User:Icerat/Sandbox/company article guidelines

Sections

Each industry and each company will have specific requirements to assure adequate, relevant coverage, however there is a broad structure that may be used as a guideline.

Lead

Main page: WP:LEAD

The lead (also known as lede) serves both as an introduction to the article and as a summary of its most important aspects. The lead should be able to stand alone as a concise overview of the article. Please review WP:LEAD for more in-depth advice. It is important to avoid using the lead to push particular POVs, especially of an advertorial or controversial nature. Only the most notable issues should be covered.

History

The article should be about the company and any of it's predecessors, the names of which may have changed due to mergers, acquisitions, de-mergers, legal challenges, etc. The history section should give an over of the origins of a company, its founders, and its development and changes over time. This may include merges and acquisitions as well as significant milestones in business or product development and any related controversies.

Corporate Structure

Ownership (including parent companies and/or prominent shareholders) and any subsidiaries and/or divisions should be noted. If a list is extensive, then a separate article should be created and linked to (see for example Sony_Corporation_shareholders_and_subsidiaries).

Key People, such as executives, boards of directors or other notable persons, and their positions, may be noted in the Company Info Template as well as in the main body article. Any notable committees or advisory boards should be included here. Information about people must abide by WP:BLP policy.

Business Operations

Business Model

The companies business model should be described, including the market segments in which it competes and it's marketing approaches.

Locations

Key locations such as headquarters and manufacturing locations would be appropriate here. Extensive lists of outlets would not be appropriate.

Culture

Discussion of corporate culture may be appropriate.

Products, Services & Brands

There should be a section on the company's brands, products and services. The section should include information on any awards, certifications, or recognitions the products/services have received, as well as any criticism from independent, reliable sources. Information on sales rankings and/or competitors, sourced to reliable business intelligence firms such as Hoover's or other reliable sources can be included here.

Research & Development

R&D

Financial Data

Data on revenue, and for public companies, share price can be provided here, in tabular and/or graph form if appropriate. Unless specifically notable, commentary on share prices, such as recommendations to buy or sell, should generally not be noted as these are generally temporary.

Sales and Marketing

advertising, sponsorships, endorsements

Corporate Social Responsibility

philanthropy, environment

External Links

Main page: WP:El

External Links is not a place to promote links to websites that would not otherwise qualify as wikipedia sources. A link to the companies official website is appropriate. Links to other corporate websites that can be easily reached from the main company website should usually not be included. A link to an external agency report on the company, such as to the Hoover's, the Better Business Bureau, or a stock exchange are appropriate. Links to POV, fan, or other self-published websites should be avoided unless non-controversial and accepted by all editors.