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1 – 6 of 6Anne Kankaanranta and Leena Louhiala-Salminen
This chapter argues that in today’s complex, globalised and technologised world, business and communication cannot remain in their separate silos – neither in academia nor in…
Abstract
This chapter argues that in today’s complex, globalised and technologised world, business and communication cannot remain in their separate silos – neither in academia nor in practice. The chapter approaches the topic with the help of a case and discusses how communication studies have invaded the fortress of the Aalto University School of Business, Finland. The development of an international Master’s Programme in Corporate Communication was informed by three major research projects in particular, which focused on internal communication practices of multinational companies and the perceptions of communication professionals on the knowledge and skills required of future communicators. Although Corporate Communication studies have been accommodated by the business school fortress for over 10 years, the time has not been without multidisciplinary challenges.
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Säde Rytkönen and Leena Louhiala-Salminen
The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of knowledge transfer in the communication of environment, social, governance (ESG) factors between companies and institutional…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of knowledge transfer in the communication of environment, social, governance (ESG) factors between companies and institutional investors, when they attempt to reach a full appreciation and mutual understanding.
Design/methodology/approach
Empirical data were gathered through in-depth semi-structured interviews with six European institutional investors. Archival material was used to triangulate the findings.
Findings
Based on the interviews it was evident that ESG is only one consideration in the investment process and that there are several approaches toward integrating ESG. Furthermore, the investors viewed ESG within a financial framework suggesting that this financial framework is part of their vocational cultural professional mental models. Finally, the results indicate that investors attempt to reach a mutual understanding of ESG by carrying out an active dialogue with target companies.
Practical implications
The study indicates that companies should discuss/approach? ESG issues from a financial perspective. The findings also suggest that companies should emphasize the role of dialogue when communicating with investors in order to develop a mutual understanding of the company's ESG performance. Finally, by proactively discussing ESG with investors, companies will not only play a role in developing the knowledge base of capital markets regarding ESG, but this will also offer an opportunity for companies to explicate their own communication agenda.
Originality/value
The paper develops a framework for communicating ESG between companies and institutional investors. The framework depicts the diverging mental models of the two parties.
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Guro R. Sanden and Anne Kankaanranta
The purpose of this paper is to examine the implications of corporate language policies that are implemented without formal decision-making processes.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the implications of corporate language policies that are implemented without formal decision-making processes.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative case study based on three Scandinavian multinational corporations which use English as a common corporate language without formal language policy decisions.
Findings
Non-formalised language policies are found to be clearly distinct from formalised language policies in terms of language policy format, language policy focus, language policy formation, language planning agency and management style. Non-formalised language policies can represent a type of informal control, but the absence of a policy document leaves employees without a common reference point which may cause confusion and inter-collegial conflict.
Originality/value
The study offers a nuanced perspective on the role of language policies in corporate communication by demonstrating that language policies may come in a variety of different forms, also as implicit assumptions about language use. Findings reveal benefits and drawbacks of the different language policy approaches.
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