Comunicação organizacional: um estudo na Pró-Reitoria de Pesquisa e Pós-Graduação da Universidade Federal da Bahia

Abstract

Introduction: Organizational communication encompasses various communication modalities used by organizations to interact with their stakeholders, enabling information to circulate internally and externally. We are talking about internal communication when we discuss the communication processes that involve the organization and its employees. Understanding and comprehending communication can foster employee engagement, create a positive workplace atmosphere, and foster commitment. When observing communication in public educational institutions, such as universities, beyond the issue of transparency and access to information, it plays a formative role for both the academic community and society. Objective: To analyze the internal communication processes in the Office of the Provost for Research and Graduate Studies at the Federal University of Bahia. Furthermore, we sought to characterize the interaction between actors (sectors) that comprise the administrative unit and identify "communication flows, networks, and barriers" within the organizational structure of the Office of the Provost for Research and Graduate Studies. Methodology: This is an exploratory and descriptive study with a quantitative approach and frequency analysis. Data were collected through a questionnaire administered in an administrative unit of a Federal University in the Northeast region. The questionnaire included open- and closed-ended questions about: characterization and analysis of staff profiles; perception of the communication process; communication channels; and communication barriers or interference. The study participants included 36 technical-administrative staff and four active faculty members from the administrative unit. The collected data were analyzed to analyze the work process, communication between departments, bottlenecks, and potential communication barriers. Results: This research enabled understanding the relevance of internal communication in achieving organizational objectives. The aim was to describe the organizational structure of the PRPPG, demonstrating its structure, and how staff interact with each other. Internal communication between the provost's office and staff occurs primarily through written communication, the website, and email. Regarding communication barriers, the research revealed that they can arise in many ways, and the "lack" of necessary elements can be a way to describe deficiencies or absences for effective communication. For employees (33%), the perception of a lack of something is an obstacle to communication. The word "lack" is related to unclear information, a lack of effective channels, a lack of openness to communication, and other elements necessary for good communication. Conclusion: the importance of raising awareness about the importance of internal communication and the appropriate use of communication tools in an ongoing process is highlighted, understanding their communication needs and preferences, especially ensuring that actions are integrated with the institution's objectives and the specific needs of its audience.