What is the purpose of a communication plan in a major unit restructuring?

• A. To hide information and avoid ambiguity.
• B. To ensure consistent messages, reduce ambiguity, coordinate activities, and engage stakeholders with defined channels and cadence.
• C. To assign blame for delays.
• D. To minimize stakeholder involvement.

Answer: (B)

A communication plan in a major unit restructuring is about ensuring messages are consistent, reducing ambiguity, coordinating activities, and engaging stakeholders through defined channels and regular cadence. When a large change is underway, people need clear information about what is changing, why it’s happening, who is affected, and when changes will occur. A structured plan sets who speaks to whom, what will be said, and how often updates are provided, creating predictable communication that minimizes confusion and rumors. It also aligns leadership across the organization so the message stays consistent, supports coordinated actions across teams, and invites stakeholder input through established channels, which helps build trust and buy-in as the change unfolds.

Hiding information, assigning blame for delays, or minimizing stakeholder involvement run counter to these goals. A plan that aims to inform, involve, and engage stakeholders is far more effective for guiding the organization through a successful restructuring.