The Role of Organizational Communication in Supporting the Internationalization of Private Universities in Indonesia: A Case Study of a Private Computer University in Bandung

Authors

  • Nadya shaffira Universitas Padjadjaran
  • Funny Mustikasari Elita Universitas Padjadjaran, Jl. Raya Jatinangor, Cikeruh, Kec. Jatinangor, Kabupaten Sumedang, Jawa Barat 45363
  • Feliza Zubair Universitas Padjadjaran, Jl. Raya Jatinangor, Cikeruh, Kec. Jatinangor, Kabupaten Sumedang, Jawa Barat 45363

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21111/ejoc.v10i2.15153

Keywords:

Organizational Communication, Internationalization, Higher Education, World Class University, Private University

Abstract

This study examines the role of organizational communication in supporting the internationalization of a private computer university in Bandung, West Java toward achieving World Class University (WCU) recognition. Using Karl Weick’s theory of organizing particularly sensemaking and enactment the study reveals how communication enables leaders and stakeholders to interpret global standards, coordinate actions, and adapt to changing expectations. Employing a qualitative case study method, data were collected through interviews with university leaders, program heads, faculty, students, and international partners. The findings indicate that communication at a private computer university in Bandung, West Java functions as a dynamic mechanism of sensemaking that aligns leadership vision, cross-unit collaboration, and stakeholder engagement while navigating challenges of regulation, resources, and cultural adaptation. The process also reflects strategic alignment with QS World University Rankings (QS WUR), Webometrics, UniRank, and Scimago Institutions Rankings (SIR) standards. Effective communication thus becomes central to enacting internationalization and shaping institutional identity.

References

Alsawaha, D. A. M., & Al-Alawi, A. I. (2021). A Critical Literature Review of World-Class Universities: Characteristics, Enablers, and Strategies. https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:252786833

Altbach, P. G., & Knight, J. (2007). The internationalization of higher education: Motivations and realities. Journal of Studies in International Education, 11(3–4), 290–305. https://doi.org/10.1177/1028315307303542

Amaral, I., Zamora, R., Del Mar Grandío, M., & Noguera, J. M. (2016). Flows of communication and “influentials” in Twitter: A comparative approach between Portugal and Spain during 2014 European Elections. Observatorio, 10(2), 111–128. https://doi.org/10.15847/obsobs1022016900

Amzat, I. H., Mohd Ali, H., Ibrahim, M. B., Othman, A., Bin Salleh, M. J., & Alade Najimdeen, A. H. (2023). Internationalization of Higher Education, University Quality Service, and International Students’ Loyalty in Malaysia. SAGE Open, 13(4), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440231210498

Avolio, B., & Benzaquen, J. (2024). Internationalization strategies for non-Western higher educational institutions: a systematic literature review and conceptual framework. International Journal of Educational Management, 38(4), 1079–1099. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEM-05-2023-0243

Balahmar, A. R. U. (2025). Readiness and Organizational Communication Climate of Sidoarjo District Government In Implementing Smart Governance. ETTISAL : Journal of Communication, 10(1), 63–81. https://doi.org/10.21111/ejoc.v10i1.11095

Brandenburg, U., & De Wit, H. (2015). The End of Internationalization. International Higher Education, 62. https://doi.org/10.6017/ihe.2011.62.8533

British Council. (2015). Indonesia: the Next Frontier. https://opportunities-insight.britishcouncil.org/short-articles/reports/indonesia-next-frontier

Candra, K. I., Hermawann, Y., Julianto, M., & Jannah, N. R. (n.d.). East and Southeast Asian perspectives on the internationalisation of higher education policies, practices and prospects. Asia Pacific Journal of Education, 1–4. https://doi.org/10.1080/02188791.2025.2473280

Capriotti, P., & Zeler, I. (2023). Analysing effective social media communication in higher education institutions. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 10(1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-023-02187-8

Cornelissen, J. (2011). Corporate Communication: A Guide to Theory and Practice. In Corporate Communication: A Strategic ….

de Wit, H., & Altbach, P. G. (2020). Internationalization in higher education: global trends and recommendations for its future. Policy Reviews in Higher Education, 5(1), 28–46. https://doi.org/10.1080/23322969.2020.1820898

DeLaquil, T., Gelashvili, M., Altbach, P., Blanco, G., Wit, H. de, & Schendel, R. (2021). The future of international higher education and international academic collaboration: Strengthening partnerships for our common goals. 167–186.

Direktorat Jenderal Pendidikan Tinggi, & Kebudayaan, K. P. dan. (2021). Buku Panduan Indikator Kinerja Utama. Kementerian Pendidikan Dan Kebudayaan, 021, 1–73. http://dikti.kemdikbud.go.id/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Buku-Panduan-IKU-2021-28062021.pdf

Eisenberg, E. M., Goodall, H. L., & Trethewey, A. (2010). Organizational communication : balancing creativity and constraint. Bedford/St. Martin’s.

Gede, D. U., & Huluka, A. T. (2023). The impact of strategic alignment on organizational performance: The case of Ethiopian universities. Cogent Business and Management, 10(2). https://doi.org/10.1080/23311975.2023.2247873

Hemsley-Brown, J., & Oplatka, I. (2015). University choice: What do we know, what don’t we know and what do we still need to find out? International Journal of Educational Management, 29(3), 254–274. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEM-10-2013-0150

Hou, J., Montgomery, C., & McDowell, L. (2014). Exploring the diverse motivations of transnational higher education in China: complexities and contradictions. Journal of Education for Teaching, 40(3), 300–318. https://doi.org/10.1080/02607476.2014.903028

Huang, F., Crăciun, D., & de Wit, H. (2022). Internationalization of higher education in a post-pandemic world: Challenges and responses. Higher Education Quarterly, 76(2), 203–212. https://doi.org/10.1111/hequ.12392

Kafrawi, K., Fahrina Yustiasari Liriwati, M. Ilyas, Abdul Syahid, & Mulyadi, M. (2023). Mapping Of Private Higher Education Strategies In Formulating Strengthening Competitiveness With Swot Analysis Approach (Strents, Weakness, Opportunities, Threats). International Journal of Education, Vocational and Social Science, 1(01), 290–302. https://doi.org/10.63922/ijevss.v1i01.90

Kapfudzaruwa, F. (2024). Internationalization of Higher Education and Emerging National Rationales: Comparative Analysis of the Global North and South. Higher Education Policy, 38(3), 493–522. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41307-024-00358-z

Kemenristekdikti. (2023). Petunjuk Teknis: Bantuan Fasilitasi Program Studi Untuk Mendapatkan Akreditasi Internasional.

Keyton, J. (2011). Communication & Organizational Culture: A Key Understanding Work Experiences (2nd Edition (ed.); Vol. 17). SAGE Publications.

Knight, J. (2015a). International Universities: Misunderstandings and Emerging Models? Journal of Studies in International Education, 19(2), 107–121. https://doi.org/10.1177/1028315315572899

Knight, J. (2015b). Updated Definition of Internationalization. International Higher Education, 33, 2–3. https://doi.org/10.6017/ihe.2003.33.7391

Lewis, L. K. (2011). Organizational Change Foundations of Communication Theory.

Lusher, D., Robins, G., Pattison, P. E., & Lomi, A. (2012). “Trust Me”: Differences in expressed and perceived trust relations in an organization. Social Networks, 34(4), 410–424. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socnet.2012.01.004

Marginson, S. (2018). Global trends in higher education financing: The United Kingdom. International Journal of Educational Development, 58(June 2016), 26–36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijedudev.2017.03.008

Marinoni, G., Bartolome, S., & Cardona, P. (2024). Internationalization of Higher Education: Current Trends and Future Scenarios. www.iau-aiu.net

Mok, K. H. (2007). Questing for internationalization of universities in Asia: Critical reflections. Journal of Studies in International Education, 11(3–4), 433–454. https://doi.org/10.1177/1028315306291945

Murdowo, D. D. (2018). In What Ways University in Indonesia as World-Class University Can Produce a Global Competitive Human Capital (Case Study: Telkom University). International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 8(6). https://doi.org/10.30845/ijhss.v8n6a5

Ngo, J., & Meek, L. (2019). Higher Education Governance and Reforms in Indonesia: Are the Matrices of Autonomy Appropriate? Journal of International and Comparative Education, 8(1), 17–26. https://doi.org/10.14425/jice.2019.8.1.17

Omilion-Hodges, L. M., & Ptacek, J. K. (2021). Leader-Member Exchange and Organizational Communication Facilitating a Healthy Work Environment. http://www.palgrave.com/gp/series/16587

Putnam, L. L., & Nicotera, A. M. (2009). Building theories of organization: The constitutive role of communication. Routledge.

Robson, S. (2017). Internationalization at home: internationalizing the university experience of staff and students. Educação, 40(3), 368. https://doi.org/10.15448/1981-2582.2017.3.29012

Salmi, P. G. A. and J. (2011). The Road to Academic Excellence The Making of World-Class Research Universities (1st ed.). The World Bank.

Sanders, K., Nguyen, P. T., Bouckenooghe, D., Rafferty, A., & Schwarz, G. (2020). Unraveling the What and How of Organizational Communication to Employees During COVID-19 Pandemic: Adopting an Attributional Lens. Journal of Applied Behavioral Science, 56(3), 289–293. https://doi.org/10.1177/0021886320937026

Saragi, S., & Simon, J. (2023). HIGHER EDUCATION READINESS TO GO INTERNATIONALIZATION. 198–205.

Satria, A. P., Abadi, T. W., Asy’ari, N. A. S., & Anatanatorn, A. (2025). Organizational Communication Culture in Village Governments and the Quality of Administrative Services in Sidoarjo District of Indonesia. ETTISAL : Journal of Communication, 10(1), 83–106. https://doi.org/10.21111/ejoc.v10i1.13658

Sutrisno, A. (2019). Internationalization of Indonesian Higher Education: Recent Initiatives and their Problems. International Higher Education, 97, 12–13. https://doi.org/10.6017/ihe.2019.97.10941

Tran, L. T., Jung, J., Unangst, L., & Marshall, S. (2023). New developments in internationalisation of higher education. Higher Education Research & Development, 42(5), 1033–1041. https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2023.2216062

Wahyuni, J., & Kamaruddin, I. (2023). The Effectiveness of Organizational Communication in Improving the Quality of Private Universities in Gorontalo. Metafora: Education, Social Sciences and Humanities Journal, 7(02), 2407–1757.

Weick, K. E. (1979). The Social Psychology of Organizing (2nd ed.). McGraw-Hill.

Weick, K. E. (1995). Sensemaking in Organizations. SAGE Publications.

Weick, K. E., Sutcliffe, K. M., & Obstfeld, D. (2005). Organizing and the process of sensemaking. Organization Science, 16(4), 409–421. https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.1050.0133

Yin, R. K. (2018). Case Study Research and Applications: Design and Methods (6th Editio). SAGE Publications Inc.

Zulfa, U. (2016). Transformasi Internasionalisasi Perguruan Tinggi Menuju World Class University. LITERASI (Jurnal Ilmu Pendidikan), 3(1), 111. https://doi.org/10.21927/literasi.2012.3(1).111-124

Published

2025-12-04