Powered by OpenAIRE graph
Found an issue? Give us feedback
image/svg+xml art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos Open Access logo, converted into svg, designed by PLoS. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Open_Access_logo_PLoS_white.svg art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos http://www.plos.org/ ZENODOarrow_drop_down
image/svg+xml art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos Open Access logo, converted into svg, designed by PLoS. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Open_Access_logo_PLoS_white.svg art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos http://www.plos.org/
ZENODO
Article . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: ZENODO
ZENODO
Article . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Article . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
versions View all 2 versions
addClaim

Strategic Communications in the Digital Era: Global Trends and Insights from West Africa

Authors: Chike Walter Duru, Ph.D; Raphael Olugbenga Abimbola, Ph.D;

Strategic Communications in the Digital Era: Global Trends and Insights from West Africa

Abstract

A growing trend in the practice of Strategic Communications and Public Relations globally is the expansion of roles and the blend of strategic leadership with multimedia content production responsibilities. The multimedia production tasks include video production and editing, photography, and other forms of content production. These new roles are in addition to the traditional functions of messaging, stakeholder engagement, media relations, etc. The study investigates this global trend, with a focus on West Africa (Nigeria and Ghana). Anchored on the Excellence Theory and Diffusion of Innovation Theory, the study employed mixed methods research design, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. A total of 112 communications professionals completed survey questionnaire, while 15 senior managers participated in semi-structured interview. The study found out that multimedia production expectations are prevalent, with 72% of respondents reporting these tasks as part of their role. While these developments have obvious benefits and align with digital-first imperatives, they risk strategic dilution, workload overload, and professional identity tension. The study recommends clear role definitions and balanced integration of production and strategic responsibilities to sustain effective communications practice globally.

Keywords

Digital Era, Strategic Communication, Public Relations, Global Trends, West Africa

  • BIP!
    Impact byBIP!
    selected citations
    These citations are derived from selected sources.
    This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
    0
    popularity
    This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
    Average
    influence
    This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
    Average
    impulse
    This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
    Average
Powered by OpenAIRE graph
Found an issue? Give us feedback
selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average