Plan Basics
For the communication plan to be successful:
- Multiple channels of communication should be used in order to reach the highest number of people
- A single point of “editorial control” will enhance the quality and consistency of communicated messages: VP of HR is the designated final approver before distribution of employee communications to Acquiree
- The individuals designated as distribution point contacts have the processes in place as well as the availability necessary to quickly disseminate information to their stakeholder groups
- Dates have not been finalized. As the plans surrounding the acquisition evolve, the dates suggested in the timeline and communication plan will need to be updated
- Since the communication plan provides a structure for executing communications rapidly, it can be finalized and shared in advance of deal announcement; specific message content will depend on the outcome of deal negotiations which are still ongoing
- Resources within the Information Systems group will be available to support information postings to the intranet, global email/video distribution and establishment of an email box supporting two-way communications
- Video production will be provided by an outside vendor
- Majority of stakeholders are English-speaking; translations, where necessary, will be coordinated by the regional offices
Initial Checklist Actions
Establish global communication team
- Team member name and contact list
(remember to include new owners)
- Writers
- Presenters
- Video crew
- People to distribute press release, memos,
videos, letters to customers/suppliers
- Media contacts
- Schedulers for employee meetings
- People to post communications on
notice boards/ intranets
Notify global communication team members of roles and responsibilities
Notify executives of communication roles and responsibilities
Press Release
- Prepare draft
- Get draft approved
- Establish release date, time, distribution list, order of distribution (take different times zones into account)
- distribute
- post on intranet sites
- post on notice boards ...
