Abstract

By focusing on organizational culture, the research aims to uncover the underlying factors that shape the information environment within Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Conducted in 2022-2023 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the research employs qualitative approach utilizing semi-structured interviews with faculty members. Thematic analysis revealed key insights, related to both informational and relational dimensions of internal communication. Informational dimensions encompass the dissemination of information and updates, while relational dimensions involve the interpersonal aspects of communication, emphasizing the quality of relationships and interactions among employees. Results indicate that informational and relational communication, treated as organizational resources, distinctly influence how employees respond to managerial decisions. Informational communication impacts decision acceptance, while relational communication strongly affects affective commitment, a critical driver of job engagement. This study offers valuable insights into the challenges, impacts, and potential solutions related to Internal Communication (IC) influenced by Organizational Culture (OC), as perceived by faculty members in HEIs in the UAE.

Keywords – internal communication, informational communication, relational communication organizational culture, symmetrical communication.