The comprehensive guide to applied PR theory in the 21st century Public Relations Theory explores the central principles and theoretical components of public relations and their practical applications in actual situations. This informative text helps readers to understand the concepts, approaches, and perspectives of PR theory and learn development methods, implementation strategies, management techniques, and more. Chapters written by recognized experts on each topic provide readers with knowledge on how, when, and why appropriate theories are applied. Focusing on how organizations and individuals integrate theory in a public relations framework, each chapter explains one function, explores its potential challenges and opportunities, provides an example of the function in practice, and offers discussion questions and additional reading suggestions. Unique in structure, this text arranges chapters by function, rather than theory, allowing readers to see how multiple theories can be applied to each public relations function and how theories can be used in different professional settings. Comprehensive treatment of topics including social and emerging media, globalization, public diplomacy, corporate and investor relations, and others ensures relevant and timely coverage of contemporary PR issues. Demonstrates how public relations theory is applied in real-world practice Illustrates how successfully applied public relations theories lead to positive outcomes Discusses the relevance of public relations with accessible and engaging language Offers multiple perspectives from leading international public relations scholars Includes pedagogical tools including chapter discussion questions, practical examples, tables, and suggested reading lists Public Relations Theory: Application and Understanding is suitable for instructors and graduate and advanced undergraduate students in courses on public relations theory, as well as practitioners seeking further knowledge on the most current developments in the field.

Beginning with the basic premise that public relations can best be understood as a specialized type of communication, the contributors to this volume establish public relations as a vital and viable realm for communication research and theory development. Through the application of communication theories, they attempt to explain and predict public relations practices and then use these practices to develop communication theories. Their discussions fall into three distinct categories: metatheory, theory, and examples of applications of theories. An ideal volume for professionals and students in communication, journalism, and related fields.

Winner of the 2021 National Communication Association PRIDE award in the 'Outstanding Textbook' category! 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.

Reflecting the ever-increasing changes in the public relations industry, this new text offers a fresh, up-to-date look at public relations theories as well as theories from related areas that impact public relations. Chapters move from the oldest areas of communication theory through newer models devoted to interpersonal, organizational, and mediated, up to the most current theories devoted to emerging media, including digital and social. Readers will learn how public relations and persuasion theories are at the heart of a practitioner’s day-to-day work, and see how a strong understanding of theories can make them more effective and strategic professionals.

This important book chronicles, responds to, and advances the leading theories in the public relations discipline. Taking up the work begun by the books Public Relations Theory and Public Relations Theory II, this volume offers completely original material reflecting public relations as practiced today. It features contributions by leading public relations researchers from around the world who write about new developments in the field. Important subjects include: a turn to more humanistic, social, dialogic, and cocreational perspectives on public relations; changes in the capacity and use of new information technologies; a greater emphasis on non-Western international and intercultural public relations that considers an increasingly politically polarized culture; and issues of ethics that look beyond how clients and the traditional mass media are treated and into much broader questions of voice, agency, race, identity, and the economic and political status of publics. This book is a touchstone for advanced undergraduate and graduate courses in public relations theory and a key reference for researchers.

This volume addresses the "next generation" of public relations theory, reflecting the growth that has occurred in the discipline during the last several years. It is appropriate for scholars, students, and practitioners in the field of public relations.

"Toward the Common Good" presents the first comprehensive discussion and analysis of public relations in emerging democracies by the world's leading scholars in the field. Focusing on countries in Latin America, Europe, Africa, and Asia, this text offers both theoretical foundations and practical applications for public relations in a global context. It examines a broad range of public relations practices and institutions within a discussion of history, politics, economics, culture, and communication. The text offers a multicultural approach that includes both well-known scholars and new, alternative voices. With cutting-edge research and a global perspective, "Toward the Common Good" is essential for students preparing for 21st century careers in public relations. Exciting Features Introductory essays to each regional section, helps students think about issues and trends across the entire region under discussion. Country profiles at the beginning of each chapter give a snapshot of each country for quick reference. Key points listed at the beginning of each chapter, help students get the most from each reading. Discussion questions at the end of every chapter help students recall the main points and think critically about them, and to encourage classroom discussion. Lists of web sites give additional sources for information on topics and organizations referenced in the chapters.