Your publication's nice, ... but is it necessary? (includes related article)

Business communicators can determine whether their organizational publications are really necessary if they can convincingly complete the sentence: "My publication helps the organization meet its strategic objectives by ..." Several editors of organizational publications were asked why their publications are essential to their organizations. The reasons cited were varied. The editors claimed that their publications support their organization's plans, align readers' interests and management's objectives, serve as a communication resource, clarify and promote the organization's culture, act as a catalyst for communication, and demonstrate how the company meets the needs of its customers and shareholders.