OFFSTONE JAN EDITION 2025

37 BRIDGING GAPS, BUILDING TRUST: THE UNTAPPED POWER OF COMMUNICATION AUDITS By: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Khairunneezam Mohd Noor, Dr. Safiyyah Ahmad Sabri, Dr. Kartini Kamaruzzaman & Dr. Norsimaa Mustaffa neezam@usim.edu.my The first author is Khairunneezam Mohd Noor, a Senior Lecturer in Da’wah and Islamic Management Program, Faculty of Leadership and Management. He is also an Associate Fellow at the Islamic Science Institute (ISI), USIM, and an Academic Fellow at the Institute of Fatwa and Halal (IFFAH), USIM. ABSTRACT A communication audit is a critical yet often overlooked practice in organizational management, particularly in Malaysia. It serves as a tool for evaluating the effectiveness of internal and external communication, offering insights into existing challenges and opportunities for improvement. Grounded in Islamic principles of transparency and mutual consultation, communication audits help strengthen relationships between organizations and external stakeholders, ensuring accountability and excellence. Introduction Effective communication is the backbone of organizational success in today’s fast-paced and interconnected world. Despite its importance, many organizations in Malaysia neglect the systematic evaluation of their communication strategies. A communication audit, though underutilized, holds immense potential in assessing the status and effectiveness of internal and external communication within organizations. It provides actionable insights into areas of improvement, ensures alignment with organizational goals, and strengthens stakeholder relationships.