According to the PMBOK Guide, the Project Communications Management knowledge area consists of three processes. Each has a distinct purpose regarding the flow of information:
* Manage Communications (Executing Phase): This is the process of ensuring timely and appropriate collection, creation, distribution, storage, retrieval, management, monitoring, and ultimate disposition of project information. The primary benefit of this process is that it enables an effective and efficient information flow between the project team and the stakeholders. It involves the activities required for the information to be distributed as planned.
* Monitor Communications (Monitoring and Controlling Phase): This process ensures the information needs of the project and its stakeholders are met. While it tracks the flow, it is a " check " to ensure the plan is working, rather than the primary mechanism for the flow itself.
* Manage Stakeholder Engagement: This process (from the Stakeholder Management knowledge area) focuses on working with stakeholders to meet their expectations and address issues. While it uses communication as a tool, its goal is engagement and relationship management, not the technical management of the information flow.
* Monitor Stakeholder Engagement: This involves monitoring project stakeholder relationships and tailoring strategies for engaging stakeholders.

Per PMI standards, while " Plan Communications Management " identifies what is needed, Manage Communications is the active process that executes the distribution, ensuring the right people get the right information at the right time through the correct channels.