60% of CEOs say that defining the voice of the company is their responsibility

When it comes to defining the voice, message and mission of the company—intrinsic work for the communications function—many CEOs report that the work is their responsibility.

Speaking to stakeholders is a responsibility that 59% of CEOs say they own, and 60% say they must define the voice of the organization. Those numbers suggest the existential need for comms pros to be strategic advisors and counselors—not authority figures.

The good news is that CEOs are taking responsibility for business needs that squarely fall within the communications leader’s wheelhouse. For example, 57% of CEOs say they are responsible for protecting the reputation of their company, and 44% say they must act as the storyteller for the company.