Special Topics (591-0-22)

Topic

Stakeholder Communications and Society

Instructors

Danielle Robinson Bell

Bradley Akubuiro

Meeting Info

Meets in Non-General PurposeRm: TBA

Overview of class

Stakeholder Communications and Society explores how communications leaders must navigate increasingly complex dynamics at the intersection of public expectation, reputation risk, and societal transformation. This course is grounded in the premise that we now operate in The Age of Issues—an era where the lines between crisis, commentary, advocacy, and brand positioning are blurring.

This intensive format equips students with frameworks, tools, and real-world application to lead organizations through today's volatile environment. It draws on current events, case studies, executive experiences, and interactive simulations.

Key topics include:

- Stakeholder segmentation and power mapping

- Crisis and issues preparedness

- Corporate response to public scrutiny and polarization

- Navigating risk in a misinformation-prone media landscape

- Aligning values and business outcomes

- The evolving role of leadership communications in an era of AI, activism, and algorithmic influence

Class Attributes

Attendance at 1st class mandatory