Liaison

Liaison is a term used to describe a person or mechanism that provides a link between individuals, groups, or organizations to facilitate communication, coordination, and cooperation. The word comes from the French liaison, meaning a bond or connection.

In organizations and government, a liaison officer or liaison office serves as the point of contact between parties. Their duties include collecting and relaying information, arranging meetings, coordinating schedules, interpreting policy requirements for different audiences, and helping resolve obstacles. They help ensure that different departments, agencies, or external partners work toward common goals while keeping stakeholders informed.

Liaison work is common in diplomacy, the military, business, healthcare, education, and nonprofit sectors. For example, a multinational company might appoint regional liaisons to bridge corporate headquarters and local operations, while a government agency may deploy liaisons to maintain lines of communication with partner organizations, contractors, or foreign counterparts.

In everyday usage, liaison can also refer to a romantic or sexual relationship, especially one that is secret or confidential. In formal contexts, the term is neutral and describes a channel of communication; in informal language, it can carry implications about personal or clandestine relationships.

Synonyms include intermediary, go-between, conduit, and connector. The essential goal of a liaison is to reduce information gaps, align activities, and improve response times across participating parties.