New Delhi [India], October 10: Author Pavan Kaushik’s ‘The Fifth Estate: Corporate Communication’ makes a clear case for recognising Corporate Communication as an institution rather than a function—one that increasingly influences trust, reputation, leadership credibility, stakeholder confidence and organisational resilience.
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‘The Fifth Estate’ takes this evolution a step further by arguing that Corporate Communication experts should have a place at the Board level, including as Independent Directors, given the growing importance of trust, reputation, stakeholder confidence and organisational communication to business outcomes.
Pavan Kaushik, a Communication Economist and Advisor to Founders & CXOs in critical sectors, says: “My question is simple: If a communication expert understands the business, governance and regulatory responsibilities of the Board; possesses the required financial, legal, operational and industry expertise; and brings a deeper understanding of stakeholders, reputation and organisational communication, why not have such an expert on the Board as an Independent Director? That combination adds another dimension to independent judgement—what I call Communication Economies.” Also Read | Essex Releases Bangladesh-Origin Cricketer Robin Das Following Rape Allegations; Trial Set for January 2028.
He is also registered as an Independent Director in the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) Databank, supporting his Board-level perspective on communication, reputation and stakeholder trust.
‘The Fifth Estate’ is written for promoters, founders, chairpersons, CEOs, CXOs, Board members and communication professionals.
The proposition has prompted responses from CXOs and senior industry professionals who have read ‘The Fifth Estate’, with their reviews highlighting the changing role of Corporate Communication and its growing relevance to leadership, trust, reputation and stakeholder confidence.
Sunil Duggal, CEO - Bhumi Ventures and former CEO of Vedanta Group and Hindustan Zinc, brings his experience as a business leader and Independent Director to his review of the book.
“The Fifth Estate: Corporate Communication is a book that was long overdue.
It makes a compelling case for Corporate Communication to evolve beyond a support function into a strategic institution built around trust, reputation, leadership credibility and stakeholder confidence.
Its arguments are practical and grounded in real business experience, with its perspectives on crisis management, leadership voice, reputation, trust and human judgment particularly relevant in today’s business environment.
For promoters, chairpersons, CEOs, CXOs, Board members and communication professionals, The Fifth Estate challenges conventional thinking and reinforces a critical reality: Corporate Communication is no longer about communicating business—it is increasingly about shaping trust, reputation and long-term organisational sustainability”, says Dr.
Sunil Duggal.
Chirag Warty, Chief Product Officer - Ved Sanjeevani, says: "The reframing of communication as an institution rather than a function is the genuinely useful....
