# What Corporate Silence Really Means Analyzing the impact of corporate silence on stakeholder relations. - **Source:** [Organization Studies](https://journals.sagepub.com/home/oss) - **Published:** 2026-03-07 - **Topic:** [Leadership](https://brifing.si/c/leadership) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/d04d8217-035d-410b-8785-66cadb157be7 ## The Meaning of Silence Corporate social responsibility research often focuses on the commissive effects of corporate discourse while ignoring silence or viewing it as a deliberate strategy to evade stakeholder pressure. This article re-evaluates the role of silence in communication. ## Ventriloquial Approach The ventriloquial approach helps us understand how corporate silence functions as a form of communication. Silence is not merely an absence of communication but a strategic positioning in polyvocal debates. ## Stakeholder Dynamics When companies remain silent, stakeholders interpret this silence in various ways. Some see it as a lack of commitment, while others view it as a strategic move. This phenomenon prompts a rethinking of corporate communication strategies. ## Strategic Use of Silence Some companies consciously use silence to manage uncertainty. This approach allows them to navigate controversial issues without taking a clear stance. However, the long-term effects of this strategy are being questioned. ## Communication and Commitment Traditional views argue that only explicit discourse creates commitments. Yet, silence can also indirectly form commitments. This realization calls for a new perspective in corporate communication theories. ## Conclusions and Recommendations Corporate silence should be considered a significant part of communication strategies. By better understanding the effects of silence, companies can manage stakeholder relations more effectively. This approach offers a new framework for future corporate communication studies. ## Sources covering this story - https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/01708406261432819?ai=2b4&mi=ehikzz&af=R — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._