Communication is key in any organizational environment. Knowing how to express needs and set boundaries in a clear and respectful manner may seem simple, but in practice, it is still a challenge for many teams and leaders. This was precisely the starting point for the study conducted by Alessandra de Fátima Canuto, Master in Organizational Psychology from MUST University, in partnership with Dr.Bruno Stramandinoli Moreno, professor of the institution’s Master’s programs.
Published in MUST Reviews (volume XV), the work proposes a deep reflection on how to improve communication within companies, especially when it comes to expressing needs and setting boundaries—two fundamental aspects for healthy professional relationships and collective productivity.
How the research was conducted
The study followed a mixed qualitative approach, combining a narrative review of the literature with empirical interviews conducted with professionals in leadership positions. Managers from different sectors, such as the food industry, finance, and human development, participated in the research, ensuring a diversity of perspectives and experiences.
The interviews revolved around four main questions:
- What does it mean, in practice, to communicate needs and boundaries effectively?
- What factors most impact this type of communication?
- What are the main challenges faced?
- What can be done to improve this process?
The five major findings
Analysis of the responses revealed five major themes that directly influence communication in organizations:
- References – Each individual’s personal and professional background influences how they communicate and perceive others.
- Culture – The organizational environment, its values, and unspoken rules shape what is allowed or avoided in terms of dialogue.
- Emotions – Fear, insecurity, and fear of judgment are still common barriers that hinder the act of communicating needs and setting boundaries.
- Responsibilities – Clarity about roles and duties within teams facilitates more objective and productive dialogues.
- Results – When communication is healthier, the effects are directly reflected in the results, with more aligned teams and less conflictual environments.
Feel, reflect, understand, and express
One of the main findings of the study was the importance of leaders and teams acting in an integrated manner in four dimensions: Feel, Reflect, Understand, and Express. This means looking at the emotions involved, analyzing contexts, understanding the needs of others, and only then communicating clearly and assertively.
This approach not only strengthens internal relationships but also promotes diversity, respect for differences, and professional autonomy. It is a way of transforming communication into a bridge to healthier, more collaborative, and more efficient environments.
An invitation to practice and continuity
More than just pointing out problems, the study offers paths and proposes a future research agenda that can test and apply the identified strategies in practice. The goal is to foster real changes in organizational dynamics and contribute to more humane and sustainable companies.
The complete study is available in MUST Reviews, volume XV, and can be found in its entirety on pages 7 to 27.
About the authors:
Alessandra de Fátima Canuto: Master’s degree in Organizational Psychology from MUST University, she has a degree in Physical Education and specializations in Group Dynamics, Organizational Constellations, Constellation applied to Coaching, and Commercial Management. She works with a focus on human development and the construction of healthier and more collaborative organizational environments.
Bruno Stramandinoli Moreno: PhD in Human Development and Technologies, he is a psychologist and professor in the Master’s Programs in Organizational Psychology and Administration at MUST University. He works in the training of leaders and professionals with a focus on human development, organizational behavior, and innovation in management.
