Internal Communication at the University of Brasília (UnB): Challenges and Opportunities for Improvement
Public university; Communication; Internal communication.
Communication is a means of expressing needs and emotions, and it stands as one of the greatest challenges in the professional world. Depending on how words are used, the receiver may feel valued or diminished, as language evokes emotions that can be either positive or negative, potentially affecting professional performance (Rosenberg, 2006). In this context, the main objective of this research was to identify the perception of public servants regarding the internal communication channels used at the University of Brasília (UnB). To support the investigation, a literature review was conducted addressing the contemporary context of Brazilian public universities, the relevance of communication as an integration factor within organizations, and internal communication as an essential element for management with a systemic vision focused on achieving institutional goals. The methodology adopted followed a quantitative approach, with a data triangulation strategy. This included the use of secondary data available on the university’s institutional website, as well as the application of an online semi-structured questionnaire, with a sample of 331 respondents comprising technical-administrative staff and faculty members. The results indicated a predominantly positive assessment of the university’s internal communication practices, with no significant levels of disagreement. However, some opportunities for improvement were identified based on the items with lower agreement scores and on communication barriers reported in the open-ended responses. As a result, actions were suggested to systematize the institutional intranet, formalize and clearly disseminate internal processes, expand the use of institutional email as an official communication tool, strengthen the university's portal as a work instrument, and promote an organizational culture grounded in effective communication and information sharing. These findings supported the development of a Technological Product aimed at addressing internal communication gaps.