‘Its’ or ‘their’ when referring to companies and organisations?
There are no official rules on the use of ‘its’ or 'their' when referring to companies or organisations. The choice often comes down to personal preference and style. That said, there are some guidelines you can follow.
When referring to companies as a single entity, it’s appropriate to use ‘its’. For example:
- WeBuildSmarter is known for its sustainable products.
- The company launched its new product.
‘Their’ is used to signal a more collective approach that includes the individuals within the company. This usage can be more informal and is seen in contexts where the focus is on the collective actions of the people in the organisation. For example:
- Google is a tech giant, and their employees are working on many exciting projects.
In practice, both forms are common and accepted, but it’s important that you are consistent in their use. Always consider the context and tone of the communication when deciding which pronouns to use. If you’re writing formally, ‘its’ is most appropriate, while ‘their’ may be a better choice in more informal contexts.