Competing Corporate Cultures: A Multi-Method, Cultural Analysis of the Role of Internal Communication

A combination of 41 depth interviews and analysis of 453 surveys conducted in two organizations was done to examine the coorientation of organizational definitions and communication efforts. Interpersonal communication was both a product and a facilitator of communication between management and employees. Organizations with meaningful interpersonal communication may achieve a better shared definition of the organization and hence a better communication environment. Public relations practitioners should supplement traditional journalistic methods with interpersonal ones in addressing employee publics.