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Business & Technical Writing/"corporate" usage - follow up question

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Expert: - 11/23/2010


Question
QUESTION: Dear Sir,

Is it okay to use "corporate" in the context of state/governmental agencies? For example, the Corporate Secretary and Public Affairs Department of the Ministry of Finance responsible for being the secretary to the department's top management, handling media and public relations.

I was told the word should be strictly used with the private sector. If it is inappropriate for public agencies, could you kindly suggest an alternative?

Thank you for your time. Looking forward to your reply.

Best regards,
Kris

ANSWER: I'm confused, Kris. IS the name of the agency the "Corporate Secretary and Public Affairs Department of the Ministry of Finance"? The way you wrote it, it looks that way, but I have to ask. If that is NOT the name of the agency or function within in, what is its name?

Thanks--

Warren

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dear Warren,

Thank you very much for your prompt reply. Let me try again.

My organization is a governmental agency. We are reshuffling and my department which is currently named "Corporate Affairs" will be responsible for media and public relations in addition to being the secretariat to the top management of the organization.

The alternatives for the new name have been narrowed down to the followings.

1. The Department of Secretary-General Office
2. The Department of Secretary-General and Commission Secretariat Office
3. The Department of Corporate Secretary and Public Affairs

I think they are too long and the current name, "Corporate Affairs", or at least choice no. 3, should do. But there is the issue of "corporate" usage I'm trying to solve. What do you think?  

Answer
Kris, somehow you submitted the identical question to me twice. If I don't reply to both of them, AllExperts.com lands on me with both feet. So consider this a response, albeit a non-substantive one, to you clarification and excellent question. I will respond to "the other question" - which is identical to this one.

Take care, and thanks for your patience--

Warren

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Warren D. Miller

Expertise

I believe I can answer nearly any question about business writing. That goes in spades if the target audience is a lay readership. I make my living writing and speaking. N.B.: I DO NOT ANSWER QUESTIONS MARKED 'PRIVATE' because I believe that knowledge should be shared, not hoarded. I also believe such questions are likely to be submitted by people trying to cheat. In addition, don't waste your time asking me to write something for you. You don't learn anything if I do that. I'm happy to critique something that YOU write, of course. That's the best way for you to learn how to write well.

Experience

My profession is business valuation, which means appraising businesses whose shares are not publicly traded. This requires in-depth knowledge about a number of disciplines, including economics, finance, strategic management, accounting, anthropology, statistics, and psychology. The left-brain part of me must conduct rigorous research and financial analysis. The right-brain side must then separate what matters from what doesn't and then explain it all in writing (and in everyday English) to people (usually business owners, but sometimes judges and juries) who do not have the expertise that I have been lucky enough to acquire over the years. I love what I do and consider myself fortunate to live in a country where I can do what I love doing and make a nice living doing it. I am glad to help with writing issues, but NOT, please, with any valuation, business consulting, or other non-writing questions.

Organizations
CFA Institute, American Society of Appraisers, Strategic Management Society, Academy of Management, Culver Legion, National Association of Scholars.

Publications
Besides two published books (search for "Warren D. Miller" on Amazon), I have written for the Harvard Business Review, American Fly Fisher, Business Valuation Review, CPA Expert, Academy of Management Executive, CFA Digest, Valuation Strategies, and others.

Education/Credentials
MBA - Oklahoma State U. (1991); BBA - U. of Oklahoma (1975); Chartered Financial Analyst designation (2006) Accredited Senior Appraiser (2006) Certified Public Accountant (1992)

Awards and Honors
Business Valuation Volunteer of the Year (2001) - American Institute of CPAs Winner - Oklahoma Humorous-Speaking Contest - Toastmasters International (1971)

Past/Present Clients
Confidential.

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