“What Planet Are You On” - Making Meaning of Sustainability Through Storytelling

  • Nancy T. Ladeinde

Student thesis: Master's ThesisMaster of Arts (MA)

Abstract

The term “Sustainability” has come to stay as it is deeply integrated into our everyday life, although it seems complex to understand and engage with. The purpose of this thesis is to know how Unilever, a global consumer goods organization, makes meaning of its sustainability efforts. The method used to achieve this is a thematic analysis of Unilever’s campaign “What Planet Are You On?” a brand campaign documenting their sustainability efforts. Building on storytelling as a theoretical framework, it delves into the strategic use of stories as a communication tool for sustainability efforts, emphasizing its impact on brand narrative, stakeholder engagement, and effective communication of these efforts. The results of this analysis indicate an effective way to communicate sustainability is by embodying story archetypes which Unilever utilized through the heroic narrative communicated. Other findings may also guide organizations in developing and executing effective sustainability communication strategies. This study contributes to the owing body of knowledge on sustainability communication and storytelling as a lens through which we understand sustainability.
Date of Award2024
Original languageAmerican English
Awarding Institution
  • Eastern Illinois University
SupervisorChigozirim U. Sodeke (Supervisor)

ASJC Scopus Subject Areas

  • Communication

Cite this

'