CORPORATE REPUTATION MANAGEMENT AND IMAGE MANAGEMENT OF THE CROSS RIVER STATE GOVERNMENT
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64415/jams.v1i2.66Keywords:
Corporate Reputation Management, Image Management, Stakeholder Trust, Public Perception, Government Credibility, GovernanceAbstract
This study examined the influence of corporate reputation management and image management on stakeholder trust, public perception, and government credibility in Cross River State, Nigeria. The study adopted a mixed-methods case study design involving stakeholders drawn from the three senatorial districts of the state. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and key informant interviews and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson Product-Moment Correlation, Multiple Regression Analysis, and thematic analysis. Findings revealed that stakeholders generally perceive the reputation of the Cross River State Government positively and that the government actively employs image management strategies such as media relations, social media communication, public enlightenment campaigns, and stakeholder engagement programmes. The study established a significant positive relationship between corporate reputation management and stakeholder trust and found that image management strategies significantly influence public perceptions of governance performance. The findings support Stakeholder Theory and demonstrate that reputation and image management are critical determinants of government credibility, public trust, and institutional legitimacy. The study concludes that transparency, accountability, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communication are essential for effective governance. Recommendations include strengthening strategic communication frameworks, expanding stakeholder engagement platforms, improving digital communication practices, and institutionalizing reputation monitoring mechanisms.
Keywords: Corporate Reputation Management, Image Management, Stakeholder Trust, Public Perception, Government Credibility, Governance.
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