Why Communication Dimensions Matter: Change Readiness Under Workplace Stressors In SMEs

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of internal communication satisfaction dimensions in shaping employee readiness for change in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Croatia. Although internal communication is important for employee readiness for change, there is still little empirical evidence showing how the flow of information within organizations relates to that readiness. To address this gap, the study observed internal communication satisfaction through its eight dimensions and tested their associations with readiness for change, while accounting for information overload and work demands as information processing constraints, and perceived quality of change communication as a potential mediator. The resulting model was tested using 32 hypotheses, based on survey data from 454 employees in Croatian SMEs. Direct and moderating effects were examined using regression-based analyses. Mediation effects were evaluated with structural equation modelling. The results showed that three internal communication dimensions were significantly related to employee readiness for change: satisfaction with information about the organization, communication in meetings and communication climate. Other dimensions did not show significant associations. Moderation roles of information overload and work demands were confirmed for several dimensions, while mediating effects were not confirmed. The findings offer theoretical and practical contributions.