Communication Architecture

An organization's communication architecture determines the method and frequency by which information, attention, and intent flows between people, teams, and systems in the organization.

Common elements of an organization's communication architecture include:

• Email, shared calendars, and document storage
• Meetings
• Record keeping and collaboration systems
• Casual conversations between co-workers
• Signage, posters, and announcements
• Signals and safety alert systems
• Broadcasts, presentations, and formal events

Some teams and organizations work to optimize the flow of information across these methods. They design their communication architecture to support the needs of their business.

In most organizations, teams employ a communication architecture that was assembled over time using a combination of centrally mandated systems and found methods. This potluck approach often results in bloated, unbalanced, and dysfunctional communication patterns.