Abstract
Effective internal communication plays a significant part in enhancing organisational alignment and maintaining positive employee communication behaviours. Although employee engagement and internal communication are widely recognised as drivers of organisational success, previous works has scarcely examined how these dynamics manifest in South African corporate work environment, particularly through positive communication behaviours. This study sought to assess internal communication in the South African workplace from the employee lens using a revised Allegiant Communication Behaviour (ACB) model. Employing quantitative descriptive techniques, data were gathered using an online survey of 98 South African working professionals in various industries and organisational levels, using purposive- convenience sampling. The study used validated scales and statistical examinations, along with reliability tests, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, and correlation analysis. The findings validated a four-factor ACB model namely Allegiant Voice, Protective Silence, Allegiant Endurance, and Confidential Loyalty demonstrating internal consistency and cultural resonance in South Africa. The results also revealed direct correlations between Internal Communication, Transformational Leadership, and the ACB factors. This study provides empirical insights to the internal communication literature and offers practical recommendations to improve employee engagement strategies in South African organisations, while also identifying avenues for future research.