Communication Plan

 

Stakeholders are individuals or groups that have an active interest in an organization. Stakeholders and stakeholder groups typically include employees, vendors, communities, government agencies, customers, investors, and lenders. Different stakeholders have different interests, attitudes, and priorities. Effective communication ensures that they receive relevant information and develop a positive attitude to your organization in the scenario.

As the regional marketing director of a theme park, you are in the process of designing a phased marketing strategy for reopening all parks after a safety incident. You have already helped other marketing directors understand the importance of having a good marketing mix to inspire customer loyalty; now help them with a stakeholder communication plan. Develop a communication plan that will ensure stakeholders understand the steps the organization is taking to benefit them.

Three aspects to consider for effective stakeholder communication are the interest of stakeholders in the organization, the impact of the reopening decision on stakeholders, and the relevance of information going to stakeholders.

Prompt
Complete the communication plan for the stakeholders of the organization in the course scenario. Refer to the Exemplar Communication Grid for an example of how the template can be used.

Specifically, you must address the following rubric criteria:

Identify the three key stakeholders (a minimum of one internal and two external groups) in the reopening of the park and describe each stakeholder’s interest in the organization.
Internal Stakeholders
Employees
Departments
Management
External Stakeholders
Customers
Suppliers
Lenders
Communities
Use the Communication Grid Template to complete this step.
Identify and analyze the information about each stakeholder group and their need for communication. Use the Communication Grid Template to complete this step. Consider the following points:
Assessment of the impact on stakeholder (low, medium, or high) and explain why.
Information needs and communication methods of the stakeholder
Identify two crisis communication methods for communicating with stakeholders.
What forms of communication can be used to quickly communicate with internal stakeholder groups?
What forms of communication can be used to communicate with external stakeholder groups?
What to Submit

 

External Stakeholder: Customers

Description: Individuals and families who visit the theme park.

Interest: Customers' primary interest is their own safety and enjoyment. They want assurance that the park is safe to visit, that the safety incident has been fully addressed, and that the park experience will not be significantly diminished by new protocols. Their trust is critical for the park's revenue and long-term viability.

3. External Stakeholder: Community/Local Government

Description: Residents, local businesses, and government officials (e.g., mayor's office, city council, public health department) in the immediate vicinity of the theme park.

Interest: The community is interested in the park's economic impact (e.g., jobs, tourism revenue) and its reputation as a safe and responsible neighbor. The local government has a vested interest in public safety and ensuring the park adheres to all regulations. A major safety incident can raise concerns about traffic, public health, and the park's overall contribution to the community.

Sample Answer

 

 

 

 

General Framework for a Stakeholder Communication Plan

 

 

Step 1: Identify and Describe Key Stakeholders

 

1. Internal Stakeholder: Employees

Description: All full-time, part-time, and seasonal staff across various departments (e.g., operations, marketing, food and beverage, guest services).

Interest: Employees are directly impacted by the park's reopening. Their interests include job security, a safe working environment, clear communication about new safety protocols, and the company's financial stability, which affects their pay and benefits. They are the frontline ambassadors for the company, and their understanding and belief in the safety measures are crucial for the park's success.