Christina Grandien and Catrin Johansson
Development and expansion of the communication management function in organizations has recently been discussed in relation to the concept of institutionalization. Empirical…
Abstract
Purpose
Development and expansion of the communication management function in organizations has recently been discussed in relation to the concept of institutionalization. Empirical evidence has illustrated that the role of communication executives and communication managers varies between organizations, and could also be subjected to change within an organization. The purpose of this paper is to conceptualize institutionalization of communication management as a process. It aims to develop a theoretical framework that integrates important factors that influence and regulate this process.
Design/methodology/approach
A literature review resulted in a number of factors potentially influencing the institutionalization process. These factors were attributed to three main theoretical areas and four different levels of analysis, using institutional theory as a guiding framework. The theoretical areas and analysis levels, were proposed to be mutually interdependent, and were compiled in a theoretical framework, illustrated in a model.
Findings
The theoretical framework includes three main areas: organizational structure, social capital, and perceptions of the profession; and four levels of analysis: the societal, the organizational field, the organizational and the individual levels.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to the study of institutionalization of communication management in organizations by providing a theoretical framework, which can be used to further investigate the development of the communication function and the role of communication executives and communication managers in organizations. By conceptualizing institutionalization of communication management as a process, and exploring and defining the important elements that influence and regulate this process, an important theoretical contribution to the field is made.
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Lide Baz, Izaskun Agirre-Aramburu and Garazi Azanza
This paper aims to develop a conceptual framework for comprehending and identifying the dimensions of corporate communication management (CCM) over time. To achieve this…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to develop a conceptual framework for comprehending and identifying the dimensions of corporate communication management (CCM) over time. To achieve this objective, it synthesizes existing research and reviews the literature on the dimensionality of CCM.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a literature search on Web of Science (WoS), a total of 17 articles from 8 referred journals and international conferences published from 2012 to 2022 are systematically reviewed employing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework.
Findings
It has been found that despite the growing interest in CCM, academic literature on CCM is limited. The results highlight that there is a nonuniformity in terminology within the field and that the most repeated dimensions are media relations, dimensions related to strategy, corporate advertising, public relations, investor relations, employee communication, public affairs and internal communication. However, an overview of the findings allows for the proposal of an integrative framework for CCM.
Originality/value
The paper offers a thorough compilation of publications on the dimensionality of CCM and categorizes them based on various attributes. This outcome aims to assist researchers and corporate communication practitioners by elucidating the subject matter through the conceptualization of CCM dimensions. The study underscores the necessity for future research utilizing quantitative or mixed-method approaches to further develop the concepts examined, thereby contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the dimensions and applications of CCM.