UF Internal Communication Research Hub

📣📣📣The Internal Communication Research Hub (ICRH)-Europe has two exciting webinars scheduled for the summer to showcase and discuss contemporary research.

The first webinar at 11.00 (UK time) on Tuesday 16 June highlights findings from research with senior leaders in Spain to discover what they expect from internal communication. Research team member, Elisenda Estanyol, will summarise CEO perspectives on visibility, building a more human connection with employees, active listening, common narratives, reaching young employees and remote workers and professionalising digital communication.

Award-winning communications, culture and engagement expert, Bridget Aherne Chart.PR , will then talk about her experiences of working with senior leaders, including the challenges they face and how she has supported them through “soft influence”.

The session includes plenty of time for Q&A and will be recorded.

🆓 It is free to join. Register at: https://lnkd.in/e_Sb4SFv

📖 Five copies of the recently published 5th edition of Exploring Internal Communication will be provided in a random draw of people who register for this webinar.

The second webinar at 12.00 (UK time) on Thursday 16 July is focused on learning from the history of internal communication to understand more about professionalisation.

Professor Michael Heller will summarise some of the key frameworks that he has developed from his extensive research into the history of internal communication in the UK. This includes an evolution from in-house journalism (known as industrial editing) to a more strategic and planned approach to practice.

Internal and Change Communication Specialist, Martin Flegg Chart. PR FCIPR CIIC, will then summarise some key points from his chapter titled “The Internal Communication Role and Professionalisation” in the recently published 5th edition of Exploring Internal Communication (which Martin and I co-authored). This will include what we mean by “professional credibility”.

The session includes plenty of time for Q&A and will be recorded.

🆓 It is free to join. Register at: https://lnkd.in/e94q6aBW

📖 Five copies of Exploring Internal Communication will be provided in a random draw of people who register for this webinar.

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Research shows that workplace norms matter most. When social media use is encouraged and supported, employees are far more likely to promote their organization online.

Ma, X., Lee, Y., & Sewu, R. (2025). Enhancing employees’ social media advocacy through internal stewardship strategies. Public Relations Review, 51(5), 102650. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pubrev.2025.102650

Beyond Tools: A Strategic Matrix for Digital Internal Communication 📊

Digital internal communication is more than platforms and policies. It is a strategic system that aligns people, technology, and organizational goals.

One key insight:
Wuersch et al. (2026) identify eight interdependent elements of digital internal communication, including digital leadership, applied AI, digital culture, and informal apps, working together to support digital transformation.

This research introduces a matrix and maturity roadmap to help organizations intentionally build trust, resilience, and strategic alignment in digitally transformed workplaces.

Wuersch, L., Neher, A., Peter, M. K., Maley, J. F., & Wong, A. (2026). A matrix approach to developing a digital internal communication strategy. International Journal of Business Communication.

We’re excited to celebrate Kevin Ruck on the release of the 5th edition of Exploring Internal Communication. As an Operating Committee member and ICRH Europe leader, Kevin continues to advance the field by bridging research and practice, a mission closely aligned with the Internal Communication Research Hub (ICRH).

The book is now available from the publisher for immediate delivery. https://lnkd.in/ds2yyF6G

Chapter one is also available to read in full by clicking ‘Preview book’ on the Routledge webpage: https://lnkd.in/ds2yyF6G

Congratulations, Kevin, on this important contribution to the profession. We’re proud to share your work and look forward to the continued impact this resource will have on advancing internal communication globally.

Internal communication is rapidly emerging as a core focus in public relations research. 📊

Yue et al. (2025) used computational methods to map the past, present, and future of internal communication scholarship, identifying key themes, intellectual roots, and gaps for future research.

Yue, C. A., Zhou, A., Page, T. G., Morehouse, J., Capizzo, L. W., & Toth, E. L. (2025). The past, present, and future of internal communication in public relations: A computational review of the emerging literature. Journal of Public Relations Research, 37(1–2), 4–

This month’s Dialogue explored leading across levels, from how clarity builds connection in remote work to why autonomy still needs support, and how AI and automation are reshaping trust and internal communication along the way. ✨

Employees are more likely to support corporate social advocacy when communication starts inside the organization. 💬

Kim and Meganck (2025) found that dialogic internal communication—open, transparent, and collaborative communication between organizations and employees—is the strongest driver of employee advocacy, trust, and positive megaphoning. The study highlights that before organizations speak publicly about social issues, they must first build internal alignment through meaningful dialogue with employees.

Kim, Y., & Meganck, S. (2025). Fostering employee support for corporate social advocacy (CSA) through dialogic internal communication and transformational leadership. Journal of Public Relations Research, 37(1–2), 189–208. https://doi.org/10.1080/1062726X.2024.2373250

Meet Alejandro Formanchuk, one of our ICRH Thought Leaders! We’re grateful to have him as part of our network and thankful for the perspectives and expertise he brings to the field of internal communication. Thank you, Alejandro, for being part of ICRH and contributing to the conversations shaping the future of our profession.