Investor relations became a key part of a listed company's communication strategy in the latter 20th century as needs for capital accelerated and large, aggregated pools of funds became more active in the equity markets. As the availability of investment capital increased, corporations recognized the need to compete for these funds,requiring a higher standard of communication based on transparency, appropriate guidance and, at times, crisis management.

Today, publicly-listed companies have increasingly adopted the need for a rigorous approach to IR. Those who excel at the art and science of IR communications demonstrate theircommitment to their current investors and a desire to expand their shareholder roles.