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Thinking Out Loud? Internal vs. External Communication of Sustainability in Companies

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  • Julia Offermann

    (Chair of Communication Science, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany)

  • Anna Rohowsky

    (Chair of Communication Science, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany)

  • Martina Ziefle

    (Chair of Communication Science, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany)

Abstract

Climate change is already having a significant impact, and Germany, the EU’s largest emitter of carbon dioxide, is experiencing this firsthand, prompting adaptation measures in cities. German companies must balance social and environmental responsibility with economic goals. Achieving sustainable business goals requires employee support and engagement, which can be facilitated through internal and external communication using storytelling and narratives. This paper addresses a gap in research on internal and external sustainability communication by examining both simultaneously. Using a semi-structured interview study, the paper examines the current state of sustainability communication in selected German companies, focusing on addressees, channels, structure, and content. The results revealed a high relevance of sustainability in companies, identified similarities between internal and external characteristics of communication, but also highlighted specific differences (e.g., with regard to communication strategies). This paper also identifies effects of communication and areas for improvement and suggests directions for future research to improve sustainability communication and its role in promoting a more sustainable society.

Suggested Citation

  • Julia Offermann & Anna Rohowsky & Martina Ziefle, 2024. "Thinking Out Loud? Internal vs. External Communication of Sustainability in Companies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(13), pages 1-19, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:13:p:5416-:d:1422443
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    4. Antje Otto & Christian Göpfert & Annegret H. Thieken, 2021. "Are cities prepared for climate change? An analysis of adaptation readiness in 104 German cities," Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change, Springer, vol. 26(8), pages 1-25, December.
    5. Maria Rosa De Giacomo & Raimund Bleischwitz, 2020. "Business models for environmental sustainability: Contemporary shortcomings and some perspectives," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 29(8), pages 3352-3369, December.
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