There are distinct differences between internal and external communication. Internal communication exists within the organization and its members. External communication, on the other hand, involves communication between the environment and the organization. The external communication is the one that is seen by outsiders, such as customers, stockholders, agencies, the general public, administrators of other agencies, or other organizations.
In general terms, internal communication includes the methods of communication that occur between members within the organization. This would include the management, the staff, and any other subordinates. Effective communication within the organization is essential as it is the main method in which the staff exchanges information develops both formal and informal networks among the employees, establishes a culture within the organization, and expresses the goals that the organization strives to achieve.
Internal communication is used to manage policies and procedures within the company, manage the employees, and coordinate activities of the company. External communication is equally important but holds different roles, such as marketing in the efforts of trying to convince the public to purchase the products or services that the company has to offer, managing the roles of the suppliers to the company, facilitating any roles between the organization and any government agency or regulatory committee, and ensuring that the public has a positive view of the organization.
It is essential for employees to be able to use both external and internal communication in an effective manner. If the communication skills of an organization are well developed, the flow of resources to the organization will be better as well. Thus being the case, it is important that relationships with suppliers, agencies, stockholders, the general public, and any other outside public entities remain positive. An important role of the internal communication of the staff is to understand as much of the internal workings of the organization so that they can make the most positive results in the image portrayed to the outsiders that interact with the organization.
External communications of an organization is much more complicated than the internal. There are many more facets involved with external communication, such as national and local government agencies, local administrations, various trade and professional unions, the media, professional firms, financial institutions, other financial sponsors, and the general public. It is essential to be able to have effective communication between all of these entities. The information that transpires between these groups must be accurate. The human resources division between the internal workings of the organization and the outsourcing for benefits is also essential.
Perhaps the most important lesson to be learned is that communication skills are not only important, they are essential. Oral and written communication skills are needed in just about every job and career situation today. Without these skills, it is practically impossible for one to maintain a basic position, let alone succeed or excel in any manner. Knowing the basic elements of communication are good, but having a well-developed style and sophisticated language will help one succeed in the global marketplace that encompasses almost all trades today (Réka & Borza, 2012).
References
Réka, K., & Borza, A. (2012). Internal and external communication within cultural
organizations. Management & Marketing, 7(4), 613-630. Retrieved from
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