Published in book form, this is a scholarly periodical of academic research in public relations, containing refereed reviews and reports of original studies. It follows the current trend toward more solidly grounded, theoretical research in a field that has only begun to mature. The studies and reviews presented represent the most contemporary thought and investigation brought to bear on this subject. Many relevant topics are discussed, including communication roles, women's issues in the feminization of the field, the concepts of symmetry and game theory, and finally, publics -- dealing with roles, risk takers, and how audiences receive, process, and retain messages on public policy issues.

Published in book form, this is a scholarly periodical of academic research in public relations, containing refereed reviews and reports of original studies. It follows the current trend toward more solidly grounded, theoretical research in a field that has only begun to mature. The studies and reviews presented represent the most contemporary thought and investigation brought to bear on this subject. Many relevant topics are discussed, including communication roles, women's issues in the feminization of the field, the concepts of symmetry and game theory, and finally, publics -- dealing with roles, risk takers, and how audiences receive, process, and retain messages on public policy issues.

This book is the final product of the "excellence project"--a comprehensive research effort commissioned by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Research Foundation. Going well beyond any of the previously published reports on the Excellence study, this book contains many new statistical analyses of the survey data and more details from the case studies. Discussing theory and data related to several ongoing discussions in the communication profession, this book answers the following questions:
*How can we show the value of public relations?
*What is the value of relationships?
*How do relationships affect reputation?
*What does it mean to practice communication strategically?
*How can we measure and evaluate the effects of public relations programs?
*Should communication programs be integrated?
*How does the new female majority in the profession affect communication Excellence?
This book, as well as the research it reports, is the product of symmetrical communication and collaboration. As such, it is intended for scholars, applied researchers, students, and informed professionals who understand the value of research in developing a profession, such as public relations. Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods will make it easier to understand the book; however, the results are interpreted in a way that makes the analyses understandable even to those with little or no knowledge of statistics and research methods.

This book reports findings of a three-nation study of public relations and communication management sponsored by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Research Foundation. The Excellence Study provides communication managers and public relations practitioners with information critical to their own professional growth, and supplies organizations with tools that help them communicate more effectively and build beneficial relations with key publics. Communication excellence is a powerful idea of sweeping scope that applies to all organizations -- large or small -- that need to communicate effectively with publics on whom the organization's survival and growth depend. The essential elements of excellent communication are the same for corporations, not-for-profit organizations, government agencies, and professional/trade associations. And they are applicable on a global basis.
The study identifies three spheres of communication excellence. These spheres consider the overall function and role of communication in organizations, and define the organization of this book. They are:
* the core or inner sphere of communication excellence -- the "knowledge base" of the communication department,
* the "shared expectations" of top communicators and senior managers about the function and role of communication, and
* the organization's culture -- the larger context that either nurtures or impedes communication excellence.
This text also examines communication excellence as demonstrated in specific programs developed for specific publics.

This book reports findings of a three-nation study of public relations and communication management sponsored by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Research Foundation. The Excellence Study provides communication managers and public relations practitioners with information critical to their own professional growth, and supplies organizations with tools that help them communicate more effectively and build beneficial relations with key publics. Communication excellence is a powerful idea of sweeping scope that applies to all organizations -- large or small -- that need to communicate effectively with publics on whom the organization's survival and growth depend. The essential elements of excellent communication are the same for corporations, not-for-profit organizations, government agencies, and professional/trade associations. And they are applicable on a global basis.
The study identifies three spheres of communication excellence. These spheres consider the overall function and role of communication in organizations, and define the organization of this book. They are:
* the core or inner sphere of communication excellence -- the "knowledge base" of the communication department,
* the "shared expectations" of top communicators and senior managers about the function and role of communication, and
* the organization's culture -- the larger context that either nurtures or impedes communication excellence.
This text also examines communication excellence as demonstrated in specific programs developed for specific publics.

This book is the initial volume coming out of the "excellence project"--a comprehensive research effort commissioned by the IABC (International Association of Business Communicators) Research Foundation. The purpose of this project was to answer two fundamental questions about public relations: What are the characteristics of an excellent communication department? How does excellent public relations make an organization more effective, and how much is that contribution worth economically? The research team began its work with a thorough review of the literature in public relations and related disciplines relevant to these questions. What started as a literature review, however, has ended in a general theory of public relations, one that integrates most of the wide range of ideas about, and practices of, communication management in organizations.

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.

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

This book is the final product of the "excellence project"--a comprehensive research effort commissioned by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Research Foundation. Going well beyond any of the previously published reports on the Excellence study, this book contains many new statistical analyses of the survey data and more details from the case studies. Discussing theory and data related to several ongoing discussions in the communication profession, this book answers the following questions:
*How can we show the value of public relations?
*What is the value of relationships?
*How do relationships affect reputation?
*What does it mean to practice communication strategically?
*How can we measure and evaluate the effects of public relations programs?
*Should communication programs be integrated?
*How does the new female majority in the profession affect communication Excellence?
This book, as well as the research it reports, is the product of symmetrical communication and collaboration. As such, it is intended for scholars, applied researchers, students, and informed professionals who understand the value of research in developing a profession, such as public relations. Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods will make it easier to understand the book; however, the results are interpreted in a way that makes the analyses understandable even to those with little or no knowledge of statistics and research methods.

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

This book is the initial volume coming out of the "excellence project"--a comprehensive research effort commissioned by the IABC (International Association of Business Communicators) Research Foundation. The purpose of this project was to answer two fundamental questions about public relations: What are the characteristics of an excellent communication department? How does excellent public relations make an organization more effective, and how much is that contribution worth economically? The research team began its work with a thorough review of the literature in public relations and related disciplines relevant to these questions. What started as a literature review, however, has ended in a general theory of public relations, one that integrates most of the wide range of ideas about, and practices of, communication management in organizations.