The compensation committee's role is to communicate internally and externally with the following groups except for which one?

The compensation committee primarily focuses on overseeing and making recommendations regarding executive compensation, ensuring that those practices align with the company's goals and performance. This includes close communication with various stakeholders to ensure transparency and accountability in compensation practices.

The committee typically interacts directly with the Board of Directors to align compensation structures with the strategic vision of the company. They also communicate with shareholders to inform them about compensation practices, which can affect shareholder perceptions and votes on executive pay. Additionally, the compensation committee engages with executive leadership to understand the operational context and performance metrics that could influence compensation decisions.

In contrast, employees, while an important group within the organization, do not typically have direct communication with the compensation committee. This separation helps maintain a structured approach to high-level compensation discussions, reserving the committee's deliberations for the executive leadership and the board rather than involving the broader employee base. Thus, the committee's formal communication does not extend to rank-and-file employees.