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Article
Publication date: 4 May 2012

Irene Pollach, Trine S. Johansen, Anne Ellerup Nielsen and Christa Thomsen

This paper aims to shed light on corporate practices regarding the integration of CSR into corporate communication in large European companies.

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to shed light on corporate practices regarding the integration of CSR into corporate communication in large European companies.

Design/methodology/approach

An e‐mail survey was conducted among large European companies in a total of 14 European countries. The questionnaire focuses on the organization of corporate communication activities, the organization of CSR activities, and the cooperation between the two.

Findings

The authors find that CSR is managed most frequently by CSR departments, but also by communication departments to a small extent. Whichever organization is chosen, the communication departments frequently engage in cooperation with the CSR departments. The more frequently the two cooperate, the more likely they are to have formalised their cooperation. The authors also conclude that the communication department is generally aligned to the strategic management of the organization, whereas this is not always the case for the CSR department.

Research limitations/implications

A limitation of the study is clearly the sample size, which could have been larger. However, corporate policies against survey participation pose an obstacle to large‐scale surveys among companies in general.

Originality/value

The question of whether and how companies integrate CSR and communication responsibilities is an under‐researched area. This paper provides empirical evidence of how large companies manage the two functions in their organizations.

Details

Journal of Communication Management, vol. 16 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1363-254X

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Article
Publication date: 9 November 2021

Magnus Kristian Gregersen and Trine Susanne Johansen

The aim is to review and discuss main conceptualizations, themes and assumptions within organizational-level visual identity (VI) in order to identify potential avenues of…

653

Abstract

Purpose

The aim is to review and discuss main conceptualizations, themes and assumptions within organizational-level visual identity (VI) in order to identify potential avenues of theoretical advancement of VI as an independent construct.

Design/methodology/approach

An integrative review approach offers a structured, nuanced perspective on the concept by synthesizing extant literature through an iterative, critical and qualitative process.

Findings

The synthesis identifies three overlapping terms [corporate visual identity (CVI), visual brand identity (VBI) and VI] and two main themes (visual consistency and authenticity). The dominant assumptions underpinning consistency and authenticity are challenged by alternative understandings, which provide a platform for perceiving visual consistency and authenticity in new ways.

Research limitations/implications

The review offers an overview of organizational-level VI that helps define the concept as well as critical reflections which open up for additional research avenues that may develop it and point to potential areas for exploration.

Practical implications

The review provides practitioners with a platform for discussing how to approach visual identities with regards to consistency and authenticity.

Originality/value

The review contributes with a synthesis of VI literature covering 50 years. It offers a structured presentation of and critical discussion on the underlying, dominant assumptions. By challenging these dominant assumptions, a palette of future research opportunities, with potentials to nuance and develop the concept as a unique construct, are presented.

Details

Corporate Communications: An International Journal, vol. 27 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1356-3289

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Article
Publication date: 23 May 2018

Magnus Kristian Gregersen and Trine Susanne Johansen

The purpose of this paper is to conceptually and empirically explore and challenge the dogma of Corporate visual identity (CVI) consistency. The goal is to nuance the current…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to conceptually and empirically explore and challenge the dogma of Corporate visual identity (CVI) consistency. The goal is to nuance the current polarized debate of consistency or no consistency.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research strategy is employed in this paper. Specifically, the empirical work rests on an interview study with strategists from ten different CVI agencies. The interview transcripts are analyzed using template analysis.

Findings

In terms of findings, both empirical and conceptual arguments for and against CVI consistency are presented. Many of these arguments rest on conflicting assumptions of CVI communication, CVI authenticity and CVI management, which all influence the debate of CVI consistency.

Practical implications

CVI practitioners are presented with a more reflective approach to dealing with consistency and hands on examples for inspiration.

Originality/value

This paper offers alternative and more nuanced conceptualizations of CVI consistency. This includes seeing consistency and inconsistency as ends of a spectrum to be balanced rather than mutually exclusive and by differentiating between consistency across platforms and consistency over time – coined CVI continuity. Furthermore, several future research areas that can help to further develop the field of CVI are suggested.

Details

Corporate Communications: An International Journal, vol. 23 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1356-3289

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Article
Publication date: 1 May 2019

Trine Dahl and Kjersti Fløttum

The purpose of this paper is to explore how energy companies discursively construct climate change when integrating it into their overall business strategy.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how energy companies discursively construct climate change when integrating it into their overall business strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

This linguistic study uses a quantitative/qualitative approach to investigate three instances of recent climate disclosure, climate strategy reports, by the energy majors Statoil (now Equinor), Suncor Energy and Total. The qualitative analysis focuses on how keywords and expressions function in their immediate linguistic context. The discussion takes the socio-political and business context of the companies into account.

Findings

The paper finds that the reports discursively construct climate change in different ways. Total presents climate change primarily as a responsibility the company is ready to take on; Suncor Energy presents it primarily as a business risk; and Statoil as a business opportunity. In the material as a whole, however, the risk representation is the most prevalent.

Research limitations/implications

The material is relatively modest; however, the three reports represent the first comprehensive accounts of how energy players fit climate considerations into their overall strategy. The analysis is based on three search terms (responsibility, risk and opportunity). Further studies should include a broader range of words that may be semantically related to each approach.

Practical implications

The study can inform corporate strategy discussions and indicate the rhetorical implications of discourse-related choices in climate disclosure.

Originality/value

The study deals with very recent corporate disclosure involving an emerging discourse, climate strategy reporting. As the reports represent responses to investor engagement, the findings should also be relevant for studies involving stakeholder perceptions.

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Article
Publication date: 5 October 2012

Trine Susanne Johansen and Anne Ellerup Nielsen

The purpose of this paper is to address corporte social responsibility (CSR) as a form of corporate self‐storying that highlights isomorphic processes influencing legitimacy as a…

2843

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address corporte social responsibility (CSR) as a form of corporate self‐storying that highlights isomorphic processes influencing legitimacy as a key organisational concern.

Design/methodology/approach

Having constructed a theoretical framework incorporating CSR and corporate identity literature, the paper draws on a discourse perspective to analyse the legitimation strategies applied by a single organisation storying its CSR involvement. The strategies are subsequently addressed in relation to isomorphic discourses of legitimacy.

Findings

The analysis supports the view that corporate self‐storying of CSR balances between the needs for differentiation and conformity. Organisations thus navigate between the value associated with compliance with societal norms and expectations and the value of promoting organisational uniqueness.

Research limitations/implications

Institutional processes result in isomorphic organisational practices also in relation to legitimacy reflected in the storying of CSR involvement. However, this study implies that isomorphism also offers organisations opportunities to stand out.

Originality/value

The contribution of the paper is twofold. First, it articulates a framework for addressing CSR communication as a form of corporate self‐storying that is embedded in a differentiation/conformity paradox. Second, it explores how an organisation's extended responsibility – i.e. responsibility for supplier practices – is storied in a way that suggests that addressing legitimacy is a question of navigating the paradox.

Details

Corporate Communications: An International Journal, vol. 17 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1356-3289

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Article
Publication date: 10 July 2023

Trine Hove Langdal

The purpose of this study is to explore schoolteachers’ experiences of knowledge sharing as a source of informal learning in the workplace when teaching new education programs on…

284

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore schoolteachers’ experiences of knowledge sharing as a source of informal learning in the workplace when teaching new education programs on financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on interviews with American schoolteachers teaching education programs provided by Junior Achievement USA that aim to equip pupils with practical skills in financial literacy and entrepreneurship to improve their work-readiness in adult life.

Findings

The findings of this study indicate that knowledge sharing is a source of informal learning among the teachers when dealing with the JA programs. This takes place through collaboration in communities of practice. Experienced teachers (who have previously taught the programs) are especially valuable in sharing their insights and helping the teachers prepare their teaching. Such knowledge-sharing practices help the schoolteachers to improve their practices. Having a supportive social culture encourages knowledge sharing between schoolteachers, but more time is needed to prioritize this kind of collaboration between co-workers.

Originality/value

Teaching financial literacy and entrepreneurship through pupil-driven activities can be experienced as different from teaching regular subjects, and teachers in the study seem to benefit from sharing experiences when it comes to preparing or adding to their teaching. The findings suggest that to facilitate knowledge-sharing practices can be helpful to schoolteachers when introducing new topics and pedagogical methods in schools.

Details

Journal of Workplace Learning, vol. 35 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1366-5626

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Article
Publication date: 9 August 2011

Trine Susanne Johansen and Anne Ellerup Nielsen

Societal developments and stakeholder awareness place responsibility and legitimacy high on corporate agendas. Increased awareness heightens focus on stakeholder relations and…

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Abstract

Purpose

Societal developments and stakeholder awareness place responsibility and legitimacy high on corporate agendas. Increased awareness heightens focus on stakeholder relations and dialogue as key aspects in corporate social responsibility (CSR), corporate identity and corporate communication scholarship, but the question remains how can dialogue be initiated and maintained? The purpose of this paper is to establish a framework for conceptualizing dialogue.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a review of CSR, corporate identity, corporate communication and stakeholder literature, a framework is developed taking into account the different stakes held by key stakeholder groups, i.e. consumers, investors, employees, non‐governmental organization and suppliers. Based on the discursive terms of form and script, we argue that different stakes condition different dialogical types.

Findings

The paper argues that the stakeholder orientations of the CSR, corporate identity and corporate communication disciplines can aid in strengthening dialogue. It is thus suggested that dialogue may be strengthened by constructing a framework which links the stakes held by key stakeholder groups to specific dialogue forms and scripts.

Practical implications

The practical implication of articulating stakeholder dialogue as scripted interaction is that organizations seeking to engage stakeholders strategically must understand and respect conventions and expectations.

Originality/value

The paper's contribution is to expand the notion of dialogue within communication research and to provide organizations with a framework for understanding stakeholder involvement in identity relevant issues of responsibility and legitimacy.

Details

Corporate Communications: An International Journal, vol. 16 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1356-3289

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Article
Publication date: 4 November 2014

Trine Susanne Johansen

Situated in scholarship on narrative and antenarrative, the purpose of this paper is to develop central assumptions of an (ante)narrative approach to collective identity research…

692

Abstract

Purpose

Situated in scholarship on narrative and antenarrative, the purpose of this paper is to develop central assumptions of an (ante)narrative approach to collective identity research and to reflexively address the methodological questions such an approach raises for producing and analysing (ante)stories. (Ante)stories include proper stories with chronology and plot as well as antestories which are fragmented and incomplete.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a concrete research project exploring collective identity as narratively constructed in negotiation between organizational insiders and outsiders, emphasis is placed on elements related to the production and analysis of (ante)stories. Challenges of the applied (ante)narrative methodology are addressed focusing on three central questions: where do (ante)stories come from? Whose (ante)stories are told? And whose storied constructions of collective identity are explored?

Findings

The (ante)narrative methodology allows for a broad approach to producing and analysing (ante)stories. Consequently, it provides a rich understanding of the narrative practice of constructing collective identity. However, it also raises questions relating to the role of the researcher in the analytic process.

Research limitations/implications

Implications include the necessity of developing analytic methods that take the fragmented, incoherent and dynamic nature of storytelling into account as well as reflect the researcher as a co-teller. Moreover, it is suggested that there is a need for developing a set of alternative evaluation criteria to accompany such methods.

Originality/value

To present and reflexively discuss (ante)narrative as a research methodology within collective identity research.

Details

Qualitative Research in Organizations and Management: An International Journal, vol. 9 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-5648

Keywords

Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 13 January 2025

Kasper M. Arendt, Bo T. Christensen, Vibeke M. Jensen, Beatrice S. Rangvid and Trine Bille

Teaching models in higher education entrepreneurship programs affect students’ entrepreneurial intentions. Yet evidence related to their effects on long-term venture creation…

227

Abstract

Purpose

Teaching models in higher education entrepreneurship programs affect students’ entrepreneurial intentions. Yet evidence related to their effects on long-term venture creation remains limited. Past research on the effects of teaching models on entrepreneurship has focused narrowly on entrepreneurship education programs. The present study moves beyond this past narrow focus to study teaching model effects on new venture creation across a broad array of higher education programs.

Design/methodology/approach

We assess the effects of teaching models on new venture creation across 35 educational programs (entrepreneurship and other business programs) at a large Danish business school, tracing venture creation data for 5 years after graduation (N = 4,717).

Findings

Competence-based teaching models positively impact graduates’ long-term new venture creation across all programs, with no differences between entrepreneurship vs other types of programs.

Research limitations/implications

These findings carry implications for both education and entrepreneurship research, as well as policymakers and educators, by pointing toward ways of impacting postgraduate business venturing through teaching model reforms extending beyond entrepreneurship education.

Originality/value

For the first time, we find effects of competence teaching models on postgraduation new venture creation across a broad array of business administration programs. The results are novel in documenting that teaching models generally impact venture creation in the long term, and that this occurs regardless of whether the program content centers on entrepreneurship or on other business administration content.

Details

International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, vol. 31 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2554

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Article
Publication date: 3 August 2012

Trine Susanne Johansen and Sophie Esmann Andersen

Integration is a key component within marketing‐ and corporate communication. Benefits include synergetic representations, increased credibility and transparency. However…

4659

Abstract

Purpose

Integration is a key component within marketing‐ and corporate communication. Benefits include synergetic representations, increased credibility and transparency. However, integration may be problematic. With the purpose of re‐conceptualizing integration, this paper aims to discuss how organizational self‐understanding and self‐presentation are challenged by consumer resistance as integrative communication practices prevent organizations from fully engaging in meaningful stakeholder dialogue.

Design/methodology/approach

Framed by a cross‐disciplinary review of integration as a concept, Arla Foods' “ONE” is analyzed by way of a qualitative content analysis as an exemplary case of integrated communication. Subsequently, the case is approached from a critical consumer perspective, drawing on empirical studies of consumer responses to and conversations with Arla Foods.

Findings

An alternative approach to integration is presented replacing the notion of “one voice, one sound, one story” with an emersion of the organization into consumer narratives and market cultures. Integration is re‐conceptualized as moving from an intra‐organizational perspective towards a co‐creative perspective.

Research limitations/implications

There is a need for further re‐conceptualization of integrated communication in order to develop a theoretical framework and definition that articulates a co‐creative view on integration.

Practical implications

Re‐articulating integration based on co‐creation carries different potential consequences for communication management, e.g. listening to consumer voices, self‐reflection and co‐development.

Originality/value

The original contribution lies in re‐conceptualizing integration as moving from an intra‐organizational perspective towards a co‐creative perspective with both practical and research implications.

Details

Corporate Communications: An International Journal, vol. 17 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1356-3289

Keywords

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