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Investigating strategic management roles of the corporate communication function in the Department of Housing

Benita Steyn
University of Pretoria
Mateboho Green
University of Pretoria
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Investigating strategic management roles of the corporate communication function in the Department of Housing . (2022). Communicare: Journal for Communication Studies in Africa, 20(2), 1-35. https://doi.org/10.36615/jcsa.v20i2.1827
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  • Submited: October 24, 2022
  • Published: October 31, 2022

Abstract

The first phase of this qualitative study employed the extended case method. Its aim
was to explore the role behaviour of the most senior corporate communication
practitioner in the government Department of Housing, South Africa. It was found
that the Director: Communication Services played a combination of roles: firstly, Dozier's
(1984) media relations specialist (seen as part of the historic technician role) and secondly,
she also performed certain generic managerial activities. The two (new) strategic
management roles of the corporate communication function, the strategist and the
redefined manager, were not observed (Steyn, 2000a; 200Gb).
The second phase entailed the development of a corporate communication strategy for
the Department by the Deputy Director, using action research. The unit of analysis was
her communicative output, in the form of the strategy. Empowered by postgraduate
studies, she was found to possess the necessary strategic communication management
knowledge and skills to perform this important activity of a practitioner in the redefined
role of manager successfully.

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How to Cite
Investigating strategic management roles of the corporate communication function in the Department of Housing . (2022). Communicare: Journal for Communication Studies in Africa, 20(2), 1-35. https://doi.org/10.36615/jcsa.v20i2.1827

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