Integrated Communications Management in Organisations: Bibliometric Insight into Past and Future

Abstract

Background: Integrated Communications Management (ICM) has emerged as a critical strategy in the evolving economy of organisational dynamics. This paper delves into its evolution, challenges, and thematic axes, addressing theoretical controversies and practical applications. Objective: This paper aims to conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of ICM literature from 1989 to June 2023, scrutinising 971 publications from Elsevier Scopus. The study seeks to unveil patterns in productivity, authorship, collaboration networks, international contributions, and thematic structures. Methods/Approach: Employing systematic bibliometric methodology, this study analyses selected publications from the Scopus database. It integrates quantitative productivity metrics, citation analysis, qualitative mapping, and network exploration. Results: The findings highlight a significant surge in ICM studies since 2009, delineating thematic axes such as strategic communication, integrated marketing communications, social media, and public relations. Philip J. Kitchen is the most prolific author, while the most productive source, the Journal of Communication Management, plays a significant role in shaping the field of ICM. Remarkable collaboration networks are led by P. J. Kitchen, A. Siano, and A. Moreno. Conclusions: The analysis underscores the growing interest in ICM, emphasising ongoing interdisciplinary research and theoretical refinement. It advocates for further exploration to enhance both theoretical understanding and practical applications.