Promoting Internal Communication

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Promoting Internal Communication
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What is internal communication?

• Both "official" communication - memos,
  guidelines, policies and procedures, etc. - and
  the unofficial communication that goes on among
  and between the staff members of all organizations

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Why should you promote internal communication?

• It improves the effectiveness of the organization
• It keeps everyone informed of what's going on in
  the organization
• It allows the organization to respond quickly and
  efficiently to change, emergencies, etc.
• It makes problem-solving easier
• Makes the organization a pleasant place to work

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Why should you promote internal communication?
(cont.)

• It gives people more of a sense of ownership of
  the organization
• It promotes fairness and equity
• It shows respect for everyone in the organization
• It gets problems and potential problems out in
  the open
• It forestalls the spread of rumors
• It improves the work of the organization

5
How do you promote internal communication?

• Organizational climate and culture
• Clear definitions of what needs to be
  communicated, and by whom
• Systems

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Organizational climate and culture

• Practice what you preach
• Treat everyone similarly
• Be sensitive to your - and others' - style of
  communication
• Be culturally sensitive
• Make sure information flows in all directions

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Clear definitions of what needs to be
communicated and by whom

• Receptionists need to know schedules
• Anything affecting someone's work should
  immediately be communicated to him/her.
• Problems between staff members should be
  addressed immediately

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Clear definitions of what needs to be
communicated and by whom (cont.)

• Information important to the working of the
  organization should be communicated to everyone
  by the director
• Positive information should be communicated by
  directors or supervisors

9
Systems

• Hiring
• Staff Training
• Supervision
• Regular Meetings
• Procedures and clear lines of communication for
  dealing with out-of-the-ordinary situations
• Accessibility of everyone in the organization
• Occasional or institutionalized opportunities to
  socialize, either at work or elsewhere

10
How do you monitor and improve internal
communication?

• Check staff satisfaction of the communication
  they receive
• Ask for feedback at staff meetings
• Make internal communication a topic at
  organization meetings
• Test information flow
• Make an internal problems evaluation compared to
  the previous period