Internal marketing
No discussion relating to the ease, or otherwise, of implementation
would be complete without considering the potential use of internal
marketing. Internal marketing focuses on the relationship between the
organization and its employees. Berry and Parasuraman (1991) define
the process in terms of viewing employees (or groups of employees) as
internal customers.
Definitions of this type encompass the work traditionally within the
remit of the personnel/human resource management function (recruitment,
training, motivation, etc.). Few would argue with the importance
of staff in relation to implementation. Therefore, can marketing
techniques be used to motivate employees and ease the path of project
implementation?
By applying the marketing concept internally, it may be possible to
enhance the likely success of a project. Factors such as internal
segmentation and application of the ‘mix’ may well have a role to play.
Consider the following:
Segmentation. The process of dividing groups into sub-groups with
similar characteristics. This is perfectly feasible within any organization.
For example, senior managers may have different training needs
from other staff. By grouping like types together more effective
training and communication is possible.
Product. This may well be the focus of strategy and accompanying
process of change. Equally, the individual’s job or function could be
viewed as an ‘internal product’. The internal product, service or task
is a component in delivering the overall strategy.
Promotion. Clear communication has a vital role to play in
establishing success. The project manager could design a ‘promotional
campaign’ stressing the benefits of a new strategy. In all cases,
communication is an issue that must be considered when planning
implementation.