A comunicação interna sobre segurança no trabalho junto de chefias intermédias no setor industrial

: caso de estudo na wolkswagen autoeuropa

Abstract

In any work environment, occupational safety is essential. In the industrial sector, it becomes even more vital and strategic due to its increased vulnerability to workplace accidents. Safety culture is a type of organizational culture that promotes a safe working environment. This culture is built through the relation between company actions and the thoughts and behaviors of employees. Internal corporate communication has been investigated in various contexts and associated with organizational impacts, such as addressing employees' perception and their cooperation in achieving organizational strategy. The present research aims to determine whether internal communication can serve as a tool to reinforce safety culture in the industrial sector, specifically within Volkswagen Autoeuropa, targeting middle management in the Production area. Following a qualitative methodology, exploratory data were collected through document analysis and interviews with the Human Resources & Organization Department, the Production Department, and the Communication and Governmental Relations Department, followed by primary data collection through interviews with 17 middle managers. The results support the authors who maintain that internal communication about safety plays a role in reinforcing safety culture as it was shown to enhance participants' knowledge, keep the topic present in their minds, and promote attitudes and behaviors aligned with safety principles.

Date of Award	13 Dec 2024
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Nuno Goulart Brandão (Supervisor)