The concept describes individuals or departments within an organization who are the recipients of goods, services, or information from another individual or department within the same organization. Instead of focusing solely on external clients, this perspective recognizes that employees rely on each other to perform their duties effectively. For instance, the marketing department serves the sales department by providing qualified leads, thereby functioning in this capacity.
Acknowledging this dynamic fosters a culture of collaboration and service excellence. Improved communication, streamlined processes, and increased efficiency often result from recognizing these internal relationships. Historically, businesses primarily focused on external customers; however, the acknowledgement of internal relationships as a vital factor in overall success has gained prominence in modern management practices.