Motivation can have a great impact on the improvement of employees and the
organizational performance. Therefore, it is important to examine which
factors contribute to the employees? motivation. Previous researches in the
field of organizational behavior rarely examined in which way communication
affects employees? motivation. Relying on previous empirical research,
social identity theory and self-categorization theory, a model of the impact
of internal communication on the employees? motivation through their
identification with the organization was formulated. The model assumes that
there is a direct and positive impact of internal communication on
employees? identification with the organization, as well as the direct and
positive impact of internal communication on employees? motivation.
Additionally, it assumes indirect effect of the internal communication on
the employees? motivation through their identification. Communication was
observed through upward and downward communication (information) flows, and
through superiors? communication with the emphasis on listening, which all
reflect the communication climate. Identification was observed through the
identification of the employees with goals, mission and vision, and the
culture of the organization. The level of motivation was measured as the
level in which employees feel more secure, the level in which they feel that
they belong to the organization, and the level of their self-confirmation.
The model was tested on a sample of 144 employees in three different
organizations operating in the territory of Belgrade (Republic of Serbia).
The observed organizations were medium-sized firms that are operating in the
field of banking, trade, and higher education. The data were collected
through on-line survey. The survey was conducted in the last quarter of
2018. The statistical method used was structural equation modeling through
partial squares (PLS-SEM). The results of the conducted research revealed a
positive and statistically significant relationship between internal
communication and the level of employees? identification with the
organization. It was also confirmed that the employees? identification with
the organization directly and positively influences the employees?
motivation. In addition, the results indicate that internal communication
contributes to better employees? motivation, and it was found that one part
of this impact is accomplished directly, while the other part is
accomplished indirectly, through the increase of the employees?
identification with the organization. Based on the results, recommendations
to managers are proposed, as well as the guidelines for future research.