The case for ‘face-time’ in a computer-mediated global economy

Abstract

The structuring of marketing and communication management within key organisations in South Africa is changing. These changes are affecting the relationship between marketing and communication practitioners, as well as the key tasks they are responsible for within the organisation. Globally, companies are downsizing, restructuring and eliminating hierarchy. This article investigates how key South African companies have responded to these changes, by looking at how the marketing and communication functions are structured within the organisation. Marketing and communication managers from top South African companies were interviewed telephonically. Findings from the study indicate that the two functions are progressively moving towards an integrated approach. However, a commonly agreed organisational structure is still not pervasive. Each organisation structured the marketing and communication functions differently, and various perspectives existed on the key tasks of both marketing and communication managers. From these findings, it is evident that the relationship between marketing and communication, as well as the role and tasks of marketing and communication managers, is still very diverse in the South African context.     

Strategic integrated communication: An alternative perspective of integrated marketing communication?

Abstract

In spite of the increased emphasis being placed on integrated marketing communication (IMC), limited attempts have been made to critically analyse existing viewpoints, the evolution of the concept and its application. The research problem of this article is based on this limited mindset, which has arguably created a problem in understanding IMC as a process and in the integration of actions, which appear to be superficial in most cases. The main objective here is to contribute to these viewpoints by addressing the problem through an analysis of existing literature, to stimulate much-needed necessary debate on this phenomenon and advance IMC thinking, which is increasingly being challenged from the perspective of the emerging paradigm of strategic communication. This is done through a combined categorical, theoretical and integrated communicative perspective. The author highlights the need to approach IMC thinking from a strategic and corporate brand perspective, which could help engender dramatically changing expectations and demands across organisations, for a clear understanding of IMC practice and theory. Subsequently, taking an alternative re-orientated strategic perspective, based on all current approaches, is proposed into what is termed ‘strategic integrated communication’ (SIC). The focus in SIC is on the strategic intent of the organisation to enhance strategic, integrated communication and knowledge management of information through creative media strategies and environmental scanning. All of this should be based on trust, loyalty, integrity and credibility, to maintain valuable long-term stakeholder relationships.     

Towards an emerging paradigm of strategic communication: Core driving forces

Abstract

Major forces such as globalisation, the digital network revolution and the empowerment of myriad new stakeholders have resulted in a blurring of communication genres such as marketing and corporate communications, and are redefining the role of the communications professional within business and society. Such fundamental changes require that both scholars and practitioners challenge their own assumptions and consider the implications of these paradigm shifts. The values of the modernist age, resulting in linear, top-down, consensus-seeking decision-making behaviour, must be revisited to make way for emerging values such as activism, dialogue, communal values and dissent, which allow for co-creation and a multiplicity of viewpoints. This article reflects on paradigmatic debates and identifies shifts from modern to postmodern organisational practice, and how these impact on communication practices and integrated communication. Consideration is given to some theoretical, practical, research and educational implications of these shifts as core driving forces towards the new emerging paradigm of strategic communication, which can best be conceptualised as purposeful communication to realise the organisational mission.     

论发展观演变与社会管理——现代化进程的分析视角

人类社会发展观的演变与现代化进程是紧密相关的,因为发展观的演变不仅是一种思想理论的演变,更是社会变迁、进步与发展所要求的。发展观的演变经历了这样一个过程,从经济增长发展观到综合发展观,再到以人为核心的发展观,直至今天的科学发展观。而与发展观相对应,社会管理的侧重点也发生了相应变化,从经济管理到综合管理,再到人性管理,直至科学管理。对于符合发展要求的科学发展观,要不断坚持贯彻和落实,把科学发展观所包含的科学管理模式和方法应用到社会建设的方方面面,推动中国社会不断向前发展。     

首都危险物品安全管理工作研究——以建设世界城市为视角

在建设世界城市过程中,首都危险物品管理工作面临着严峻的反恐防暴形势,只有深刻剖析首都危险物品安全管理中出现的新情况、新问题,改进管理模式,完善并创新管理手段,建立健全危险物品管理机制,全面推进危险物品安全监管信息化、规范化建设,才能提升首都危险物品安全管理的总体水平,为世界城市建设提供良好的社会环境。     

马克思历史唯物主义实践观及其中国化进程

马克思使辩证法走向历史的深处,以实践观更新了以往哲学家观察历史和现实的方式,指出社会存在决定社会意识。历史唯物主义对中国知识界的思想启蒙,更新了中国人的政治观念,形成了百余年来中国社会发展的生动图景。改革开放为中国社会发展提供了新的历史契机,形成了灵活运用历史唯物主义的实践自觉。推动改革进一步走向深入,必须深入研究历史唯物主义实践观及其中国化进程,形成与当今中国经济和政治发展相适应的文化气象,这是推动中国改革的实际需要,也是在新的时代条件下实现中国梦的必由之路。     

“中三角”空间范围与发展定位

"中三角"以湘鄂赣三省为宜,以武汉城市群、长株潭城市群和大南昌城市群为主要载体。应分别从空间定位、功能定位、产业定位、特色定位等四方面对"中三角"及各大片区发展进行战略定位。研究表明,"中三角"应定位为我国重要的"两基地三区、一中心一枢纽",成为中部地区崛起的重要战略支点和核心增长极,成为我国具有国际性功能、跨省域影响力和较强创新能力的区域性经济中心和重要的经济区,成为继珠三角、长三角、环渤海之后中国经济增长的第四极。     

The Maritime Channel in Southeast Asia and China’s Strategic Pivots

With its transition from land power to sea power and the rapid expansion of its national interests, the security of maritime channels has become an important agenda for China. China has shifted its focus from the dilemma of Malacca Strait to the construction of a sea-lane network in its bid to protect its maritime rights and interests. To build its sea power as a strong nation, China should follow its “21st Century Maritime Silk Road” strategy and establish its strategic pivots at harbors at Sumatra Island and Kalimantan Island in Indonesia so as to improve its ability to ensure its navigational safety.     

明清之际中国人的科学观--以徐光启为例

明清之际以徐光启为代表的中国思想家对待科学的态度,和当时到中国来的西方传教士是不相同的;当时中国思想家的科学观,未必都是西方文化刺激的结果.徐光启等人的科学哲学思想及其方法论,远远超出当时来华的西方传教士之上,甚至可以和同时代西方的培根、伽里略、笛卡尔等大思想家相提并论.     

浅议德育美学观在大学生思想政治教育工作中的积极意义

德育工作是高校思想政治教育的重要组成部分,但是在高校德育工作中普遍存在着功利化的倾向,这是导致德育工作实效性低下的主要原因。因此,树立德育美学观,在德育工作中开展美学德育对大学生思想政治教育工作具有积极意义。