This study aims to summarise the conceptual evolution of corporate communication research in accounting, management, and business over the past fifty years (1968–2022). It seeks to explore the intellectual framework of corporate communication research in greater depth.
This study identifies the most influential papers in corporate communication research through the scientific mapping technique of citation analysis. Bibliographic coupling is employed to uncover the intellectual structure of the field and to highlight the most frequently discussed topics within corporate communication. Additionally, thematic analysis conducted using the “Bibliometrix” package in R Studio reveals the most significant themes, enhancing the understanding of prevailing research trends. Together, these methods offer a comprehensive overview of the field’s current landscape and provide strategic direction for future scholarly inquiry in corporate communication.
This study identifies the most influential papers in corporate communication research based on citations from 1,345 papers retrieved from the Scopus database over the past 5 decades (1968–2022). Findings reveal that the most cited paper in Business, Management, and Accounting (BMA) is “Corporate Hypocrite: Overcoming the Threat of Inconsistent Corporate Social Responsibility Perceptions”. Most papers are published in Corporate Communications: An International Journal, which serves as a key source in the field. Frequently occurring keywords include public relations, corporate social responsibility and corporate communication(s), while corporate governance, crisis communication and strategic management appear less frequently.
This study highlights the importance of understanding the holistic development of corporate communication research. The findings help academics identify gaps in the literature, guiding future research directions. Educators can integrate key themes into curricula to align with the latest advancements. Additionally, the use of scientific mapping techniques, such as bibliographic coupling and citation analysis, underscores the need for rigorous methodologies in academic research. Ultimately, this paper enhances our understanding of corporate communication and lays a strong foundation for further scholarly exploration in this evolving field.
The findings of this study have valuable practical implications for researchers, educators, and professionals in the business communication field. By employing citation analysis and bibliographic coupling, this study maps the evolution of corporate communication research, identifying key articles and themes. Understanding these trends enables researchers to select relevant topics for further exploration and development. Additionally, the use of the Bibliometrix R Studio program for thematic analysis provides stakeholders with deeper insights into prevailing research patterns, facilitating informed decision-making in both academic and industry settings.
This study offers valuable insights into the role of corporate communication in society, carrying significant societal implications. By identifying patterns and conceptual frameworks, it deepens our understanding of the broader impact of business communication practices. This knowledge enables individuals and communities to critically assess corporate communications, fostering accountability, transparency and ethical practices. Additionally, by highlighting emerging challenges and trends, the study strengthens communication and collaboration among organisations, stakeholders and the public. Ultimately, it supports informed decision-making and cultivates meaningful social connections, contributing to a more responsible and effective corporate communication landscape.
This study offers a comprehensive and well-researched overview of corporate communication, tracing its evolution over the past 50 years. For the first time, a bibliometric review is used to analyse the field’s development systematically. Through bibliographic coupling, the study further establishes the conceptual foundation of corporate communication, providing valuable insights into its intellectual structure and research trajectory.
