Corporate Heritage: Communication and Impact on Organizations, Stakeholders, and Society. A Transdisciplinary Research Perspective

What is the relationship between corporate culture and ethics? How can a strong sense of corporate self-identity – rooted in enduring values and narratives – strengthen a company’s engagement with the stakeholders and society? In a post-pandemic and hybrid world, can sustainable and purpose-driven organizations protect their reputation and “soul” by turning the cultivation of corporate culture and heritage into a strategic advantage? The book gathers the proceedings of the international conference held in Rome on November 6, 2024, organized by Sapienza University of Rome and the University of Castilla-La Mancha, in collaboration with Confindustria association and a network of corporate partners. Contributions from several countries, research centres, and disciplines explore the social impact and value that companies’ cultural assets create for stakeholders and communities, with particular focus on the Italian and Spanish contexts and the purpose of promoting a transdisciplinary collaboration between academic and non-academic researchers. Scientific research and companies’ first-hand experience converge in suggesting that corporate cultural assets – such as company museums, publishing, and video – should not be seen merely as self-referential forms of storytelling. Instead, these cultural narratives and centres can serve as strategic platforms to renew organizational values and behaviours, strengthen corporate citizenship, and foster high-quality, long-term relationships with employees, consumers, and all stakeholders, to generate positive outcomes for both organizations and society.