Internal Communication Satisfaction as a Driver of Membership Satisfaction and Identification in a Medical Professional Association

Abstract While the importance of internal communication in nonprofit settings is well-recognized, its direct effects on members’ satisfaction and identification have been less explored. This study examines the role of internal communication satisfaction in influencing member satisfaction, professional identification, and organizational identification within professional associations, addressing a gap in nonprofit and organizational communication literature. The data were collected from members of the Medical Chamber in one of the central European countries via an online survey and analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The results indicate that satisfaction with internal communication positively impacts both membership satisfaction and identification with the professional association and the broader profession. Furthermore, professional association identification mediates the relationship between internal communication satisfaction and member satisfaction. These findings highlight the central role of internal communication in strengthening membership value, promoting professional identity, and fostering a deeper connection between members and their professional association.