What type of communication occurs between a business and external parties?

External communication refers to the exchanges of information that take place between a business and entities outside of it, including customers, suppliers, stakeholders, and the wider community. This type of communication is vital for building relationships, promoting products or services, and maintaining a good public image.

Effective external communication includes marketing messages, press releases, customer service interactions, and any engagement that involves people or organizations that are not part of the business itself. It is essential for the growth and transparency of a business as it helps in disseminating important information and gaining feedback from the market.

In contrast, the other types of communication mentioned focus on interactions that occur within the organization or among its staff members. Internal communication pertains to how information moves among individuals and teams inside the business. Upward communication specifically refers to the flow of information from lower levels of an organization to higher levels, while horizontal communication deals with interactions among peers or colleagues at the same organizational level. Each of these types plays a distinct role in organizational effectiveness, but they don't pertain to interactions with external parties as external communication does.