Communication management in The Netherlands : Trends, developments, and benchmark with US study

Purpose – This study aims to present current trends and developments in the field of communication management in The Netherlands. With the use of data obtained in 1999, the authors were able to identify trends and developments in the field and to compare these findings with studies conducted in the USA. Design/methodology/approach – A total of 556 communication managers working in different parts of the industry responded and completed a questionnaire in 2005. Respondents were mainly heads of communication departments and were chosen by taking a random selection of 25 percent of all Dutch organizations with more than 50 employees. Members of the Dutch professional society, Logeion, also completed the survey. Findings – The study's main areas of focus are: the size of communication departments, the glass ceiling for female professionals, and encroachment on communication positions. Findings show that the number of female professionals increased and balanced male professionals. Encroachment decreased compared with 1999. Originality/value – Many studies report on trends and developments in the communication management or corporate communication profession. This study is unique because the authors compare its findings with those found in The Netherlands in 1999, enabling them to analyze developments over time. They also compare the Dutch situation with that in the USA.