The Importance Of Internal Communication

Internal communication

Communication can be defined as the process through which two or more parties exchange information. To be more precise, its main purpose is to share information containing facts, assumptions, attitudes, behaviours and feelings among individuals, groups and organizations. Communication also has a high importance in building and reinforcing interdependence between all the organizational levels (Gordon, 1996). As a linkage mechanism amongst the various parts of the company, communication creates a shared understanding that motivates the employees to work towards the company’s goals (Martin & Fellenez, 2010). Beside this, it helps to coordinate tasks and activities within the organization (Gordon, 1996).

Without communication,

Poor internal communication or an absence of communication can influence different areas of a company and it can lead to confusion, demotivation, irritation, insecurity and loss in productivity (Blazenaite, 2011). Differences, misunderstandings and disagreements are part of the daily life of individuals and organizations alike. In this regard, it is important to identify the main cause of ineffective communication in time in order to prevent it from developing further (French, Rayner, Rees, & Rumbles, 2008).

Lack of feedback

Feedback is often described as the mirror of communication and consequently, both the sender and the receiver need to play an active role in using feedback in order to make communication a two way process (Jagota, 2007).

Nevertheless, when the feedback system is not used accordingly, misunderstandings in communication can appear and persist as Albas and Wisjman (2011) state. These misconceptions can be the consequence of the following elements:

• Absence of feedback – this can occur when the receiver doe not respond, the communication happens through an intermediary or the sender makes use of written