An Appraisal of the Internal and Public Communication Dynamics and Challenges of International Development Organisations: Implications for Integrated Communications Management

Abstract

Communication plays a pivotal role in organisational effectiveness. The nature, scope, and scale of operations of different organisations have significant impact on the purpose, philosophy and pattern of communication. This paper examines the dynamics of internal and external communication in international development organisations. It presents a critique of the various communication approaches adopted by these agencies and the challenges encountered. The paper establishes how a lack of integrated communication is undermining their communication effectiveness. It proposes the harmonization of communication approaches to enhance communication effectiveness and ultimately, the realization of organizational mandate. International development organizations need to shift their communication processes in line with new trends in integrated and interactive communication. The paper also argues for a repositioning of communication function to elevate its value in achieving organization goals.