Reviews
“This 5th edition of Exploring Internal Communication is both timely and uniquely insightful. It captures the profound transformations in organisational life with clarity, offering a rare and compelling mix of academic rigour and practical relevance. The expanded focus on ESG, ethical communication, listening, and AI reflects the evolving demands in internal communication practice. The strategic and evidence-based approach makes it an invaluable resource for students and practitioners seeking to manage internal communication more effectively and strategically. This book doesn’t just inform – it inspires and advances the conversation around internal communication.” — Rickard Andersson, Assistant Professor, Department of Communication, Lund University, Sweden “This book is a must-have for anyone serious about internal communication. Grounded in research and real-world practice, it combines solid communication theory with insights into new communication habits shaped by technological change. It offers models, tools, and guidance to cut through noise, align people with purpose, and build systems that work. You can use it as a go-to handbook - whether you need a quick, practical answer or a broader strategic perspective. It raises the bar for internal comms as a professional discipline. For those who want to use internal communication to drive employee experience, clarity, and real business impact - this book belongs on your desk.” — Ada Borucka, Founder & Managing Partner at iComms/PinPoint, Poland “This fifth edition of Exploring Internal Communication is a timely, essential guide for practitioners navigating today’s complex organisational landscapes. Grounded in robust research combined with practitioner insight, it offers the perfect blend of theory and practical application. From ethical communication and inclusive messaging to strategic planning and AI’s evolving role, the book equips readers with the tools to elevate internal communication from tactical to transformational. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the field, this book is a must-read for anyone serious about making internal communication a strategic force for good.” — Simon Cavendish, SCMP® Internal Communications, Change + Engagement Consultant, Chair, IABC EMENA, UK “I’ve long been a champion of professional development for internal communicators and reading this book reinforced why it’s so important for anyone, at any level, working in the profession. This book is packed with data, insight, frameworks and actionable next steps for anyone responsible or accountable for internal communication on their organisation. It’s a must read. If you’re struggling with engagement, knowing the right channel mix, how to build trust through communication and so much more, all the answers are here. Buy the book, read it, highlight it and write down the things you’re going to do as you learn from it. It’s the only handbook you need to build a strategic internal communication function that delivers impact for the organisation.” — Jenni Field, Founder and CEO, Redefining Communications, UK “This new edition of Exploring Internal Communication is a must read, not only for those interested in this increasingly vital specialism, but for anyone interested in communication. The lessons from this book about listening, integrity, intent, planning and integration are applicable to all areas of communication. Packed full of new material and a careful blend of solid but accessible research, practical templates and guidance, and examples that bring it all to life, it’s a ‘go to’ book for practitioners and students who want to learn the basics and much, much more. Read it…often.” — Anne Gregory, Emeritus Professor, Ph.D, CIPR Hon. Fell., FRSA, FHEA, UK “Internal communicators often juggle last-minute tactical requests while striving to deliver strategic value. As an IC practitioner, I found this book a great blend of theory and practical application. Chapter 13 reinforces the importance of aligning communication strategy with business goals and using audience segmentation. I’ve long used the RADAR model to challenge reactive asks and encourage strategic thinking. Combined with insights on employee expectations of leaders, it helps build strategies grounded in organisational and research insights. It also introduces curated vs. created content and embeds Inclusion and Accessibility from the outset. A valuable addition to your reading list!” — Elizabeth Hall, CIPR Inside Co-chair (2025), UK “This book belongs on every communicator’s desk—and should be well-thumbed. Flegg & Ruck offer a research-driven look at internal communications, but what sets this book apart is its clear focus on practical application. As the pandemic thrust internal comms into the spotlight, our ability to adapt has become critical to shaping the future of the profession. Covering timely topics like ESG, ethical communication, and AI, this book is both relevant and actionable. It’s an essential resource for anyone looking to elevate their internal communications practice and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape.” — James Harkness, Partner, HarknessKennett, UK “While some issues remain largely the same such as the key engagement value of the line manager versus the formal, more strategic presentational role of the senior leader, it is fascinating to see how societal changes have quite rightly drawn in the emphasis on ethics, diversity and language to support more bespoke and accessible employee communications. This book finds a perfect balance; it is a smooth read and is thoroughly based on impeccable and broad research. As a great admirer of Kevin's impressive library of work, I recommend this essential read which I would have loved in my in-house days.” — Virginia Hicks, Chair, Comma Partners, UK “Every profession needs its definitive book — one that is regularly refreshed, rooted in evidence and alive to how the world is changing. Exploring Internal Communication is that book. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to reappraise your approach, Kevin Ruck and Martin Flegg provide the grounding, the guidance and — most importantly — the confidence to elevate your impact. With timely chapters on ethics, AI and strategy, and a renewed focus on listening, leadership and segmentation, this edition couldn’t be more relevant. It will sit — well-thumbed — on the desks of those who care deeply about making organisations more connected, human and effective.” — Katie Macaulay, Managing Director of AB and Host of ‘The Internal Comms Podcast’, UK “Listening is one of the most powerful tools in the comms arsenal, and yet it is often overlooked. The authors do not only set out why listening is key to engagement and reputation, but they also share how you can best use listening in your own communications work. If you want to transform how you communicate and engage with any stakeholder group, this book is the one you need.” — Alex Malouf, Senior Director, Public Relations & Media, ROSHN, Saudi Arabia “Editions of Exploring Internal Communication always seem to arrive just when the industry needs them most and this is no different. This book is written for this exact moment in our profession. As I turned each page, I saw internal communications as it should be - strategic, ethical, effective, human and insight driven. It speaks to the heart of our work, aligning people with purpose, creating genuine dialogue and building trust that lasts. I cannot wait for you to read it because I know it will spark the same excitement, reflection and renewed commitment it ignited in me when I first discovered the book during the pandemic.” — Eduvie Martin, Group Communications and Engagement Manager, BAT, UK “Internal communication veterans and CIPR members Kevin Ruck and Martin Flegg have produced a standout, must-read book for organizational leaders, managers, and internal comms practitioners as well as educators and students. This latest edition offers a stellar set of relevant, strategic applications, models and best practices firmly rooted in current and emerging principles and theories regarding internal communication. Dealing with faltering engagement, communication transparency and feedback issues, lingering pandemic effects, division silos, appropriate use of AI, remote/hybrid or diverse workforce challenges and more? You’ll find sound, practical, ethical, effective answers here.” — Nance McCown, Ph.D., Professor of Communication and Public Relations (retired), Messiah University, US “In an era of rapid and profound transformation for organizations and the workforce, the fifth edition of Exploring Internal Communication offers a timely, research-informed, and practice-driven guide. This new edition masterfully addresses the evolving demands of internal communication--from hybrid work, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) responsibilities to ethical practice and AI—while maintaining a clear commitment to evidence-based professionalism. Grounded in both academic insight and decades of practitioner experience, it is an essential resource for anyone committed to elevating internal communication as a strategic management function.” — Linjuan Rita Men, Ph.D., APR, Professor & Director of Internal Communication Research, University of Florida, US “Exploring Internal Communication is back and better than ever. Full of fresh insights, new perspectives, and practical guidance, this book is a must-read for internal communication professionals. The chapter on effective and ethical practice is a particularly valuable and important read. You will pick up ideas you’ll want to implement immediately, and it will inspire you to try something new.” — Rachel Miller, Founder, All Things IC and author of Internal Communication Strategy, UK “It’s something of an understatement to say a lot has happened since 2020, the year the first edition of this book was published. Geopolitical events that reverberated globally, such as the Covid-19 pandemic and the Black Lives Matter protests, shaped global politics and economies dramatically. The same can be said for the internal communications profession, which rose in prominence as organisations and leaders sought new ways to communicate, and interact with, colleagues working remotely. This edition of Exploring Internal Communication charts the evolution of the internal communication profession, highlighting how internal communicators today need a combination of commercial awareness with a strong theoretical understanding of ethical communication practice to drive performance. Part 1 covers theory and it’s fitting that in the ongoing global political and economic turbulence that culture, purpose, values and strategy and leadership communication feature strongly. Part 2 moves into evidence-based practice, including AI, content creation, and listening before concluding with practical guidance on implementing plans and professionalisation – something authors Kevin Ruck and Martin Flegg are passionate advocates for. Whether you’re an internal communication professional, leader or HR expert, Exploring Internal Communication will deepen your understanding of what strong, and ethical, communication practice looks like, and more importantly, how it can support organisations to grow and boost performance.” — Yvonne O’Hara, Group Head of Colleague Communications, NatWest Group, UK “While many books acknowledge the interplay between theory and practice, Exploring Internal Communication stands out as one of the few that genuinely delivers on this promise. In a unique and exemplary manner, the authors skilfully intertwine real-world business challenges with robust theoretical frameworks and research-based evidence. In an era marked by global turbulence, such as the pandemic and increasing polarisation, the significance and complexity of internal communication have become increasingly apparent. This thoroughly revised edition offers both communication professionals and students a well-founded, critically informed resource for addressing enduring and emerging issues in the field.” — Charlotte Simonsson, Associate Professor, Dept of Communication, Lund University, Sweden “It’s fantastic to see this essential book now in its fifth edition. Dr Kevin Ruck and Martin Flegg have thoughtfully reflected the rapid changes and challenges of the last five years, with timely new chapters on ESG, ethical internal communication, and AI. They continue to showcase the strategic value of our profession, firmly rooted in theory-to-practice thinking. As internal communication evolves, this book reinforces the critical role we play in driving performance and ensuring organisations remain resilient and sustainable into the future. At IoIC, we champion the highest standards, and this research-led and practice-focused book is an indispensable read for all internal communication professionals.” — Jennifer Sproul, Chief Executive, Institute of Internal Communication, UK “Internal communication has rarely faced greater demands than in the past few years, shaped by hybrid work, digital acceleration, and growing expectations around ethics, inclusion, and engagement. Exploring Internal Communication responds to these shifts with a well-structured update that balances theoretical grounding with practical insight. The inclusion of new chapters on AI, ethical communication, and strategic implementation reflects the maturing of the discipline and its increasing relevance for both scholars and practitioners. By drawing on recent research and decades of experience, Ruck and Flegg provide a reliable resource for those looking to understand, improve, and critically examine internal communication in contemporary organisations.” — Ana Tkalac Verčič, Full Professor, University of Zagreb, Faculty of Economics and Business, Croatia “Internal communication faces a big paradox - it's never been more needed, yet it increasingly has to defend itself against attack from - among other things - AI and eroding budgets. Exploring Internal Communication equips internal communicators to thrive in this tough environment. Grounded in proven research, experience and practice, it guides the reader from core principles to their practical use in an intelligent, accessible and applicable way. It is a great read for those seeking to build their understanding of effective internal communication and a key resource book for practitioners looking to have real business impact and help organisations be more human and connected.” — Dominic Walters, President, Institute of Internal Communication, UK “When exploring internal communications, you will find no better guide than Kevin Ruck; he edits with the diligence of the academic and writes with the elegance of a fluent practitioner.” — Marc Wright, Strategist, Digital and AI Transformation, Employee Engagement & Communication Consulting Practice, Gallagher, UK “Dr. Kevin Ruck and Martin Flegg’s latest edition is a timely, essential guide for anyone serious about internal communication as a strategic business function. Drawing on robust theory, rich practitioner insights, and today’s complex realities—from hybrid work to AI and ESG—it powerfully reframes internal comms as a strategic, ethical management discipline. With new chapters and deep emphasis on listening, segmentation, and leadership, this book provides practitioners and students with evidence-based frameworks for building engagement, demonstrating value, and shaping the future of work.” — April Yue, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Department of Mass Communication, Advertising & Public Relations, Boston University, US
“This fifth edition of Exploring Internal Communication is both timely and uniquely insightful. It captures the profound transformations in organisational life with clarity, offering a rare and compelling mix of academic rigour and practical relevance. The expanded focus on ESG, ethical communication, listening, and AI reflects the evolving demands in internal communication practice. The strategic and evidence-based approach makes it an invaluable resource for students and practitioners seeking to manage internal communication more effectively and strategically. This book doesn’t just inform – it inspires and advances the conversation around internal communication.” Rickard Andersson, Assistant Professor, Department of Communication, Lund University, Sweden “This book is a must-have for anyone serious about internal communication. Grounded in research and real-world practice, it combines solid communication theory with insights into new communication habits shaped by technological change. It offers models, tools, and guidance to cut through noise, align people with purpose, and build systems that work. You can use it as a go-to handbook - whether you need a quick, practical answer or a broader strategic perspective. It raises the bar for internal comms as a professional discipline. For those who want to use internal communication to drive employee experience, clarity, and real business impact - this book belongs on your desk.” Ada Borucka, Founder & Managing Partner at iComms/PinPoint, Poland “This fifth edition of Exploring Internal Communication is a timely, essential guide for practitioners navigating today’s complex organisational landscapes. Grounded in robust research combined with practitioner insight, it offers the perfect blend of theory and practical application. From ethical communication and inclusive messaging to strategic planning and AI’s evolving role, the book equips readers with the tools to elevate internal communication from tactical to transformational. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the field, this book is a must-read for anyone serious about making internal communication a strategic force for good.” Simon Cavendish, SCMP® Internal Communications, Change + Engagement Consultant, Chair, IABC EMENA, UK “I’ve long been a champion of professional development for internal communicators and reading this book reinforced why it’s so important for anyone, at any level, working in the profession. This book is packed with data, insight, frameworks and actionable next steps for anyone responsible or accountable for internal communication on their organisation. It’s a must read. If you’re struggling with engagement, knowing the right channel mix, how to build trust through communication and so much more, all the answers are here. Buy the book, read it, highlight it and write down the things you’re going to do as you learn from it. It’s the only handbook you need to build a strategic internal communication function that delivers impact for the organisation.” Jenni Field, Founder and CEO, Redefining Communications, UK “This new edition of Exploring Internal Communication is a must read, not only for those interested in this increasingly vital specialism, but for anyone interested in communication. The lessons from this book about listening, integrity, intent, planning and integration are applicable to all areas of communication. Packed full of new material and a careful blend of solid but accessible research, practical templates and guidance, and examples that bring it all to life, it’s a ‘go to’ book for practitioners and students who want to learn the basics and much, much more. Read it…often.” Anne Gregory, Emeritus Professor, Ph.D, CIPR Hon. Fell., FRSA, FHEA, UK “Internal communicators often juggle last-minute tactical requests while striving to deliver strategic value. As an IC practitioner, I found this book a great blend of theory and practical application. Chapter 13 reinforces the importance of aligning communication strategy with business goals and using audience segmentation. I’ve long used the RADAR model to challenge reactive asks and encourage strategic thinking. Combined with insights on employee expectations of leaders, it helps build strategies grounded in organisational and research insights. It also introduces curated vs. created content and embeds Inclusion and Accessibility from the outset. A valuable addition to your reading list!” Elizabeth Hall, CIPR Inside Co-chair (2025), UK “This book belongs on every communicator’s desk—and should be well-thumbed. Flegg & Ruck offer a research-driven look at internal communications, but what sets this book apart is its clear focus on practical application. As the pandemic thrust internal comms into the spotlight, our ability to adapt has become critical to shaping the future of the profession. Covering timely topics like ESG, ethical communication, and AI, this book is both relevant and actionable. It’s an essential resource for anyone looking to elevate their internal communications practice and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape.” James Harkness, Partner, HarknessKennett, UK “While some issues remain largely the same such as the key engagement value of the line manager versus the formal, more strategic presentational role of the senior leader, it is fascinating to see how societal changes have quite rightly drawn in the emphasis on ethics, diversity and language to support more bespoke and accessible employee communications. This book finds a perfect balance; it is a smooth read and is thoroughly based on impeccable and broad research. As a great admirer of Kevin's impressive library of work, I recommend this essential read which I would have loved in my in-house days.” Virginia Hicks, Chair, Comma Partners, UK “Every profession needs its definitive book — one that is regularly refreshed, rooted in evidence and alive to how the world is changing. Exploring Internal Communication is that book. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to reappraise your approach, Kevin Ruck and Martin Flegg provide the grounding, the guidance and — most importantly — the confidence to elevate your impact. With timely chapters on ethics, AI and strategy, and a renewed focus on listening, leadership and segmentation, this edition couldn’t be more relevant. It will sit — well-thumbed — on the desks of those who care deeply about making organisations more connected, human and effective.” Katie Macaulay, Managing Director of AB and Host of ‘The Internal Comms Podcast’, UK “Listening is one of the most powerful tools in the comms arsenal, and yet it is often overlooked. The authors do not only set out why listening is key to engagement and reputation, but they also share how you can best use listening in your own communications work. If you want to transform how you communicate and engage with any stakeholder group, this book is the one you need.” Alex Malouf, Senior Director, Public Relations & Media, ROSHN, Saudi Arabia “Editions of Exploring Internal Communication always seem to arrive just when the industry needs them most and this is no different. This book is written for this exact moment in our profession. As I turned each page, I saw internal communications as it should be - strategic, ethical, effective, human and insight driven. It speaks to the heart of our work, aligning people with purpose, creating genuine dialogue and building trust that lasts. I cannot wait for you to read it because I know it will spark the same excitement, reflection and renewed commitment it ignited in me when I first discovered the book during the pandemic.” Eduvie Martin, Group Communications and Engagement Manager, BAT, UK “Internal communication veterans and CIPR members Kevin Ruck and Martin Flegg have produced a standout, must-read book for organizational leaders, managers, and internal comms practitioners as well as educators and students. This latest edition offers a stellar set of relevant, strategic applications, models and best practices firmly rooted in current and emerging principles and theories regarding internal communication. Dealing with faltering engagement, communication transparency and feedback issues, lingering pandemic effects, division silos, appropriate use of AI, remote/hybrid or diverse workforce challenges and more? You’ll find sound, practical, ethical, effective answers here.” Nance McCown, Ph.D., Professor of Communication and Public Relations (retired), Messiah University, US “In an era of rapid and profound transformation for organizations and the workforce, the fifth edition of Exploring Internal Communication offers a timely, research-informed, and practice-driven guide. This new edition masterfully addresses the evolving demands of internal communication--from hybrid work, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) responsibilities to ethical practice and AI—while maintaining a clear commitment to evidence-based professionalism. Grounded in both academic insight and decades of practitioner experience, it is an essential resource for anyone committed to elevating internal communication as a strategic management function.” Linjuan Rita Men, Ph.D., APR, Professor & Director of Internal Communication Research, University of Florida, US “Exploring Internal Communication is back and better than ever. Full of fresh insights, new perspectives, and practical guidance, this book is a must-read for internal communication professionals. The chapter on effective and ethical practice is a particularly valuable and important read. You will pick up ideas you’ll want to implement immediately, and it will inspire you to try something new.” Rachel Miller, Founder, All Things IC and author of Internal Communication Strategy, UK “It’s something of an understatement to say a lot has happened since 2020, the year the first edition of this book was published. Geopolitical events that reverberated globally, such as the Covid-19 pandemic and the Black Lives Matter protests, shaped global politics and economies dramatically. The same can be said for the internal communications profession, which rose in prominence as organisations and leaders sought new ways to communicate, and interact with, colleagues working remotely. This edition of Exploring Internal Communication charts the evolution of the internal communication profession, highlighting how internal communicators today need a combination of commercial awareness with a strong theoretical understanding of ethical communication practice to drive performance. Part 1 covers theory and it’s fitting that in the ongoing global political and economic turbulence that culture, purpose, values and strategy and leadership communication feature strongly. Part 2 moves into evidence-based practice, including AI, content creation, and listening before concluding with practical guidance on implementing plans and professionalisation – something authors Kevin Ruck and Martin Flegg are passionate advocates for. Whether you’re an internal communication professional, leader or HR expert, Exploring Internal Communication will deepen your understanding of what strong, and ethical, communication practice looks like, and more importantly, how it can support organisations to grow and boost performance.” Yvonne O’Hara, Group Head of Colleague Communications, NatWest Group, UK “While many books acknowledge the interplay between theory and practice, Exploring Internal Communication stands out as one of the few that genuinely delivers on this promise. In a unique and exemplary manner, the authors skilfully intertwine real-world business challenges with robust theoretical frameworks and research-based evidence. In an era marked by global turbulence, such as the pandemic and increasing polarisation, the significance and complexity of internal communication have become increasingly apparent. This thoroughly revised edition offers both communication professionals and students a well-founded, critically informed resource for addressing enduring and emerging issues in the field.” Charlotte Simonsson, Associate Professor, Dept of Communication, Lund University, Sweden “It’s fantastic to see this essential book now in its fifth edition. Dr Kevin Ruck and Martin Flegg have thoughtfully reflected the rapid changes and challenges of the last five years, with timely new chapters on ESG, ethical internal communication, and AI. They continue to showcase the strategic value of our profession, firmly rooted in theory-to-practice thinking. As internal communication evolves, this book reinforces the critical role we play in driving performance and ensuring organisations remain resilient and sustainable into the future. At IoIC, we champion the highest standards, and this research-led and practice-focused book is an indispensable read for all internal communication professionals.” Jennifer Sproul, Chief Executive, Institute of Internal Communication, UK “Internal communication has rarely faced greater demands than in the past few years, shaped by hybrid work, digital acceleration, and growing expectations around ethics, inclusion, and engagement. Exploring Internal Communication responds to these shifts with a well-structured update that balances theoretical grounding with practical insight. The inclusion of new chapters on AI, ethical communication, and strategic implementation reflects the maturing of the discipline and its increasing relevance for both scholars and practitioners. By drawing on recent research and decades of experience, Ruck and Flegg provide a reliable resource for those looking to understand, improve, and critically examine internal communication in contemporary organisations.” Ana Tkalac Verčič, Full Professor, University of Zagreb, Faculty of Economics and Business, Croatia“Internal communication faces a big paradox - it's never been more needed, yet it increasingly has to defend itself against attack from - among other things - AI and eroding budgets. Exploring Internal Communication equips internal communicators to thrive in this tough environment. Grounded in proven research, experience and practice, it guides the reader from core principles to their practical use in an intelligent, accessible and applicable way. It is a great read for those seeking to build their understanding of effective internal communication and a key resource book for practitioners looking to have real business impact and help organisations be more human and connected.” Dominic Walters, President, Institute of Internal Communication, UK “When exploring internal communications, you will find no better guide than Kevin Ruck; he edits with the diligence of the academic and writes with the elegance of a fluent practitioner.” Marc Wright, Strategist, Digital and AI Transformation, Employee Engagement & Communication Consulting Practice, Gallagher, UK “Dr. Kevin Ruck and Martin Flegg’s latest edition is a timely, essential guide for anyone serious about internal communication as a strategic business function. Drawing on robust theory, rich practitioner insights, and today’s complex realities—from hybrid work to AI and ESG—it powerfully reframes internal comms as a strategic, ethical management discipline. With new chapters and deep emphasis on listening, segmentation, and leadership, this book provides practitioners and students with evidence-based frameworks for building engagement, demonstrating value, and shaping the future of work.” April Yue, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Department of Mass Communication, Advertising & Public Relations, Boston University, US
