Corporate communication

Corporate communication is a field of communication used by businesses and organizations. It can refer to internal communication among employees and executives or external communication with groups such as shareholders, the media, and the general public. Corporate communication is typically undertaken to share positive messages and information about the organization, and it is closely managed with a consideration of marketing, branding, and public image. It can also take the form of advertising, speeches, events, and publications. Corporate communication is a subset of organizational communication.

Overview

The field of communication studies examines the process of human communication in terms of the creation, mode, delivery, and intent of the communication. As a discipline, it is most closely related to social studies and sociology, rhetoric, and psychology. The subfield of corporate communication involves written and spoken communications, both inside and outside of the organization. Corporate communications are generally targeted, well planned, and intended to send specific messages.

Much of corporate communication falls under the heading of organizational communication. On an organizational level, corporate communication deals with the transmission of information to people operating outside of the company itself. This can take the form of messages to investors and shareholders. Corporate communication often falls under the umbrella of public relations, media relations, or publicity, fields that are often represented by a dedicated group or department within an organization. Internally, corporate communication can include communication between management and employees, often related to business objectives and mission statements, goals, and values.

Corporate communication can take a variety of forms. Often, publications such as magazines, memos, and newsletters are distributed to share information. Email has also remained a common way for organizations to communicate. As the use of digital communication became more widespread in the twenty-first century, some organizations also used alternative means of sending messages, including text messages, blogs, and social networking sites such as Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).

Corporate communication is closely linked to advertising and marketing. An inherent goal of corporate communication is often to craft and maintain the organization’s image to carefully brand the company. To do so, the organization must take its audience into account and determine the best method of delivery to reach that audience. This can include company websites and mailing lists, direct mailings, and even the use of sponsorships and spokespersons. External communication can also relay important information about corporate social responsibility.

A key component of all forms of corporate communication is the consistency of image and brand, all with the goal of maintaining and projecting the organization’s identity. This can be as literal as incorporating logos and catchphrases, or it can simply mean adhering to predetermined qualities and attributes. The overarching goal is to link the company’s perceived and projected identities through carefully monitored communication to best mold the organization’s reputation.

Bibliography

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"What Is Corporate Communications?" Adoni Media, www.adonimedia.com.au/blog/what-is-corporate-communications/. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.

"What Is Corporate Communications?" Wake Forest University, 25 Jan. 2024, sps.wfu.edu/articles/what-is-corporate-communications/. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.