IAMCR Pre-Conference 2025

Big Tech and Global Influence: Rethinking CSR, Soft Power, and Strategic Communication in a Digital World

July 12, 2025

Singapore Management University (SMU), Singapore

supported by 

IAMCR-International Communication Section (INC)

IAMCR-Organizational Communication Working Group (OCWG)

Conference Introduction

At this pivotal moment in history, Big Tech companies have cemented their dominance in the global landscape, exerting an influence that transcends digital innovation and technological advancement. No longer just enablers of communication, economic growth, and connectivity, these corporations have become central actors in shaping global politics, international business, cultural narratives, and societal values. The platforms and technologies they develop are now integral to economic systems, governance structures, and public life, redefining power dynamics and reshaping the very fabric of the digital age.

As active social actors, technology companies can leverage soft power through their platforms, tools, and narratives (e.g., facilitating cultural flows, influencing public opinion, and crafting global perceptions in ways traditionally reserved for state actors and legacy media). By positioning themselves as drivers of innovation, inclusivity, and environmental sustainability, they navigate the complex terrain of strategic communication to build influence and legitimacy across diverse geopolitical and social contexts.

However, with such growing influence, WHERE are the boundaries of roles and responsibilities for Big Techs in global society? HOW do they define and enact their corporate social responsibilities (CSR), particularly when operating across varying cultural, market, and regulatory landscapes?

The expansive reach of Big Tech places their CSR commitments under scrutiny, as they face mounting demands for accountability, transparency, ethical practices, and a tangible commitment to reducing environmental impact. From addressing accusations of greenwashing and bridging the digital divide to combating misinformation,  mitigating algorithmic bias, and ensuring ethical AI development, the challenges confronting Big Tech intersect with urgent global concerns that extend beyond profit-driven motives. At the same time, their actions—or inaction— have far-reaching consequences for political stability, international relations, and public trust.

Conference Theme

This conference seeks to unpack the interplay between technology, corporate power, societal responsibility and strategic communication through interdisciplinary perspectives. Topics include but are not limited to:

1. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in a Globalized Tech Landscape

• What are the emerging trends and best practices in CSR initiatives from tech companies that harness the power of technology and innovation?
• How do Big Techs balance their dual imperatives of technological innovation for the public good and their profit-driven objectives, so as to integrate CSR meaningfully into their organizational culture, core business models, and decision-making processes?
• How can Big Tech leverage their vast resources and influence to address global challenges such as sustainability, social equity, misinformation, and algorithmic biases and promote positive social and environmental change at a global scale?

2. Soft Power and the Geopolitics of Big Tech

• How do Big Tech corporations function as geopolitical actors, leveraging soft power through cultural flows, public opinion, and global perceptions?
• How does Big Tech’s exercise of visible and invisible soft power impact global governance, international cooperation, and cultural exchange?
• How do global audiences, policymakers, and societies respond to the rise of Big Tech as key geopolitical and cultural actors? And how do they mediate, challenge, or reinforce the societal impact of technology?

3. Strategic Communication in the Digital Era

• What strategic communication practices and emerging technologies (e.g., AI-driven messaging, virtual reality) enable Big Tech to build and sustain legitimacy, trust, and influence by reshaping stakeholder engagement and tailoring strategic messaging across diverse cultural contexts?
• How are techno-solutionism and new AI technologies marketed, and what role do these narratives play in shaping public and policymaker perceptions, both when addressing and overlooking underlying systemic problems?
• What frameworks and policies are necessary to hold Big Tech accountable for their environmental and societal impact across diverse regions and cultures?

Important Dates

• Abstract Submission Deadline: April 30, 2025
• Notification of Acceptance: May 15, 2025
• Full Paper Submission (optional): June 30, 2025
• Conference Dates: July 12, 2025

Submission Guidelines

This conference is intended for academics, practitioners, policymakers, and graduate students whose work intersects with the study of technology, power, communication, and corporate responsibility. We particularly welcome case studies examine tech companies and their digital products and services—such as and not limited to those developed by Alphabet, Meta, Tencent, Samsung, and Spotify—across various business regions and domains for the global market. Contributions that incorporate diverse methodological approaches and cultural perspectives are highly encouraged. 

• Abstracts should not exceed 600 words and must clearly articulate the research problem, objectives, methodology, and relevance to the conference theme.
• Submissions must include a brief biography of each author (maximum 150 words).
• Submissions must be uploaded through Easychair platform.

Presentation Formats: The conference features a range of presentation formats, including:

• Individual Paper Presentations: 15  minutes followed by Q&A.
• Thematic Panels: Pre-organized sessions addressing specific sub-themes (3-4 papers).
• Roundtables: Interactive discussions on emerging issues and methodologies.

All papers must be original and not simultaneously submitted to another journal or conference.

Committees

Organizing Committee

• Zhan Zhang, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, China
• Rong Wang, Vanderbilt University, the United States
• Anilesh Kumar, Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College, China
• Deqiang Ji, Communication University of China, China
• Gisela Gonçalves, University of Beira Interior, Portugal
• Abena A. Yeboah-Banin, University of Ghana, Ghana

Contact

All questions about submissions should be emailed to bigtechpreconference@gmail.com.