---
ref_id: PR20
ref_type: Process
ref_name: "Plan Communications Management"
version: "1.0.0"
status: Active
pmbok8_source: "PMBOK8 Guide §2.5"
companion_ref_shortcode: PG-APG-5.17
related_skills:
  - SKL-03-09
related_artifacts:
  - A28
file_path: "reference/processes/PR20-plan-communications-management.md"
---
# PR20 — Plan Communications Management

## Classification
- **Performance Domain:** Stakeholders
- **Process Group:** Planning
- **PMBOK 8 Reference:** Section 2.5 (Stakeholders Performance Domain)
- **Process Groups Practice Guide Reference:** Section 5.17 (implied)

---

## Purpose
Plan Communications Management is the process of developing an appropriate approach and plan for project communications activities based on the information needs of each stakeholder or group, available organizational assets, and the needs of the project. The key benefit is a documented approach to engage stakeholders effectively and efficiently by presenting relevant information in a timely manner.

---

## Inputs
- Project charter
- Project management plan (resource management plan, stakeholder engagement plan)
- Project documents: requirements documentation, stakeholder register
- Enterprise environmental factors
- Organizational process assets

---

## Tools & Techniques
- Expert judgment
- Communication requirements analysis
- Communication technology
- Communication models
- Communication methods
- Interpersonal and team skills (communication styles assessment, political awareness, cultural awareness)
- Data representation (stakeholder engagement assessment matrix)
- Meetings

---

## Outputs
- Communications management plan
- Project management plan updates (stakeholder engagement plan)
- Project documents updates (project schedule, stakeholder register)

---

## Key Concepts
- The communications management plan describes: stakeholder communication requirements, information to be communicated (format, content, language, level of detail), escalation processes, time frame and frequency, responsible parties, methods/technologies, and constraints.
- Communication dimensions: interactive (multi-directional), push (one-way), pull (recipient-initiated).
- Communication styles assessment is used especially for unsupportive stakeholders.
- Cultural and language diversity require tailored communication approaches.
- Effective communication underpins stakeholder engagement across all performance domains.

---

## Source Traceability
- PMBOK 8: Section 2.5 (Stakeholders Performance Domain)
- Process Groups Practice Guide: Section 9 (Communications Management Plan artifact)

---

## Cross-References

| Related Item | Type | Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| A28 | Artifact | Primary artifact produced or updated by this process |
| SKL-03-09 | Skill | Skill that executes this process |

## Practitioner Notes

Practitioners executing this process should seek answers to the following questions:
1. Are communication needs for all stakeholder groups explicitly defined?
2. Are communication frequency, format, and channel decisions documented?
3. Is the communications management plan integrated with the stakeholder engagement plan?
4. Are escalation and feedback mechanisms defined?
5. Are information security and confidentiality requirements addressed?

## Change Log

| Version | Date | Description | Author |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.1 | 2026-06-03 | Added Cross-References, Practitioner Notes, and Change Log sections (F-12 Batch 4) | PMO Director |
