bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of climate change on traditional seasonal ranges for high street women's wear in England
Authors: Travers Julie , Payne Veronica G.
Published: January 2008

According to the investigative research of the forecasters at the British Weather Services, the climate in England has changed over the last decade. Hot, dry summers and wearm, wet winters have smudged the distinction between seasons. As a result of the unpredictable climatic extremes of recent years, combined with such other factors as the recession, Sunday trading and lifestyle changes, a re‐evaluation of consumer buying patterns is required. Owing to the factors outlined above, there is a need for a new approach towards women's wear in England on the part of retailers and manufacturers. Their vision is required to realise the need for versatility in adopting core colours and transseasonal fabrics into collections, allowing for a continuum offering and thus, a breaking down of divisions between the four seasons. This report offers an insight into the fluctuating climate in England throughout recent years, outlining the weather sensitivity of the clothing industry. It analyses the influence of the unseasonal developments on consumer buying behaviour through the use of a regional questionnaire. It is appreciated, however, that the relationship does not exist in isolation and therefore other factors in the equation are acknowledged. The extent to which retailers are adapting their buying strategies in response to changing market demands is investigated, while methods of incorporating retail demand for transitional collections into manufacturing strategies are examined. In conclusion, research findings are reviewed and recommendations are provided for those in the clothing industry concerned with satisfying the changing demands of the women's wear market on the high streets of England.
Marketing ethnic apparel: Single or multiple consumer segments?
Authors: Littrell Mary A. , Paff Ogle Jennifer L , Kim Soyoung
Published: January 2008

This research was designed to generate inductively distinguishable clusters of ethnic apparel consumers; theoretical propositions describing these clusters were intended as a comparative benchmark for further research as a guidance for marketing of ethnic apparel to definable consumer segments. Data were collected from a nationwide mail survey (n = 348) of ethnic apparel consumers. Clothing benefits, attitudes toward alternative trading organisations, beliefs about world issues, personal values, patronage commitment, and demographic characteristics were measured. Consumer clusters were formed and analysed through principal component, cluster, MANOVA, ANOVA and chi square analysis. Two distinguishable clusters emerged with salient differences relative to creativity and individuality, culture‐specific versus pancultural focus, body size and camouflage, interest in fashion, hedonic experience and design complexity. Recommendations for further research and for marketing to multiple consumer segments were offered.
The demand for accessories, footwear and hosiery: An economic analysis
Authors: Norum Pamela
Published: January 2008

The accessories, footwear and hosiery industries have always been important complements to the apparel industry. While the demand for apparel has been studied fairly extensively, the demand for accessory items has been overlooked. To gain a better understanding of the demand for accessories, footwear, and hosiery, it is the purpose of this research to estimate expenditure equations for accessories, footwear and hosiery; and to profile the consumer characteristics of the purchasers and non‐purchasers of these items. An economic model of demand provides the theoretical framework. Expenditure equations are estimated using data from the 1990–91 Consumer Expenditure Survey. The results indicate that income, family size and education positively affect expenditures on accessories, footwear and hosiery while the results for age, occupation and region vary among the categories. The results have implications for producers and marketers of accessories, footwear and hosiery.
The role of electronic data interchange in Quick Response
Authors: Riddle Emma Jane , Bradbard David A. , Boyd Thomas Jane , Kincade Doris H.
Published: January 2008

In response to international competition and pressure from retailers, US apparel manufacturers and their suppliers initiated the Quick Response (QR) program. QR seeks to provide retailers with the exact stock‐keeping units (SKUs) which consumers demand and to deliver these SKUs quickly. An effective QR program requires rapid transmission of data throughout the value chain, from the retailer back to apparel manufacturers, fabric producers and fibre manufacturers. Therefore, electronic data interchange (EDI) is a key component of QR and should be tightly linked with other information systems at each level of the value chain. This research is an empirical study of the degree to which EDI has been implemented by US apparel manufacturers and the extent to which EDI is integrated with other information systems. It was found that apparel manufacturers use EDI to establish tight linkages with their customers, the retailers. Manufacturers are less likely to increase their own efficiencies by linking EDI with internal information systems or by establishing EDI linkages with suppliers. The lack of supplier linkages may reduce manufacturers' ability to replenish retail inventories quickly, which is the primary objective of QR.
A value‐added approach to investigate the performance of Hong Kong's clothing manufacturing industry
Authors: Leung Chun‐sun , Ka‐po Wong Janet
Published: January 2008

This paper examines the performance in value‐added terms of the local clothing manufacturing industry. A longitudinal study was carried out by means of analysing industry production data over a period of ten years. Results seemed not to support the proposition that the industry had shifted to focus on higher value‐added production so as to improve its productivity. On the contrary, there was a strong indication that a gradual decay of productivity in value‐added terms had occurred. The paper concluded with suggesting a few probable reasons for the apparent reduction in value‐added productivity of the industry and recommendations for further research in related areas.
MFA in transition: Manufacturers' marketing approaches and their perceptions of the future prospects of the Hong Kong clothing industry
Authors: Moon Ka‐leung , Leung Chung‐sun , Chang Man‐tsun , Yeung Kwok‐wing
Published: January 2008

Hong Kong's prominent position in international textiles and the clothing trade will continue to shift under the transition of the Multifibre Arrangement (MFA). To provide a better understanding of the relationships between the local clothing manufacturers' generic marketing strategies and their deployment for future challenges, some 33 industrialists were interviewed. The results reveal no difference between the marketing‐oriented firms and the less marketing‐oriented firms in relation to the adoption of strategic actions in response to the abolition of the MFA. The results also indicate that firms, irrespective of their marketing approaches, shared similar views regarding the perceptions of the impact of the MFA upon Hong Kong industry and the overall future prospects of the Hong Kong clothing industry. Nevertheless, an interesting finding was that there might be a relationship between a firm's marketing approaches and its attitude to experimenting with strategies under different business environments. Less marketing‐oriented firms are found to be less proactive towards future uncertainties than the more marketing‐oriented firms.
Editorial: The UK Clothing Industry and the Eurozone
Authors: Jones Richard
Published: January 2008

The EU is extremely important to the UK clothing industry in that (based on 1996 data) some 70 per cent of direct exports of clothing from the UK went to the EU. This compares with a figure of 57 per cent for all UK trade and 56 per cent for all UK‐manufactured exports (Tables 1 and 2). In relation to the 11 members of the Eurozone some 62 per cent for all UK clothing exports were destined (in 1996) for that region (Table 3). The Eurozone has a population of 290 millions with a total GDP of $6,000bn and a per capita GDP of $20,000 based on 1997 figures published by Eurostat (Table 4). Therefore the issue of whether or not the UK joins the Eurozone by signing up to economic and monetary union could be of particular interest to the clothing sector over and above the general issues that membership of EMU would pose for all businesses. If the Euro is weak in relation to the pound while the UK is outside the Eurozone then UK exports to that zone will become more expensive and, other things being equal, UK sales into the zone will fall. On these grounds and from the very narrow perspective of selling garments by direct export from the UK being inside the Eurozone does, therefore, appear to be a desirable option in that it cannot make a lot economic sense to be outside your major market.
Older females as a market segment for well‐fitting clothing
Authors: Horne Lena , Campbell Lorna , Scholz Carolyn
Published: January 2008

This paper uses the criteria for defining market segments by George Day to analyse older females as a market segment for well‐fitting clothing. This market can be identified by the physical characteristics of older females and their chronic dissatisfaction with ready‐to‐wear. The growing proportions of older consumers and their life expectancy render this market substantial and durable. Retail trade statistics and family expenditure surveys can be used to measure the market segment. Research pertaining to older females' behaviour towards clothing is limited; therefore, the distinctiveness of older females as a market segment for clothing is far from conclusive. Research implications include clothing expenditures and the behavioural dimension of older consumers.
Practitioner papers
Authors: Birtwistle Grete , Clarke Ian , Freathy Paul
Published: January 2008

The key purpose of this paper is to examine the principal dimensions involved in store‐choice decisions and to discuss the trade‐off consumers make in their judgments between salient variables. The process of conjoint analysis is considered, in the first section of the paper, as a means to understanding the behavioural dimensions of customer segmentation. The second section explores this link, with reference to recent research undertaken with a multiple menswear fashion retailer. Respondents were interviewed to elicit their preferred ‘bundle’ of store‐choice attributes, which they felt influenced them in their choice of where to shop. In the third section of the paper, an attempt is made to evaluate the trade‐offs involved in the choice process.
News and Views
Authors: Lea‐Greenwood Gaynor , Bruce Margaret , Parkinson‐Hill Jade , Alexander Bethan
Published: January 2008

Sportswear within the clothing market has shown the strongest growth in the 1990s (Mintel 1998a), despite slow growth in the ‘general’ clothing sector.
Conference Reports
Authors: Lea‐Greenwood Gaynor , Murphy Ruth , Bruce Margaret
Published: January 2008

The second annual conference of the Research Alliance of Fashion and Textiles (RAFT), hosted by the Department of Clothing Design and Technology of Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU), took place in Manchester in June.
Marketing to UK retailers: Understanding the nature of UK retail buying of textiles and clothing
Authors: Vinhas da Silva Rui , Davies Gary , Naudé Pete
Published: January 2008

This paper examines the likely influences on the sourcing of textiles by UK retail buyers. It reports the results of secondary data analyses on the retail market and primary data from personal interviews with 102 textile buyers. The main influence on the British market from changes in international agreements will be a greater opportunity to source from low‐cost markets. This could negatively affect traditional sources such as Italy and Portugal. The structure of the UK market is analysed to provide a basis for the selection of interviewees. Buyers who were interviewed tended to fall into two groups, younger but well qualified and older, less well qualified but more experienced. The younger group included more females. They tended to refer important decisions to others, although this correlated more with experience than with gender. Conclusions are drawn on the implications of the study for textile marketers, particularly those from other EU countries. By enhancing their understanding of the structure of the UK retail sector, suppliers are able to devise strategies that take into account the specific nature of distribution of textiles and clothing in the UK, and consequently increase their ability to compete in this changing market.
Practitioner Paper
Authors: Moore Christopher M. , Fernie John
Published: January 2008

This paper examines the growth strategies adopted by fashion design houses which have undergone significant transformation in the past decade from being privately owned, niche market companies to stock‐market‐listed businesses selling fashion and other lifestyle products to a lucrative and international middle retailing market. In order to illustrate this transition, the paper will focus upon the entry of American fashion design houses into central London. The expansion activities of these firms are identified and the resultant impact of their strategies upon central London fashion retailing is considered, providing invaluable insights to the impact of fashion retailer internationalisation and strategic growth at the micro environmental level.
Examination of emotional response to apparel brand advertisements
Authors: Kim Hye‐Shin
Published: January 2008

This study examines whether a unique set of emotions may be generated by advertisements for apparel products and brands for a young female target audience. Also studied were the effects of emotions on evaluative perceptions of apparel brand advertisements (ad attitude). Test advertisements consisted of 90 advertisements representing 56 different brands. Using an aggregate‐level communication model, all analysis in the study was performed across advertisements, not across people, as sampling units of interest. Findings show a unique set of three emotional dimensions generated by the apparel brand advertisements. Two emotional dimensions, pleasure/activation (eg activation, bored, desired, social affection) and hypoactivation (drowsy, restful, soothed), had a positive influence on ad attitude. The third dimension, domination (anger, fear, irritation, tension), did not have a significant effect on ad attitude, having neither good nor bad effect on evaluations of advertisements.
Development of a conceptual framework of the role of sizing in marketing strategy within clothing firms: Indications from in‐depth interviews with manufacturers
Authors: Otieno Rose
Published: January 2008

The aim of this research was to develop a conceptual framework of the role of garment sizing in the marketing strategy of clothing manufacturing firms in Kenya. From the review of literature, salient components of marketing principles and practices that had been analysed by preceding authors provided the theoretical basis for this qualitative study. The procedures for the in‐depth interviews with 13 clothing manufacturers and ten retailers are explained. Based on grounded theory techniques, the data from the interviews were analysed, resulting in a conceptual framework for determining marketing strategy in this clothing market. Results showed that these firms are still market production oriented, and may face severe competition from inward‐bound competitors who are marketing oriented. This exploratory study contextualised the role of size charts in the marketing strategy of clothing firms.
Quality in international clothing supply chains: UK companies' perspectives
Authors: Popp A.D. , Ruckman J.E. , Rowe H.D.
Published: January 2008

Examining quality control in the context of international supply chains, the paper argues that, in general, there is a need for more empirical work in the field of supply‐chain studies. Empirical data are presented, derived from multiple case studies conducted via in‐depth questionnaires; potential analytical frameworks are also introduced. In particular, the relationship between quality control and the configuration of supply chains is explored in terms of imperatives, preferences and wider processes of restructuring. This approach allows for the identification of tensions between cost and quality imperatives that impact on supply‐chain configuration.
STATEMENTS OF CONCERN
Authors: Bjørn‐Andersen Niels
Published: January 2008

The office as we know it is gradually being changed as more electronic applications are introduced. To a large extent, information technology based on micro‐electronics is used today to carry out specific tasks in more efficient ways while largely disregarding or failing to cope with the overall effectivenes of an organization. Short‐term tactical productivity gains take priority over long‐term strategic development. Rationalistic and reductionistic procedures take priority over emotional, creative, judgement‐centered activities. Quantitative evaluation takes precedence over qualitative. Employee initiative is expropriated by the technology, leaving the operator little discretion in his or her task and a limited need for training and education to operate the devices.
OFFICE AUTOMATION: A PROGRESS REPORT
Authors: Dean Meyer N.
Published: January 2008

Many articles in this first issue deal primarily with people issues and a knowledge of the technology is assumed. Meyer's article takes the reader on a quick tour of office information tools. As a foundation for discussion, it defines the scope, history, and current status of office automation. The office technology of today rests on a basis laid over decades by a number of management disciplines. Although there is a plenty of proof that office automation can quantitatively increase office output, it is the combination of qualitative and quantitative improvements that distinguishes today's office automation. The means to achieving this balance is a good office automation manager, able to coordinate various technologies and equally able to manage the people issues.
RACE AGAINST TIME: AUTOMATION OF THE OFFICE
Authors: Gregory J. , Nussbaum K.
Published: January 2008

Office automation as it is being introduced today aims “to automate office procedures”, as I.B.M. points out, not “merely to mechanize tasks”. It refers to the use of computer technology to process and transmit information, combining word and data processing. Automation also involves linking together today's many modern devices into “integrated office systems”. Because new technology is being developed to computerize the veryflow of workin the office, its potential impact is qualitatively different from previous office equipment which “mechanized” or “automated” routine tasks.
THE INVASION OF THE MIND: A WORST POSSIBLE SCENARIO FOR THE OFFICE OF THE FUTURE
Authors: Mitroff Ian I.
Published: January 2008

The very first issue of this journal struck an important and vibrant chord. It contained a series of “statements of concern” by a number of the members of the editorial board. Many, if not nearly all, of the statements expressed concern with the impacts and potential ill effects of technology on people. Among the concerns expressed were: (1) there was worry that the field of office automation was or would be dominated by technologists and vendors with a limited point of view to push; (2) there was worry that current designers are generally insensitive to broader human needs; (3) there was concern that current conceptions of office design and technology embody a naive and simplistic view of the user, and that they contribute to an inflexible and mechanistic concept of work; (4) considerable concern was also expressed that current thinking contributes, whether unconsciously or not, to a further invasion of personal privacy; in general, current conceptions pose a threat to personal freedoms; and finally (5) concern was expressed that we need more systematic and sustained study of a topic that has heretofore just barely risen above the plane of consciousness, i.e., the psychoses of system design; for instance, what drives the designers of large scale computer systems to produce systems such that they are user unfriendly and even user threatening; and strangely enough, why do the users of such systems buy into the psychoses of their designers?
COMMENTS ON “THE INVASION OF THE MIND” BY I.I. MITROFF
Authors: Strassmann Paul A.
Published: January 2008

The central statement of Mitroff's article is that “… a Faustian bargain is indeed involved in obtaining the positive benefits of office technology.” Mitroff says that “… the Faustian tradoff may be far deeper and onerous than has been envisioned so far.”
REPLY TO COMMENTS ON “THE INVASION OF THE MIND”
Authors: Mitroff Ian I.
Published: January 2008

Having been trained in both engineering and philosophy, I am extremely sensitive to the use of words. I choose words as a result very carefully. One of the key words in my article was clearly “speculation.” No one was more aware than I that I was offering a bold speculation. Given this recognition, I was well aware of the “evidential support base” of my speculation.
SOCIOTECHNICAL CHANGE AND PERCEIVED WORK SITUATIONS: SOME CONCEPTUAL PROPOSITIONS AND AN EMPIRICAL INVESTIGATION IN DIFFERENT OFFICE SETTINGS
Authors: Sydow Joerg
Published: January 2008

Increasingly office work is subject to sociotechnical change. The layout and the results of an empirical study are presented; this study is particularly concerned with the micro perspective on the interrelationship of new office technology and perceived work situations. Some implications of the study are outlined.
EVOLVING ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION NETWORKS: AN EMPIRICAL ASSESSMENT
Authors: Eveland J.D. , Bikson T.K.
Published: January 2008

Understanding electronic communication and the patterns that characterize its development are critical to realizing full benefits from computer‐supported work. Cooperative work depends on effective communication and on the ability of organizations to manage the technology of communication appropriately. Organizations that do not understand the political and social dimensions of their communications system will inevitably fail to achieve their purposes.
COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION: FACILITATING COOPERATIVE WORK THROUGH COMMUNICATION
Authors: Goodman George O. , Abel Mark J.
Published: January 2008

The System Concepts Laboratory (SCL) of Xerox PARC is in the second year of a research program investigating the support and enhancement of collaboration. To begin, we explain our research goals and operationally define “collaboration” as we have chosen to study it. Then, we describe the environment in which the research takes place, including the two‐site, distributed organization of SCL. In our first year, we have had many experiences that are relevant to understanding collaboration and we present a few of them and discuss how they are affecting the course of our future research. Also, we present a brief discussion of some hypotheses arising from our work so far, in hope of stimulating thought and work in the research of cooperative work.
AN ERGONOMIC EVALUATION OF TRADITIONAL AND AUTOMATED OFFICE ENVIRONMENTS
Authors: Czaja Sara J. , Cary James M. , Drury Colin G. , Cohen Barbara G.
Published: January 2008

The increased number of people working in offices and the steady influx of computer technology has generated concern for the health and quality of work life of office workers. A number of studies have indicated that occupational stress, both physical and psychological, is becoming a problem in office workplaces. This study evaluated ergonomic aspects of traditional (bullpen) and automated (systems) offices to provide information regarding the suitability of various office configurations. A total of 105 female office workers representing the public and private sectors participated in the study. The evaluation methodology, which included both questionnaire, interview and objective measurements, encompassed the following components of office environments: environmental conditions (e.g. lighting), workstation factors, job characteristics/demands and organizational demands. Overall, the results indicated that ergonomic problems exist in both public and private sector offices. The findings demonstrate that the design of the office environment is important as it impacts on the health and quality of work life of office workers.
Managing the change to an automated office: lessons from five case studies
Authors: Rousseau Denise M.
Published: January 2008

Office automation has arrived. Traditional office functions such as dispersal of mail and typing have become electronic mail and word processing. Automation of these functions is typically undertaken to reduce labor costs and to improve quality in communication and text preparation. Not only have traditional office functions been computerized, but automation is creating new tasks for the office; for example, strategic human resource planning via human resource information systems and materials requirement planning for just‐in‐time inventory systems. Office technology has changed, and with it, office functions.
Designing a centralized admissions system in a loosely‐coupled organization: an episode in screen design
Authors: Newman Michael
Published: January 2008

This article describes an episode at a large U.S. state university in which a computer‐based student admissions system was being developed and implemented. A verbatim extract from an interview with the project leader is presented and this is analyzed using exegetical guidelines. The systems personnel were attempting to introduce the admissions system by linking several previously autonomous admissions units across the university. The paper describes how the undergraduate unit, the first to be computerized, resisted the original, multi‐screen design, favoring instead a single screen solution. It traces in some detail the various encounters between the systems staff and users and shows how the episode was resolved. The paper illustrates how resistance to systems can arise in practice. It also demonstrates the inherent difficulty in introducing integrated information systems across loosely‐coupled administrative units.
FROM PAPER DOSSIERS TO ELECTRONIC DOSSIERS: GAPS IN THE PRIVACY ACT OF 1974
Authors: Regan Priscilla M.
Published: January 2008

This article examines the technological changes that have occurred in information processing since the passage of the Privacy Act in 1974 and concludes that new computer and telecommunications applications have undermined the goal of the Act that individuals be able to control information about themselves.
COMPUTER SECURITY AND CRIME: IMPLICATIONS FOR POLICY AND ACTION
Authors: Dray Jim
Published: January 2008

Computer users face fundamentally new levels of risks in information security because of increased use of networks, increased computer literacy, an explosion in microcomputer use and decentralized data processing capabilities, and increased dependency on information technology overall. Realizing this fact is considerably easier than taking action to ease these risks, for computer security is fraught with hidden problems and contradictions. For example, while teenaged hackers have brought computer security and crime to the attention of policymakers and the public, most systems can be protected from hackers rather easily. The abuse of computer systems by those authorized to use them, as well as such mundane issues as protection from operator errors and natural or man‐made disasters, are more difficult problems. The Federal Government's experience in this area provides a number of lessons that are applicable to the private sector as well.
Making the grapevine bear fruit — developing communication competence
Authors: Hart Graham
Published: January 2008

The big challenge for communication management is to encourage and enable line managers to improve the quality of their day‐to‐day communication. Communication is a core management competence. In the flat, devolved, team‐based organisation structures, which are fast becoming the norm, good mangement is synonymous with good communication. The role of central communication departments such as Corporate Communication or Internal Communication has to expand to meet this challenge. Traditionally, communication has focused on the production, packaging, targeting and distribution of messages — using skills which are borrowed from journalism and marketing. This skill set needs to be extended so that the centre can facilitate and support the communication of local line managers. As a first step, the centre must make managers around the organisation accept their responsibility for communicating with their staff. Developing an open and communicative style often requires a major shift of behviour for mamnagers. Organisations try to encourage this shift by broadcasting ‘open communication’ as one of their values. Including communication as a key performance indicator in the appraisal process increases managers' accountability for their daily communication with staff. Performance evaluation can be designed to make managers accept that they need to improve their communication. These are new areas for communication managers. What is clear is that unless they find effective ways to address the real issue of line managers' communication, they will miss a huge opportunity and find themselves increasingly relegated to the management side lines.
Tomorrow's company is the company you keep
Authors: Worcester Robert M.
Published: January 2008

This paper describes a business model — the MORI Excellence model — developed by the author for effective management of a company's communications programme and then goes on to suggest that it can be implemented if supported by measurement systems of key audience values. The paper concludes by comparing the results from co‐operative corporate image studies of UK companies conducted by MORI since 1969.
Combining the internal communication and the PR function
Authors: Morrison Stuart
Published: January 2008

There is a growing need in the 1990s for companies to combine the responsibilities of PR and internal communication, in order to unit the needs of both staff and customers. Aligning the two functions enables companies to keep staff informed and supportive of the company, while ensuring that communication to the individual audiences is consistent. This paper considers a practical approach to how it can be achieved, with useful techniques drawn from the author's work at Prudential.
Developing communications strategy
Authors: Tibbie Steve
Published: January 2008

The PR industry acknowledges that strategy should be an integral part of its communications programmes. Often (perhaps generally), however, this acknowledgement amounts to little more than lip‐service. This paper looks at some possible definitions of ‘strategy’ (to help us find its place within the communications planning process), identifies some tools and processes to help drive communications strategy forwards and looks at ways of embedding strategy within a planning cycle.
The audio logo: A case study of Radio Scotland's on‐air identity
Authors: McCusker Gerard
Published: January 2008

This study attempts to fill the gap in organisational identity literature. It describes the use of sound in communicating brand identity and explains the roles of the principal ‘players’ in the production of one organisation's audio identity. As a case study, this research focuses on Radio Scotland's need for an identifiable sound, and also details the process involved in the design and implementation of its identity. Information about the case was generated via unstructured, open‐ended interviews with key informants within Radio Scotland and external parties who participated in the project. A chronology is used to present the findings of the case with analysis of the data led by four key research issues concerning: —sound's ability to communicate identity, —the balance between science and intuition in designing audio identity, —responsibility for sound identity production, and —requisite qualifications or knowledge for shaping audio identity. Conclusions show the use of sound to be instrumental in communicating Radio Scotland's identity, with the author suggesting that more research should be undertaken into the role of audio designs given the growth explosion in audio visual communications technology.
Re‐configuring and organising for strategic management: the BP Oil experience
Authors: Varey Richard J. , Mounter Pamela
Published: January 2008

This paper describes how BP and BP Oil, its marketing and refining business, moved internal communication from being a soft option to being a strategic imperative to help turn the then ailing business around, with spectacular results. Recognition of the crucial bond between leadership and communication is highlighted, and a programme of cultural change at BP Oil is described, including some practical methods by which progress has been effected. The company's virtuous circle model of communication, the link made between management competence as communicators and the human resource management policy is discussed. The nature of corporate communication as a system of strategic communication management which focuses attention on relationships as core business assets for competitive strength and quality of working life is explored. A number of models are offered as explanation for the evolution in sophistication from discrete communication functions to coincident domains within a corporate communication system. BP Oil is well advanced in moving from the former to operating the latter for strategic communication management.
Older people and the media
Authors: Kreitzman Leon
Published: January 2008

The purpose of this paper is to provide information about the media habits of older people and some of their attitudes and preferences with regard to different media. Many communication tasks in the future will be addressed to older people. While there are some companies and organisations which can afford to ignore those aged over 50, they are diminishing in number. Yet communication managers, on the whole, have little experience of talking to this group.
Impossible dream or inevitable revolution? Investigating the concept of integrated marketing communications
Authors: Brown Jill
Published: January 2008

Much has been written about integrated marketing communications (IMC) but agreement on a precise definition is still lacking and, although interest levels seem to have reached fever pitch over the past few years, practical implementation, and evidence of the effectiveness of implementation, seem to be fairly rare. This paper sets out to investigate the sometimes confiding views of what the concept means and asks a number of related questions: what are the driving forces behind the growth of IMC, what is inhibiting its implementation, what is needed to make IMC a reality and what does the future hold for IMC?
Icons and the influence of public opinion
Authors: Blood Robert
Published: January 2008

We know that emotion has a major influence on the way individuals make decisions, but what part does emotion play in public opinion, when large numbers of people appear rapidly to determine on similar points of view? In this paper the author proposes a model of ‘emotional transmission’ through ‘icons’ — emotionally arousing images, events or verbal metaphors — as a mechanism for public opinion formation, and from it deduces possible strategies for responding to emotional campaigning.
Public relations in the NHS: An exploratory study of the Scottish experience
Authors: Hogg Gillian , Van Burren Francoise
Published: January 2008

In the new and challenging environment of Trust hospitals communication plays an ever increasing role. The implication is that this provides opportunities for the public relations profession to play a role in management decision making. This paper presents the results of a survey of Trust Hospitals in Scotland to establish their attitude towards public relations and the role played by public relations practitioners in Trust management.
European Works Councils and information and consultation procedures: Employee communications — strategy and approach
Authors: Cuthbert Don
Published: January 2008

The new Amsterdam Treaty — which incorporates the Social Chapter — was signed in October. The UK will now be affected by a number of European directives from which it had previously opted out. Employee information and consultation is one such directive. This article describes the best practice revealed by Towers Perrin research in implementing this directive. The results point towards the logic of companies taking a strategic look at their communications in order to develop a cohesive policy that takes into account the requirements of this and other forthcoming European social legislation that has communication as its central theme.
The stakeholder concept and public relations: Tracking the parallel evolution of two literatures
Authors: de Bussy Nigel , Ewing Michael
Published: January 2008

Contemporary organisations rely on a wide range of publics or stakeholder groups in order to achieve their corporate objectives. The specific publics involved vary from organisation to organisation and situation to situation but typically include customers/clients, end users, shareholders/investors, employees, suppliers, governments, pressure groups, local communities and the media. Unresolved conflicts between organisations and any one or a number of these publics can seriously compromise the achieve ment of marketing and other corporate objectives. This paper examines the evolution of two separate bodies of literature which are essentially concerned with the same issues, but are framed by different academic and professional disciplines. It seems to be the case that management and marketing researchers often fail to take into account parallel literature from the discipline of public relations — even when purporting to offer an interdisciplinary approach. Equally, the public relations literature frequently fails to speak the language of business and defines such key business activities as marketing too narrowly.
Managing corporate affairs to a stakeholder agenda
Authors: McCree Andrew
Published: January 2008

The focus of corporate affairs practice is on the interests of the organisation served by the corporate affairs practitioner, and on how these interests can be sustained, furthered and protected. However, effective corporate affairs practice recognises that corporate interests must be reconciled with other interests, such as those of the community or special interest groups, but this recognition leads to a number of practical problems. These problems relate to the identification of other interests which must be taken into account, and to weighting other interests in management decision‐making. This paper looks at some of these practical corporate affairs management problems and draws on the author's experience to suggest ways in which they can be managed.
Stakeholderism in practice: A market‐led view
Authors: Askew Paul
Published: January 2008

This paper explores how far the philosophy of stakeholderism has entered real corporate behaviour and looks at some of the practicalities that corporates have to contend with in practice, once the concepts are accepted. Reference is made to an international peer company study, conducted in the summer of 1996 by SRU, on behalf of Shell International, and also to SRU's experience of consumer attitudes to the matter of corporate ethos and values as expressed in their brands.
No entity without identity — Communications strategies of corporate Germany in the early 1990s
Authors: Zimmermann Rainer
Published: January 2008

In Germany the significance of corporate communications has come a long way since the early 1990s. In many cases, multidimensional structural change within companies has left an identity vacuum which some have superficially attempted to fill by way of the shareholder value versus stakeholder value debate. While the market's Top 30 effectively operate as stakeholders, they position themselves for the most part as shareholder‐focused. A successful identity and image policy is characterised by a mindset which interprets identity as a process and image as the benefit to all stakeholders.
Aligning internal and external communications to gain competitive advantage
Authors: Reed David
Published: January 2008

The thought process that this paper describes originated in the author's time as a corporate public relations consultant. All too often chief executives complain that their business strategy is misunderstood by the financial markets, legislators and other stakeholders. The reality is usually that their strategy is unclear — even to themselves. Before embarking on any communications activity, therefore, the first step has to be to work with the board to develop a statement of corporate strategic direction. The process of doing so frequently leads not only to a clearer articulation of strategy but also to a renewed focus on the priorities that the strategy demands. Because the board knows precisely what it has to achieve it is more able to concentrate on the issues which really count. This paper deals mainly with the specific example of Whitbread plc. In the early 1990s the company was at the beginning of a major corporate transformation from its origins in braving to becoming a diversified leisure group. To illustrate the degree of change, the percentage of profit derived from brewing has been reduced from over 50 per cent to about 10 per cent in just over a decade, even though the company's beer market share is at its highest level. Beginning with research to establish stakeholder perceptions, this paper traces how corporate values were codified and corporate objectives were written leading to a programme of communication activities designed to secure support for the change process.
Communicating a stakeholder report
Authors: Harkness James
Published: January 2008

The Body Shop International plc published its first stakeholder report (known as its ‘Values Report’) in January 1996. This paper focuses on the communication of this report to employees and franchisees in the 46 countries in which The Body Shop trades. The communication strategy and implementation plan was shaped to a considerable degree by the feedback that the internal stakeholders provided as part of the Values Report.
The family company and its stakeholders
Authors: Morley Michael
Published: January 2008

In addition to facing a number of special management challenges, the family company, defined as a business owned and operated by a family that employs several family members, must pay special attention to communicating with its stakeholders. Family companies share many stakeholder groups with all other companies. These include the communities in which they are based or maintain a significant presence as an employer; law makers and regulators who are influential in those communities or in the sectors of industry or commerce of importance; suppliers of raw materials, goods and services essential to the activities of the company; partners of various kinds in distribution, production or joint ventures; customers and consumers; employees and potential employees; and non‐family members of management. In addition, the family company has to ensure it maintains communications with certain specific groups. These are the family executives working in the company; family shareholders who are not employed by the company; and banks and financial institutions whose confidence in the company is essential as a source of capital. With all stakeholders in the first group, the company must seek to develop a positioning and communications programme that stresses the advantages of its status as family‐owned while countering any possible negative perceptions stemming from the same heritage. For the larger, longer‐established family companies which now have a large group of related shareholders and members of different branches of the founding family at work in the firm, systematic and effective family communications are of the highest importance.
Planning stakeholder communication
Authors: Scholes Eileen , James David
Published: January 2008

The influence of all stakeholder groups on the values, beliefs, policies, decisions and management of organisations is on the rise and here to stay. This paper examines the factors driving stakeholder power, and draws on a number of recent examples and the lessons learned. It proposes steps that organisations can take to manage the communication needs of stakeholders. Prioritising the challenges and balancing and integrating the corporate response are the main themes.
Are the IABC's excellence principles generic? Comparing Slovenia and the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada
Authors: Grunig Larissa A. , Grunig James E. , Vercic Dejan
Published: January 2008

This paper reports research results from a replication of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) ‘Excellence’ study of 30 Slovenian organisations. It has been theorised that the Excellence principles are generic throughout the world but that these principles must be applied differently in different cultures, political and economic systems, stages of development, media systems and levels of activism. Results of this quantitative study showed that the principles of Excellence clustered into an identical index for Slovenia and for the Anglo countries. Differences among the four countries emerged, however, which had implications for specific application of the principles in Slovenia. Slovenian organisations had somewhat lower overall Excellence scores. Public relations departments in Slovenia had less support from the dominant coalition and were involved less in strategic management than in the English‐speaking countries. Slovenian public relations departments reported less knowledge of practising four models of public relations and two roles. However, Slovenian CEOs were somewhat more supportive of symmetrical public relations than their English‐speaking counterparts. Slovenian organisations reported equal levels of activism to the Anglo organisations. However, Slovenian organisations reported a less conducive internal context for Excellence — more authoritarian organisational cultures, more asymmetrical internal communication, and lower levels of individual job satisfaction and satisfaction with the organisation.
Exploring the corporate identity/corporate image interface: An empirical study of accountancy firms
Authors: Stuart Helen
Published: January 2008

Bernstein wrote that we should be concerned about the image our company projects not because we want to manufacture it but because we need to discern how we are being received and how those perceptions square with our self‐image (Bernstein 1984, 13). The importance of image being based on reality was incorporated by Abratt (1989) into his conceptual model in the form of an ‘interface’. This interface can be conceived of as the moment of truth for an organisation where the corporate identity is externalised, and, therefore, examination of the dynamics of this interface is of vital interest to corporate identity research. The results of empirical research into this interface, denoted as the corporate identity/corporate image interface in this research, are presented in this paper. A resultant model of the corporate identity management process is then advanced, based on the dimensions of a factor analysis of the multi‐item scale developed for the research. The research revealed that, whereas the selection of an accountancy firm is based on the corporate image that it projects, retention of an accountancy firm is based on continuing positive experiences, including the responsiveness of employees, the physical environment and the values that the accountancy firm holds dear. This implies that the corporate identity/corporate image interface must be a coherent entity for the successful projection of corporate identity.