Suchergebnisse

RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: Rebranding is a crucial driver of modern marketing strategies that can only be successful if appropriately communicated to society. This research aims to explain which rebranding-related information companies disclose in their communication on this process using various information dissemination channels.
THE RESEARCH PROBLEM AND METHODS: To examine the content of 200 disclosures about rebranding, we used topic modelling, which identifies latent patterns of word co-occurrence using computer algorithms and the distribution of words in the analyzed corpus (set of documents). We applied an unsupervised Bayesian machine-learning approach for topic modelling called latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA), a cutting-edge method that is still not widely used by scholars.
THE PROCESS OF ARGUMENTATION: Rebranding pays out over the lifetime of a company, but society has to be appropriately informed of this decision. The information should be comprehensive, disclosed through multiple channels, and addressed to all stakeholders. However, the question is whether this theoretical knowledge finds its application in companies' practice. We researched each rebranding case of all Polish companies listed on the WSE since 1991 and analyzed how they communicated their rebranding through diverse types information disclosure.
RESEARCH RESULTS: Polish companies are very selective, both in the content of information disclosed and the communication channels they use. They tend to avoid explaining the reasons for rebranding that are vital for society. Information is mainly disclosed through company websites or press releases and primarily has an informal character. They ignore official stock exchange communication channels, even though rebranding information could greatly influence financial performance and value creation.
CONCLUSIONS, INNOVATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Our findings implicate a need to increase listed companies' awareness concerning the importance of communicating marketing strategy and its potential benefits in the creation of investor relations.

Abstract

Objective
This article aims to examine what the CEO of LPP S.A. discloses about sustainability and how sustainability topics vary over time in his communication with the stakeholders.


Methodology
We use a machine learning-based topic modelling analysis, specifically latent Dirichlet allocation and keyword analysis, to scrutinize the sustainability disclosure in the sustainability letters to the stakeholders of one of Poland's biggest fast fashion companies, LPP S.A.


Findings
The findings of this study suggest that more attention should be placed on sustainability topics in the letters to the shareholders. The information disclosed is selective and mainly aimed at transmitting a positive message. It lacks a comprehensive and holistic disclosure of information concerning sustainable activities that substantially impact environmental and social matters. Comparing the variation of topics year to year, there is a clear shift from dedicating the majority of space in CEO letters to the stakeholders to social topics toward a broader discussion about the environment and responsible energy consumption in the most recent letter.


Value Added
The study contributes to the sustainability communication literature by identifying specific sustainability topics disclosed by the analyzed company in its direct message from the CEO to stakeholders that have been very limited and selective, thus underscoring the limited importance assigned to this topic by the CEO, thereby questioning the transparency concerning one of the most critical areas of fast fashion impacts.


Recommendations
To keep the stakeholders informed and maintain the transparency of actions and accountability of the disclosure, it is necessary to present the information holistically and comprehensively in the message directed by the CEO to the stakeholders.