Improving Internal Communication Management in SMEs: Two Case Studies in Service Design

Abstract

Effective information management is a success factor for business growth, but small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face challenges in transferring knowledge and information from one organizational unit to another. In this study of two case companies, participative business model development processes were designed to identify challenges and solutions in internal communication management. A service design approach based on CIMO logic (context, intervention, mechanism, and output) showed that the participative business model technique and process can identify problems and challenges in internal communication management, as well as in the prioritization of actions. The process is a creative service design process including both divergent and convergent phases. The process increased motivation among personnel to find solutions, encouraged communication, and created joint understanding on how to solve problems. The technique helped to bring tacit information into use.

Keywords

• business model
• internal communication management
• participative process
• service design
• stakeholder involvement
• training