The first volume of this series features reviews of research programs, original research reports, and social scientific, historical, critical and humanistic methodologies.

The purpose of this second volume is to challenge and extend the field of research in public relations. Taking a proactive approach to creating a stable, yet not stagnant annual, the editors directly solicited chapters on exciting and intriguing subjects. Assuming some prior knowledge, interests, and commitment of their readers, the editors hope that each chapter's report on original research provides enough context for understanding even if the area of inquiry is new to the readers. Public Relations Research Annual, Volume 2, continues to advance within the discipline beyond anecdotes to practical theories and research. Educators, practitioners, and researchers will find this annual's presentations and critiques useful in creating a systematic framework for their own endeavors.

"An excellent text for encouraging students to think critically about key public relations issues. Not only does it help students to develop a deeper appreciation of public relations, it also helps them to develop valuable learning skills." - Amanda Coady, The Hague University "A typically excellent piece of work from Jacquie L′Etang. Critical of every basic concept and provocative to all students. Ideal for second and final year undergraduates, plus MA students." - Chris Rushton, Sunderland University "Extending beyond the usual bounds of insularity, this text is designed to encourage critical thought in students and improve practice in workplaces. A refreshing read that is consistently inventive enough to attain both aims." - David McKie, Waikato Management School "At long last fills a void in the landscape of text books on public relations theory and practice... it develops critical thinking skills while exposing interdisciplinary approaches and providing a very solid foundation for lively debate and further study - Julia Jahansoozi, University of Central Lancashire This book introduces students to the key concepts in Public Relations, with 12 chapters providing clear and careful explanations of concepts such as: Reputation Risk Impression management Celebrity Ethics Persuasion and propaganda Emotional and spiritual dimensions of management Promotional culture and globalization Drawing on a wide range of interdisciplinary sources, Jacquie L′Etang also encourages students to think critically about public relations as an occupation. Student exercises, ′critical reflections′, vignettes and ′discipline boxes′ help students to widen their intellectual perspective on the subject, and to really engage the thinking that has shaped both the discipline and practice of public relations.

Public Relations and Social Theory broadens the theoretical scope of public relations through its application of the works of prominent social theorists to the study of public relations. The volume focuses on the work of key social theorists, including Jürgen Habermas, Niklas Luhmann, Michel Foucault, Ulrich Beck, Pierre Bourdieu, Anthony Giddens, Robert Putnam, Erving Goffman, Peter L. Berger, Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, Bruno Latour, Leon Mayhew, Dorothy Smith and Max Weber. Unique in its approach, the collection demonstrates how the theories of these scholars come to bear on the understanding of public relations as a social activity. Understanding public relations in its societal context entails a focus on such concepts as trust, legitimacy, understanding, and reflection, as well as on issues of power, behavior, and language. Each chapter is devoted to an individual theorist, providing an overview of that theorist’s key concepts and contributions, and exploring how these concepts can be applied to public relations as a practice. Each chapter also includes a box giving a short and concise presentation of the theorist, along with recommendation of key works and secondary literature. Overall, this volume will enhance understanding of theories and their applications in public relations, expanding the breadth and depth of the theoretic foundations of public relations. It will be of great interest to scholars and graduate students in public relations and strategic communication.

Two commissions within the Public Relations Society of America have recently defined courses in case-study analysis, research methods, and behavioral-science theory as central to an acceptable public relations curriculum. To date, these three "streams" within PR education have run independently of each other. The authors produced this volume because they believe that there is a growing demand for an integrative "applied theory" approach to the study of public relations cases. The need for PR professionals to study the social, political, and economic contexts of public relations carefully had been apparent for some time as issues management and environment scanning emerged as focal points of modern public relations. Yet there was no systematic framework for such study. This volume, however, with its strong foundation in theory, provides just that framework and is highly suitable for graduate-level courses in public relations.

This new edition provides a comprehensive overview of current theory and research written by the top theorists and researchers in each area. It has been updated to address the growing influence of technology, changing relationships, and several growing integrated approaches to communication and includes seven new chapters on: ■ Digital Media ■ Media Effects ■ Privacy ■ Dark Side ■ Applied Communication ■ Relational Communication ■ Instructional Communication ■ Communication and the Law The book continues to be essential reading for students and faculty who want a thorough overview of contemporary communication theory and research.

The emergence of relationship management as a paradigm for public relations scholarship and practice requires a close examination of just what is achieved by public relations--its definition, function and value, and the benefits it generates. Initiated by the editors' interest in cross-disciplinary exploration, this volume evolved to its current form as a result of the need for a framework for understanding public relations and the potential impact of organization-public relationships on the study, practice, and teaching of public relations. Ledingham and Bruning include contributions that present state-of-the-art research in relationship management, applications of the relational perspective to various components of public relations, and the implications of the approach to influence further research and practice. The discussion conducted here is certain to influence and promote future theory and practice on the concept of relationship management.

An unparalleled guide to the theory and practice of public relations Reflecting advances in theory, research, and application in the discipline since the publication of the Handbook of Public Relations in 2001, this new volume is global in scope and unmatched in its coverage of both academic research and professional best practice. Key Features Presents major theories in the words of the leading advocates for each theory Covers the full range of theory, research, and practice in the discipline Positions public relations as a positive force to help make society more fully functional Challenges academics and practitioners to identify best practices that can inform the work of those in the profession

Nonprofit organizations are managing to carry out sophisticated public relations programming that cultivates relationships with their key audiences. Their public relations challenges, however, have routinely been understudied. Budgetary and staffing restraints often limit how these organizations carry out their fundraising, public awareness and activism efforts, and client outreach. This volume explores a range of public relations theories and topics important to the management of nonprofit organizations, including crisis management, communicating to strengthen engagement online and offline, and recruiting and retaining volunteer and donor support.

The Communication Yearbook annuals originally published between 1977 and 2009 publish diverse, state-of-the-discipline literature reviews that advance knowledge and understanding of communication systems, processes, and impacts across the discipline. Topics dealt with include Communication as Process, Research Methodology in Communication, Communication Effects, Taxonomy of Communication and European Communication Theory, Information Systems Division, Mass Communication Research, Mapping the Domain of Intercultural Communication, Public Relations, Feminist Scholarship, Communication Law and Policy, Visual Communication, Communication and Cross-Sex Friendships Across the Life Cycle, Television Programming and Sex Stereotyping, InterCultural Communication Training, Leadership and Relationships, Media Performance Assessment, Cognitive Approaches to Communication.