The Strategic Communication Imperative For Mid- and Long-Term Issues Management

This book proposes a model for directly aligning strategic communication with organisational business planning to enable effective management of mid- to long-term organisational issues. It argues that current conceptualisations of strategic communication need to be extended to locate it more precisely within definitions of strategy and as an essential element of mid- and long-term business planning. This approach re-positions strategic issues communication in a professional practice dimension that has a specific focus on issues that do not immediately impact on an organisation’s ability to achieve its day-to-day business goals. Full of contemporary examples from business, and including a thorough explanation of how the model can be applied in professional practice, the book will prove illuminating reading for scholars, students, and professionals alike.

1: Facing up to issues: an introduction; 2: The alchemy of professional communication; 3. The nature of strategic communication 4. Identifying, analysing and managing organisational issues 5. Decision-making and communication strategy 6. Linking strategic communication and theoretical concepts 7. A strategic communication planning model

James Mahoney is Adjunct Professor in Professional Communication in the News and Media Research Centre at the University of Canberra, Australia. He is a life fellow of the Public Relations Institute of Australia. He is the author of Strategic Communication: Campaign Planning and Public Relations Writing.