Communication management plan

A communication management plan is a document used to outline the strategies, objectives and processes of communication within an organization. It sets out the roles and responsibilities of those involved in the communication process and identifies the channels of communication to be used. The plan also outlines the procedures to be followed when providing feedback and evaluating the success of the communication process. The plan should also include a timeline for communication activities, as well as any resources or materials needed to support them.

When to use communication management plan

A communication management plan is typically used in the following scenarios:

• When a new strategy or project is being implemented within an organization, a communication management plan can help ensure that all stakeholders are informed and understand the objectives and processes.
• When a company is going through a significant change, such as a merger or acquisition, a communication management plan can help provide clarity on the new organizational structure and processes.
• When there is a need to manage and coordinate communications across multiple departments or teams, a communication management plan can help ensure that all departments are on the same page and understand their roles and responsibilities.
• When there is a need to ensure that information is disseminated in a timely and accurate manner, a communication management plan can help ensure that all stakeholders have access to the necessary information and updates.

Types of communication management plan

A communication management plan is a document used to outline the strategies, objectives and processes of communication within an organization. There are several different types of communication management plans, including:

• Strategic Communication Plan: A strategic communication plan is a plan that outlines the strategies and objectives for communicating with stakeholders and customers. It typically includes a timeline for communication activities, as well as any resources or materials needed to support them.
• Internal Communication Plan: An internal communication plan is a plan that outlines the strategies and objectives for communication within an organization. It typically includes details about the roles and responsibilities of those involved in the communication process and the channels of communication to be used.
• Crisis Communication Plan: A crisis communication plan is a plan that outlines the strategies and objectives for communicating in the event of a crisis. It typically includes details about the procedures to be followed when providing feedback and evaluating the success of the communication process.
• Change Communication Plan: A change communication plan is a plan that outlines the strategies and objectives for communicating changes within an organization. It typically includes details about the timeline for communication activities, as well as any resources or materials needed to support them.

Steps of preparing communication management plan

A communication management plan is an important tool for any organization as it helps to ensure that communication within the company is effective and efficient. The following steps should be taken when creating a communication management plan:

• Establish the communication objectives: The first step to creating a communication management plan is to identify the objectives of the plan. What is the purpose of the plan and what outcomes do you want to achieve?
• Identify the stakeholders: Before creating the plan, it is important to identify all of the stakeholders who need to be included in the communication process. This could include employees, customers, suppliers, and other external parties.
• Determine communication channels: Once all of the stakeholders have been identified, it is important to determine the most effective channels of communication to reach each group. This could include email, phone, social media, or in-person meetings.
• Develop a timeline: A timeline should be created to ensure that all communication activities are completed in a timely manner. This timeline should include when each activity will take place, who is responsible for completing it, and any necessary deadlines.
• Establish feedback procedures: It is important to establish procedures for providing feedback on the communication process to ensure that it is effective. This could include surveys, interviews, or questionnaires.
• Monitor and evaluate success: Finally, the success of the communication management plan should be monitored and evaluated to ensure that it is achieving the desired outcomes. This should include gathering data on the effectiveness of different channels and making necessary changes to the plan.

Advantages of communication management plan

A communication management plan provides many advantages to an organization. It allows for a structured approach to communication and ensures that all stakeholders are kept informed of any changes or developments. It also provides a framework for communication activities and helps to ensure that messages are conveyed effectively. Furthermore, it enables the organization to measure the success of its communication efforts and make necessary adjustments to improve them. Some of the key advantages of a communication management plan include:

• Improved transparency and accountability: With a communication management plan in place, organizations are able to provide clear and consistent information to stakeholders, helping to build trust and improve accountability.
• Increased efficiency: A communication management plan helps to streamline communication processes and reduces the risk of miscommunication or delays.
• Enhanced collaboration: By setting out clear channels of communication, the plan helps to ensure that different teams and departments are able to collaborate effectively.
• Improved morale: By ensuring that everyone is kept informed of any changes or developments, the plan helps to improve morale and job satisfaction.

Limitations of communication management plan

A communication management plan is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It may not be suitable for all organizations, as each will have specific communication needs and strategies. Some of the limitations of a communication management plan include:

• It is difficult to predict the success of a communication plan, as it is subject to external factors such as budget, resources, personnel, and technology.
• It may not be able to capture all communication needs and strategies.
• It can be difficult to measure the success of a communication plan, as it depends on many variables.
• It is difficult to ensure that all stakeholders are aware of the plan, and that it is implemented correctly.
• It may not be able to accommodate changes in technology or personnel.

Communication management plan — recommended articles

Implementation of change — Applications of project management — Strategic project management — Organizational project management — Project governance model — Project change management — Configuration management plan — Project management best practices — Objectives of the project

References

• Darmaningrat, E. W. T., Muqtadiroh, F. A., & Bukit, T. A. (2019). Communication management plan of Erp implementation program: A case study of Ptpn Xi. Procedia Computer Science, 161, 359-366.