Public Relations Leaders As Sensemakers

Public Relations Leaders as Sensemakers presents foundational research on the public relations profession, providing a current and compelling picture of expanding global practice. Utilizing data from one of the largest studies ever conducted in the field, and representing the perspectives of 4,500 practitioners, private and state-run companies, communication agencies, government agencies, and nonprofits, this work advances a theory of integrated leadership in public relations and highlights future research needs and educational implications. This volume is appropriate for graduate and advanced undergraduate students in international public relations and communication management, as well as scholars in global public relations, communication management, and business. It is also intended to supplement courses in public relations theory, strategic communication, business management, and leadership development.

Public Relations Leaders as Sensemakers presents foundational research on the public relations profession, providing a current and compelling picture of expanding global practice. Utilizing data from one of the largest studies ever conducted in the field, and representing the perspectives of 4,500 practitioners, private and state-run companies, communication agencies, government agencies, and nonprofits, this work advances a theory of integrated leadership in public relations and highlights future research needs and educational implications. This volume is appropriate for graduate and advanced undergraduate students in international public relations and communication management, as well as scholars in global public relations, communication management, and business. It is also intended to supplement courses in public relations theory, strategic communication, business management, and leadership development.

This book focuses on the relationship between leadership and diversity, inclusion and equity within the US public relations industry. The authors argue that there is ample research evidence that diversity and inclusion efforts cannot succeed without leadership support that commits to and assumes responsibility and accountability for the structural and cultural changes required. Drawing on literature from three different areas – public relations, diversity and inclusion/equity in US societal and organizational contexts and leadership – the authors build a conceptual framework and model for inclusive leadership in public relations that addresses industry dynamics. The book is timely as a resource for public relations scholars and as a supplementary text for advanced courses in public relations principles, theory, management, leadership and diversity. It also provides practitioners theoretical guidance on how to improve diversity, inclusion and equity in their organizations.

Public relations professionals are operating in an increasingly challenging and complex environment. Pressures from outside the organisation include new accountabilities, empowered stakeholders, increased public cynicism and a new communication landscape. Internally, there are increasing demands to demonstrate a strategic contribution, alongside a requirement to coach and counsel senior managers exposed to these environmental pressures. This revised and updated edition provides a framework to enable public relations professionals to clearly articulate and demonstrate their own contribution to organisational effectiveness, while also setting out the specific capabilities public relations leaders must exhibit to operate at the highest levels of the organisation. This edition further develops the pioneering approach to integrating thinking around public relations, leadership, and strategy. It has been updated comprehensively to address contemporary developments and introduce new research and fresh perspectives from the authors. New to this edition are insights from Chief Executives on what they expect from public relations leaders and a comprehensive set of capabilities which scope the demanding role of professionals at the top of their game. Concise and practical, this textbook is suitable for MBA and other postgraduate and executive education qualifications in Public Relations and Corporate Communications – especially for those students who wish to pursue a successful career as a professional public relations specialist, able to operate strategically at the top of successful organisations.

Through interviews with members of the Public Relations Society of America College of Fellows, this book provides lessons on public relations leadership for the next generation. Often, our focus on high profile leaders is centered on success stories, but so much can be learned from the trials, or “crucibles,” they have faced and how leaders overcame and were shaped by these challenges. The Fellows interviewed represent a diverse group of accomplished professionals with specializations ranging from military public affairs and government, corporate, education, agency, and nonprofit organizations. A focus on ethical values, virtues, and ethical leadership will inspire readers to themselves confidently lead. This book will be of interest to advanced students in public relations programs or young professionals looking to forge their careers in public relations leadership.

The second edition of Managing Public Relations introduces students to the key concepts and practices involved in the day-to-day running of a PR operation, whether it is a company department, an independent agency, or any organized group focused on PR. The book’s unique approach places the PR function within the broader context of an organization, equipping students with the essential business knowledge, perspective, and skills needed when starting out in their careers. This second edition has been fully updated throughout and includes: Current examples and testimonials from across the globe, as well as updated "Executive Viewpoints" Expanded content on strategic planning, budgeting, and financial statements Detailed commentary on topics relevant to the modern workplace, including remote management Consideration of diversity, inclusion, equity, and access within PR Additional content on the use of analytics and measuring return on investment (ROI) Updated online material, including an Instructor’s Manual that incorporates problem-based questions, example assignments, and activities A highly practical and comprehensive guide, this textbook should be essential reading for advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students studying public relations management, strategic communications and marketing management.

The industry of public relations is rapidly evolving, requiring practitioners to have greater specialization than ever before. Hand in hand with the growth of the industry, educational programs have developed to address the growing need for quality preparation for future practitioners. Public Relations: Competencies and Practice focuses on the required competencies expected and applications of public relations into specific sectors of practice. Based on competencies identified by organizations such as the Commission on Public Relations Education and the Public Relations Society of America, Public Relations provides a robust examination of areas such as diversity, leadership, and ethics. The second part of the text focuses on these unique requirements for undergraduate and graduate students focused on entering sectors such as entertainment public relations, nonprofit public relations, or investor relations. The book also features online resources for instructors: Sample course syllabus Discussion questions Suggested midterm and final project Public Relations offers students competency- and practice-focused content from top PR experts and incorporates interviews from professionals in the field to show students how to apply competencies in specific practice sectors.

Explore a wide range of theoretical frameworks and themes for public relations in this comprehensive and authoritative work Public Relations Theory: Capabilities and Competencies is a comprehensive overview of the major theoretical perspectives in public relations, considering the evolution, diversification and merger of approaches that have been spurred by rapid changes in society, cultural boundaries, technology, and media environments. Authors Jae-Hwa Shin and Robert Heath explain both organizational and social theories of public relations, including cases and challenges to help students bring theory and research to bear on solving the daily challenges of public relations practice. Rather than advocate in favor of a particular theoretical view or position, Public Relations Theory: Capabilities and Competencies covers a broad range of theoretical perspectives and themes in public relations, including: An examination of excellence theory, contingency theory, rhetorical theory, and critical theory as these perspectives apply to public relations Issues management, crisis management, risk management and conflict management with respect to public relations Combining theory and practice for conceptualization and strategic execution of robust public relations programs and campaigns The importance of public relations ethics to serve the public good How to define “the public” or “relationships” in the field of public relations The book closes with discussion of emerging topics and the recent transformation of public relations theory to take diversity, technology, and global identity into account and offers insight into future direction. This book is perfect for upper level undergraduate and graduate students of public relations in journalism and communication. It will also be useful for public relations practitioners who hope to improve their understanding of the theoretical background and principles of their work and serve as an excellent reference for doctoral students and researchers in the area.