Which communication structure should be established for managing information between various groups of stakeholders in the organization?

Internal communication refers to the formal and informal exchange of information and messages between individuals and groups within an organization. The question specifically asks for a structure to manage information among "stakeholders in the organization," which most directly refers to internal stakeholders such as employees, management, and different departments. Establishing a clear internal communication structure is a fundamental requirement of a Business Continuity Management System (BCMS) to ensure that information flows effectively to and between these groups during both normal operations and disruptive incidents. This structure dictates who communicates what, to whom, and through which channels within the organizational boundary.

B. External Communication: This structure governs communication with parties outside the organization, such as customers, suppliers, regulators, and the media, not stakeholders within the organization as specified in the question.

1. ISO 22301:2019, Security and resilience — Business continuity management systems — Requirements.

Section 7.4 Communication: This clause requires the organization to "determine the need for internal and external communications relevant to the BCMS". This explicit distinction supports that "Internal Communication" is the correct structure for stakeholders within the organization.

2. Ruck, K., & Welch, M. (2012). Valuing internal communication; management and employee perspectives. Public Relations Review, 38(2), 294-302.

Page 295: The article defines internal communication as communication with internal stakeholders or publics, who are defined as "groups of people who are inside an organisation". This academic definition directly aligns with the question's focus on "stakeholders in the organization." (DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pubrev.2011.11.006)

3. MIT Emergency Management, Business Continuity Planning. (n.d.). Develop a Communications Plan.

The guidance provided by MIT for creating departmental business continuity plans distinguishes between communication with internal parties ("Communicating with your Department/DLC") and external stakeholders. This university resource illustrates the practical application of separating internal communication structures from external ones.