing regular updates on the progress and results.

Benefits of upward and downward communication:
- Upward communication allows team members to voice their opinions, ideas, and concerns, which promotes a sense of ownership and empowerment.
- It encourages innovation, as diverse perspectives and ideas are considered in the decision-making process.
- Upward communication also enhances trust and collaboration within the team, as everyone feels valued and heard.
- Downward communication ensures that the team is aligned with the leader's vision and goals.
- It provides clarity and direction to team members, which helps them perform their tasks effectively and efficiently.
- Downward communication also facilitates feedback and recognition, which are crucial for individual and team development.

In conclusion, the democratic style of leadership promotes both upward and downward communication. This communication flow encourages active participation, collaboration, and the sharing of ideas and feedback between leaders and their team members. It creates a more inclusive and transparent work environment, where everyone's voice is heard and valued.