ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the functions and roles of contemporary corporate communications in light of recent developments in organizational, rhetorical and "critical" theory. The essay is divided into several parts: (a) the necessary convergence of organizational and rhetorical theory, (b) the maturing of the corporate person, (c) the blurring of organizational boundaries, (d) the challenges to "producers" of corporate public discourse, and (e) the challenges to "consumers" of corporate public discourse. We urge both scholars and practitioners to take the growing activities of corporate communications seriously, especially with respect to the values and interests being promoted in/by corporate messages.
