Global Capability Framework

The Global Capability Framework is the Global Alliance’s benchmark for how professionals in public relations and communication management perform at their best. It applies to individuals and groups, such as communication departments and the profession as a whole.

The Framework itself is shown below. Specialist software has been developed which allows individuals and teams to measure their current capabilities and to plan their professional development for up to five years. This software is only available to professional associations who are members of the Global Alliance and is a free benefit of membership. Associations can register for access here. The software will then be available to all their members.

Developing the framework took two years and required he researchers to examine the aspirations and opinions of practitioners in every continent. The results below show the capabilities that professionals hold in common across the world.

The eleven capabilities are grouped into three areas: the contribution that professionals make because they are communication professionals; the contribution they make to their organisations; and the capabilities which demonstrate professionalism.

Each of these capabilities also have three or four sub capabilities, which explain in more detail what is meant by the main headings. These are given below.

C A P A B I L I T I E S S U B C A P A B I L I T I E S
To align communication strategies with organisational purpose and values

You set clear communication objectives that are aligned to organisational objectives and then see them through

You act as an architect of communication plans, enacting the purpose, values and policies of the organisation

You understand how communication can – and cannot – help an organisation realise its objective

To identify and address communication problems proactively

You create short and long-term narratives to facilitate communication with multiple organisational stakeholders

You identify opportunities to design organisational communication, and outline core content

You develop integrated communication operations

To conduct formative and evaluative research to underpin communication strategies and tactics

You use research to listen to and understand situations before, during and after communication and relationship-building activities

You manage research design, data collection and analysis to improve communication outcomes You establish evaluation systems to demonstrate the impact of communication

To communicate effectively across a full range of platforms and technologies

You have command of communication specialties, such as investor relations, and understand the optimum channels for specific stakeholders

You communicate effectively across paid, earned, shared and owned (PESO) channels

You have or can source strong written and visual skills to create and tell stories that engage and connect with diverse publics

You synthesise complex concepts and convert them to simple, clear and relevant content

To facilitate relationships and build trust with internal and external stakeholders and communities

You identify, analyse and listen to stakeholders and their communication needs

You develop stakeholder engagement strategies and partnerships that are mutually beneficial

You communicate sensitively with stakeholders and communities across a range of cultural and other values and beliefs

To build and enhance organisational reputation

You identify, analyse and strategically advise on key issues and risks for the organisation You help the organisation to define and enact its purpose and values

You help shape organisational culture and its processes

You understand and manage key intangible assets (e.g. brand, culture, sustainability)

To provide contextual intelligence

You see the bigger picture - socially, culturally, politically, technologically and economically You identify strategic opportunities and threats, issues and trends

You operate in a connected world, demonstrating broad understanding of local and global diversity in culture, values and beliefs

To provide valued counsel and be a trusted advisor

You combine a long term perspective with the agility to manage crises

You offer strategic counsel to executive management, particularly regarding the interests of multiple stakeholders

You influence organisational decision-making and development You negotiate with empathy and respect for all parties

To offer organisational leadership

You are part of, or have access to, the executive management team and help build internal alliances within the organisation

You demonstrate communication leadership by encouraging management based on dialogue

You demonstrate business and financial acumen through sound knowledge of the organisation’s business and core processes

To work within an ethical framework on behalf of the organisation, in line with professional and society’s expectations

You consider business objectives in the light of society’s expectations

You clarify the consequences of a proposed action on others, ensuring potential outcomes are understood by decision-makers

You understand and apply ethical frameworks

You recognise and observe the societal obligations of professionals

To develop self and others, including continuing professional learning

You take responsibility for your own continuous professional development, through a range of activities including training and education

You participate in industry events, represent the industry in public, and educate others on the role and value of public relations to employers and clients

You are able to offer professional guidance which involves, motivates and contributes to personal and team development

The Global Alliance is grateful to Professor Anne Gregory from the University of Huddersfield in the UK, a former Chair of the Global Alliance, who directed the research and worked with fellow researchers and professional associations in nine countries to develop the Framework. Principal Researcher Dr Johanna Fawkes (UK); Professor Gabriel Sadi (Argentina); Dr Marianne Sison & Dr Katharina Wolf (Australia); Professor Amy Thurlow & Dr Alex Sevigny (Canada); Professor Gregor Halff (Singapore); Professor Elena Gutierrez-Garcia (Spain); Professor Ronel Rensburg (South Africa); Professor Jesper Falkheimer (Sweden); Professor Katerina Tsetsura (USA).