Oxford University Centre for Corporate Reputation, established in January 2008, is an independent research centre which aims to promote a better understanding of the way in which the reputation of corporations and institutions around the world are created, sustained, enhanced, destroyed and rehabilitated.
Directed and founded by Rupert Younger, the Centre is based within the Saïd Business School, University of Oxford. The Centre’s research team is involved in multidisciplinary research into various aspects of corporate reputation. Its research is directed through six core programme areas, each led by a senior academic from within the Business School working with dedicated research fellows and academic faculty both within and outside Oxford. Programme areas include marketing and brand equity; corporate governance, investor relations and the determinants of firm value; product standards; leadership and human resource management; the role of business in society and organisations’ corporate social responsibility. The Centre’s research draws upon the wider resources of Oxford University connecting with the economics, law, history, psychology, politics and sociology departments. The Centre’s analysis is independent of companies, governments, political parties or any other vested interest.
The Centre has appointed a select group of International Research Fellows from academic institutions around the world, with particular research expertise in economics, law, psychology, politics and sociology. Additionally, the Centre has secured the services and support of 78 Visiting Fellows from the highest echelons of government, industry, the media, the professions and other external institutions. Committing their time to the Centre, these individuals take part in seminars for Centre Research Staff; play a critical role in the Reputation and Leadership education programme; provide access to key personnel for the development of case studies, and generously support the work of the Centre. From this group the Centre has appointed a Global Advisory Board. The business experience of this board helps shape the Centre’s research development.