Many times I am engaged in conversations where investor relations and corporate communication is seen to be outside the day to day operations of the business and yet when we circle around in the conversation we find many reasons that these functions needs to be more involved in the business. LinkedIn Article
The role of Investor Relations is mainly to ensure the investors (shareholders) of the organisation have ample information to ensure their decisions to continue to invest or to exit are based on fact not perception of the performance of the business.
The role of Corporate Communication on the other hand encompasses all communication channels and can be more widespread than the investor relations role which is focused on the shareholders. Corporate communication is responsible to ensure all messages e.g. PR, websites, social media, sales collateral and reports all meet the brand guidelines, the organisation strategy, organisation values and organisation tone.
When it comes to the integration of Corporate Governance and IR, we believe this is where the tire hits the road to ensure the relevant information is available to the Shareholders and the IR team can ensure the business is implementing the Corporate Governance principles across the organisation supporting the Shareholders, Board and Management to govern the business effectively leading to an increase in shareholder value.
The role of the 2 functions in relation to corporate governance can include;
- As the Board of Directors are the main representatives of the shareholders it is their responsibility to direct the business operationally and strategically. The IR team support the Board in many ways through their involvement with the shareholders ensuring the mood, sentiment and expectations of the shareholders are captured and communicated to the Board and Management.
- Identification of the communication channels, tones of messages and language used for all messages. This can ensure that all the required information is available within the business at every level.
- Ensure the messages are aligned with the strategy, vision, mission and values of the business. As the business strategy is the most important document within the business the IR and Corporate Communication team need to be involved to ensure the shareholder expectations are incorporated, the key messages are made available to the shareholders and that there is an alignment between the shareholders expectations and the agreed strategy.
- Ensure accuracy of all messages leaving the organisation to validate the information is factual, accurate and suitable for public distribution. This is important to ensure the best foot is put forward without losing integrity. In the event of an un-favourable situation the IR and Corporate Communication Team should take the lead in ensure the factual relevant information is presented in the best possible way to mitigate the fall-out from the incident. On the other hand good news should be communicated accurately without embellishment or uncertainty allowing current and future shareholder to make an informed decision.
- Create classification criteria for information to ensure relevant confidential information is only shared with relevant parties. In this world of information security, cybercrime and information leakage the IR and Corporate Communication Team need to ensure the other relevant functions understand the information available to them and the confidentiality requirements of that information. Additionally with the increasing developments in social media, media or the press the need to ensure the right and relevant information is available to the public is paramount.
- Preparation and authentication of the quarterly announcements and annual report including the corporate governance report and financial statement report. These reports form the basis for many investment decisions across the globe. The accuracy and integrity of the report is the responsibility of the IR and Corporate Communication Team who should challenge the presented information to ensure current and future shareholders have the information required to continue investing in the business.
- Ensure compliance with the reporting regulations if the organisation is publicly listed. Securities and Commodities Authorities across the globe have specific reporting requirements which the business need to comply with. These requirements need to be translated to policies and reports within the business including verification of compliance with the requirements.
In summary the investor relations and corporate governance functions are vital to ensure consistence of messages leaving the organisation and production of the required information to give shareholders/investors’ confidence in the business which leads to increased share value. These responsibilities support the implementation of good Corporate Governance principles which in turn provide the shareholders with confidence that their investment is secure and will give the returns expected. Learn More