The Centre for Media and Communication Research at the School of Communication, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), hosted a research seminar titled “Contemporary Internal Communication: Organizational Change, Leadership, and Employee Engagement” on 27 February 2026. The event featured Dr. April Yue, an emerging scholar in the field of internal communication and an Assistant Professor at Boston University’s College of Communication. Held at CVA 1022, the seminar brought together research postgraduate students and faculty members for a thought-provoking exploration of internal communication in today’s evolving workplaces.

The session began with welcome remarks by Professor Vincent Huang from the Department of Interactive Media, who moderated the event and highlighted Dr. Yue’s ongoing collaborative ties with HKBU.

Navigating the Contemporary Workplace Through Internal Communication ​

Dr. Yue began by offering a comprehensive overview of internal communication. Citing industry data that reveals only about 31% of US employees feel engaged at work, she underscored the growing importance of strategic employee communication. She shared insights from her research on how internal communication supports organizations during periods of significant change, such as the integration of artificial intelligence into everyday workflows. Additionally, she discussed the critical role leaders and CEOs play as communicators in shaping workplace trust, fostering employee engagement, and navigating complex social issues.

Dialogue with Scholars and Students

Following the presentation, Professor Huang facilitated a lively dialogue session between Dr. Yue and the attendees. The audience engaged in an in-depth discussion on topics ranging from the disciplinary intersections of internal communication and organizational behavior to the practical challenges of executing communication strategies in diverse, multi-generational workplaces. Dr. Yue also shared valuable personal reflections on the academic publishing process and developing a unique research identity, which resonated deeply with the postgraduate students in attendance.

The seminar offered a valuable platform for intellectual exchange and served as a vivid demonstration of how rigorous communication scholarship can illuminate the pressing challenges facing organizations and employees in a rapidly changing world.

About Dr. April Yue

Dr. Yue is a highly decorated scholar whose research spans internal public relations, leadership communication, and organizational change management. She has published in numerous top-tier journals and recently received the 2024 Karen Russell Award for her highly downloaded research on AI in public relations. She serves as the Chief Research Editor at the Institute for Public Relations’ Organizational Communication Research Center. Furthermore, she holds active roles in the Arthur W. Page Society and serves on several esteemed academic editorial boards, including the Journal of Public Relations Research, Public Relations Review, and Communication Reports.