Browsing by Author "Esterhuyse, Marie Elizabeth"

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    Die rol wat goeie kommunikasie in die sukses van 'n maatskappy speel : met spesifieke verwysing na Sanlam
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2001-03) Esterhuyse, Marie Elizabeth; Retief, G. J.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Journalism.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The communication of the financial services group Sanlam was investigated to determine whether good communication plays a role in a company's successes. Communication in the company is fairly complex because Sanlam consists of various businesses that operate independently. Communication in Sanlam is nevertheless important, and the holding company as well as the businesses realise this. Sanlam's comprehensive communication with one of its most important target groups, namely shareholders and institutional investors, is proof of this. As Sanlam did not have shareholders until its listing in November 1998, communication with this group was not required before this date. Today it is extremely important to inform both the shareholders and analysts in detail about the company's financial results, activities and achievements to ensure success. Based on this information, analysts make deductions about the company and recommendations as to whether or not Sanlam shares are a good investment. Shareholders who have not been properly informed can therefore have a significant effect on the company's financial successes. There are a number of ways in which communication takes place with the various target groups inside and outside the company. Internal communication is regarded as important and internal newsletters, e-mail, television broadcasts and the Intranet are some of the tools used to inform staff. External communication also plays an important role. This includes, among other things, communication with shareholders and institutional investors, policyholders, the government and the general public. External communication mediums include, among other things, the main stream media as well as community press, the Sanlam Club magazine, letters, television broadcasts, the Internet, functions, corporate social involvement projects and sponsorships. As already mentioned, Sanlam consists of various businesses, of which Sanlam Personal Finance (SPF) is the largest. Communication in this business is discussed. SPF is responsible for its own internal as well as external communication and is mostly independent as far as this is concerned. SPF's means of communication and target market also differ from those of the Corporate Affairs department. From the study it is clear that Sanlam's communication plays a role in the company's successes. Although there is not always the required co-operation between the businesses and the holding company as far as communication is concerned, there is definitely the feeling that communication is important and that an effort should be made to ensure it is used to the company's advantage.