Conceptualising communications strategy from a relational perspective

Service firms are recognising the strategic importance of and the benefits associated with integrated relationship communications with customers. Based on the results of a 5-year research study, this article presents a trimodal conceptualisation of relationship communication that highlights the process of value generation in a relational context. This conceptualisation represents a strategic approach to managing communications to maximise value creation as the relationship between buyer and seller is enhanced. In this conceptualisation, communication is seen as a linking process that connects the customer and the firm in the generation of value via three modes of communication: planned communication, contact, and connectedness. The managerial relevance of the new conceptualisation is introduced through a case study of Finnair, the Finnish national airline, in which the phases of buyer-seller interaction are examined.