Coordinator
Prof. KIM, Sora
Professor,
School of Journalism and Communication,
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Join a distinguished group of global scholars—Professors and Doctors. Øyvind Ihlen, Ganga Dhanesh, Hyejoon Rim, and Sora Kim—who are renowned for their influential work in CSR, sustainability, and ESG communication within the field of public relations.
With diverse cultural backgrounds and extensive academic and professional experience across Europe, the US, the Middle East, and Asia, these experts will share their insights into how public relations can drive societal change. This panel will explore how public relations can facilitate meaningful social impact, helping organizations navigate the complexities of CSR, ESG, and sustainability in a rapidly evolving world.
The discussion offers valuable perspectives on the role of public relations in advancing social responsibility and sustainability on a global scale.
Speakers
Prof. IHLEN, Øyvind
Professor,
Department of Media and Communication,
University of Oslo
The Business Paradox of Sustainability Aspirations: Communication Strategies of Global Companies
Abstract: With the challenges from climate change looming, corporations have responded by embracing a rhetoric of sustainability. This creates a paradox—a tension between “contradictory yet interrelated elements”. Profit-driven activities frequently conflict with the capacity to sustain a process or enterprise without depleting natural resources over the long term. In response, corporations can choose a defensive strategy of denying there is a contradiction or proactively acknowledge the paradox and “work through it” in the parlance of organization studies. Scholars in the latter field have pointed to how the proactive strategy might be beneficial and how transcending strategies adopt a “both/and perspective”. Looking at actual corporate discursive practice, two opposite readings can be had – transcendence has been achieved or not. The latter reading calls for discussions of tradeoffs, seeing paradoxes as fluid and transcendence as a continuing process requiring agonistic listening.
Prof. DHANESH, Ganga S.
Associate Professor,
Department of Communication,
University of Maryland
CSR, DEI, and PR Slipping into “wokeism”: Embracing Multifaceted, Intersectional Identity Chutney for Enhanced Post-Woke Social Impact
Abstract: Corporate public relations have been increasingly addressing issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the ambit of corporate social responsibility (CSR), social sustainability, and environment, social, and governance (ESG). However, recent backlash against DEI, mostly in polarized societies, indicates a slippery slope from well-meaning articulations of DEI to what has been derogatively termed “going woke.” I argue that one of the reasons for this backlash could be the intense foregrounding of single-faceted aspects of identity in DEI initiatives — race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation – which might not resonate with the complex, multifaceted, intersectional identities that stakeholders hold. For instance, research has shown that stakeholders, who demand CSR, display hypermodern identities that simultaneously seek self and others’ interests, love experiential consumption, aim to create new and unique personal identities, enjoy hyperspectacles, and are present-positivistic. They do not identify themselves based on aspects that are handed down such as race and ethnicity. These nouveau articulations of identity have implications for the segmentation of stakeholders and the public in DEI communication. To empower change, public relations research on DEI could integrate insights from stakeholder identity and segmentation studies in CSR. Rather than relying solely on traditional demographic categories such as race and gender, public relations research has conceptualized the public based on issues and their salience. I argue that DEI-focused public relations research must also transcend a narrow focus on singular aspects of social identity like race or gender. Instead, it should embrace a broader perspective that recognizes CSR publics forming around salient issues shaped by multifaceted and dynamic identity constructs, such as hypermodernity. Research and practice must account for the complexity of intersectional and multifaceted identities that span individual, social, professional, and organizational dimensions. Articulating a complex identity chutney that addresses these complexities could help to resuscitate DEI efforts and enhance post-woke social impact.
Prof. RIM, Hyejoon
Associate Professor,
School of Journalism and Communication,
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Bridging Expectations: How Organizations Address Stakeholder Demands for Social Responsibility and Activism
Abstract: This talk explores consumer and employee-stakeholder perspectives on business responsibility in society, focusing on their expectations and responses to corporate social responsibility and activism. Drawing on insights from corporate communication professionals at major U.S. companies, it also examines how organizations are addressing these expectations, the challenges they face amid various pressures, and the critical factors shaping their strategies. Approaches to social impact communication and their implications for public relations practice and scholarship will be discussed.
Prof. KIM, Sora
Professor,
School of Journalism and Communication,
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Beyond Boarders: Evolving Consumer Expectations in CSR, ESG, and Sustainability Communication
Abstract: This talk examines evolving consumer expectations in CSR and ESG communication across the US, Mainland China, Hong Kong, and the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) regions. By exploring cultural nuances in consumer expectations and identifying key factors for communication success, this presentation provides insights into how CSR and ESG efforts can be tailored to resonate with diverse audiences. Additionally, it delves into cultural antecedents that shape regional approaches to CSR, offering a roadmap for impactful sustainability communication globally.