ABSTRACT: Background: Internal communication constitutes a fundamental organisational element in healthcare institutions, influencing employee satisfaction, teamwork, and the broader communication climate. Given the complexity and hierarchical structure of tertiary healthcare centres, robust communication mechanisms are vital for coordination, patient safety, and organisational stability. This study evaluated employee satisfaction with internal communication at the University Clinical Centre of the Republic of Srpska, with particular attention to vertical and horizontal communication, electronic communication usage, information availability, and the communication climate. Methods: A crosssectional quantitative study was implemented using a structured questionnaire based on a five-point Likert scale. The sample comprised 300 employees representing diverse departments and hierarchical levels. Composite mean scores were computed for each communication dimension. The Agreement Index, employing the top-two box method, was used to determine the proportion of respondents with positive evaluations. Results: The overall composite score for internal communication was M = 3.88, indicating generally positive perceptions among employees. Satisfaction was highest for communication with immediate supervisors (M = 4.12; 82% agreement) and horizontal communication (M = 4.06; 75% agreement). Moderate levels of agreement were observed for information availability (M = 3.81; 55% agreement) and electronic communication usage (M = 3.42; 52% agreement). Communication satisfaction varied between immediate supervisors and higher-level management, demonstrating differences across hierarchical levels. Conclusion: Internal communication within the institution is generally perceived positively; however, variation across specific dimensions suggests opportunities for improvement, particularly regarding information flow and electronic communication management. Targeted organisational interventions may further strengthen the communication climate and institutional cohesion.

 

Keywords: internal communication, healthcare organisations, communication climate, employee satisfaction, vertical communication, horizontal communication, electronic communication