Date of Award

5-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Communication Studies

Committee Chair/Advisor

Virginia Harrison

Committee Member

Timothy Sellnow

Committee Member

Andrew Pyle

Abstract

Internal communication is an important area in organizational structure. In the NGO sector, it can be used strategically to navigate resource constraints. The main objective of this study is to highlight the importance of internal communication and its role in navigating resource dependency in NGOs in Ghana. In recent times, NGOs in Ghana have been struggling as funding drops, especially after the stop order by the US government on USAID. Using qualitative data drawn from six participants who work with NGOs in Ghana, the study identified internal communication as a foundational structure to philanthropic partnerships. Through the lens of resource dependence theory (RDT) and internal communication, the research demonstrates how internal communication can make and unmake organizational structures and the crucial role it plays in the effort NGO employees put into resource mobilization. Information from participants revealed that NGOs with a strong internal communication infrastructure are better positioned to mobilize resources and communicate more effectively with external stakeholders. Employees who were interviewed expressed a desire for more information about issues occurring in their organizations, to better equip them when they are outside their organizations. It is therefore important that communication professionals in the NGO sector in Ghana pay particular attention to the internal communication style of their organizations and work to improve information flow so that staff are better informed.

Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0009-0006-1138-999X

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