Organizational communication is a field of study that encompasses all areas of communication and information flow that contribute to the functioning of an organization. It is the sending and receiving of messages among interrelated individuals within a particular environment or setting to achieve individual and common goals. Organizational communication is highly contextual and culturally dependent, and individuals in organizations transmit messages through face-to-face, written, and mediated channels.

The role of organizational communication is to exchange and transmit information between individuals and groups within an organization. Communication is a central function of organizations, as the success of an organization is reliant on individuals coming together for the benefit of organizational success. Organizational communication provides insights and makes sense of the human processes that occur within organizations, including power struggles, team building, conflict, decision making, compliance, and all other human aspects of an organization.

Organizational communication is complex in that there are many moving pieces within an organization, almost all of which require clear communication in order to maximize the efficacy of said organization. Indeed, organizational communication itself is comprised of many forms of information transfer and relationship mediation, from interpersonal communication, group communication, and cross-cultural communication, to mass communication and digital and social media.

Examples of internal organizational communication include newsletters, all-staff or team-specific meetings, messaging platforms, one-on-one meetings, and casual in-office interactions, such as a watercooler chat. Examples of external organizational communication include press releases, social media posts, check-in calls with clients, and meetings with stakeholders.

The field of organizational communication strives to identify and teach successful communication skills that can be applied within the organization and on a personal level. As awareness of the functions of organizational communication has increased, organizations have had an elevated need for roles that focus on organizational consulting, job training, and employee development.

In summary, organizational communication is a broad field that encompasses all forms of communication that allow organizations to function, grow, connect with stakeholders, and contribute to society. It includes both internal and external-facing communications and is essential for the success of an organization.