Communications and Strategy Development
Abstract
We live in a world increasingly composed of interwoven complex adaptive systems that frees hundreds of millions from the depths of poverty but also generates massive problems that are difficult to comprehend or to resolve. To address those problems, we need well thought out strategies. And to support the effective execution of those strategies, we need good strategic communications plans. Or so it might seem. Are governments drawn to strategic communications merely in order to communicate national security strategy, or is there more at stake? Do strategic communications have more to offer than has so far been supposed? Answering Yes to the latter question, this article offers a more extensive view of the role of strategic communication, or more simply, communicationii, in the formulation, execution and exploitation of strategy. Part of that expanded view of communication is that, in addition using specialized media experts, strategists need to actively consider communication (meaning the exchange of information) as a primary component of all they do. Communication, to paraphrase what as has been said of other activities, is too important to be left to the communicators.Strategy and communication are an integral whole best practiced as art not science. The strategist, as artist, uses principles not checklists, intuition more than rules, to collaboratively shape a better future in a world composed of interconnected complex adaptive systems.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 2015
- Accession Number
- AD1032421
Entities
People
- Herman F. Finley
Organizations
- Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies