"The existence of informal internal communication is not an organizational pathology, but an unavoidable fact derived from the nature of the people who make up the company and the various groups to which they simultaneously belong"
Managing internal communication requires having a detailed knowledge of "organizational temperature." Communication highlights the functioning of organizational processes, their efficiency, the degree of commitment of the members of the company, etc.
The dynamics of informal communication allows to visualize:
The presence / absence of a common systematized code or language.
Contradictory and sometimes inaccurate formal communications.
Fear and uncertainty due to the impact of a decision made.
In periods of crisis such as the current one, the circulation of rumors increases, especially due to the lack of definition and the uncertainty with which we must deal on a daily basis. The rumor updates preconceptions and prejudices that work in the organization. Therefore, if the necessary information for daily management is not provided, this omission is replaced with the beliefs and prejudices that are in operation.
For the company management to properly manage the circulation of rumors, it is necessary to design a communication strategy that takes into account:
• The causes that originated the rumors.
• Identification of opinion leaders (influencers)
• Establish easy and accessible communication channels with employees from different areas, mainly to listen to requests for clarification.
• The use of communicational supports (houseorgans, mailboxes, meetings, executive visits to workplaces) to respond to the concerns that may arise from the spread of rumors.
Rumors circulate information that may or may not be true, which will be seen over time. Experience indicates that if there is no proper handling of the rumor, it becomes true regardless of its origin.
Feedback with employees enables the exchange of expectations, interests and capabilities. If communication channels are encouraged and activated, positive attitudes towards the guidelines and strategies outlined by the company are enhanced.
