News

Strengths and areas for development in organisational communication

Published: 26 March 2026

The results of the communications survey (KIX), conducted in December 2025, provide a picture of how communication functions within SLU and highlight areas for further development.

In December 2025, an organisation-wide survey of communication maturity was carried out using KIX – a research-based index developed at Mid Sweden University. A total of 813 people responded to the survey, corresponding to a response rate of approximately 30 per cent.

The purpose of the survey was to provide a broad understanding of how communication works across the organisation and to establish a basis for prioritised development initiatives.

“We had, of course, hoped for an even higher response rate, but the responses we received still provide a sufficiently solid basis for drawing conclusions and moving forward,” says Sara Arvidson, Communications Director.

Areas for development and the way forward

The results highlight several strengths, including a high level of communication competence and a strong communication climate, where many respondents experience openness and opportunities for dialogue.

The survey also indicates that the communications function and the organisation of communication are areas with potential for further development, for example by clarifying communication responsibilities and the support available.

Efforts to develop the organisation’s communication maturity are long-term, and the results of the survey will serve as an important basis for the work ahead. Based on the findings, the Communications Division is planning several initiatives during the year.

“In 2026, we will, among other things, clarify the remit of the Division of Communication and the support available. We will also invest in developing training with a focus on communicative leadership, particularly aimed at SLU’s managers,” says Sara Arvidson.

Facts:

The survey was conducted over a two-week period in December 2025, and all managers and employees at SLU were invited to participate.

The Communication Index (KIX) is a tool used to assess levels of maturity and provide recommendations for specific areas in need of improvement and development. The survey tool is based on extensive research in communicative leadership, communicative organisations and strategic communication. Research has established a clear link between communication and organisational performance.

Read more about the survey here

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