The goal of this paper is to introduce the basic concepts of investor relations and the measurement of that function. It is intended to be a primer rather than an advanced textbook. For more information on investor relations, readers should contact the National Investor Relations Institute. This association, of corporate investor relations executives and counselors, offers programs and publications that are very worthwhile.

Investors and those who influence investors are a multi-dimensional and interconnected constituency. To be effective, investor relations executives need to understand the intricacies of this constituency and communicate well with all parts of this constituency. This paper focuses on:

• Defining the players who comprise the investor relations constituency
• Exploring the communications channels
• Discussing ways to evaluate progress