Public Relations Principles: Strategies for Professional Success

Edition: 1

Copyright: 2016

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ISBN 9781465291769

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Every successful business utilizes good public relations with the media to maintain a positive public opinion.

Designed as a core textbook for introductory public relations courses, Public Relations Principles: Strategies for Professional Success provides students with a solid foundation in public relations in a variety of contexts.

With possible uses in various industries such as health care, education, human resources, and marketing, the public relations practices covered in Public Relations Principles: Strategies for Professional Success are designed to address the needs of today’s students and encourage them to conduct a personal inventory on their public relations skills.

Available in print and eBook versions, Public Relations Principles: Strategies for Professional Success:

  • Covers all relevant concepts and theories in the field while engaging today’s students by developing communication skills through application.
  • Enhances critical thinking skills and improves student’s communication choices and strategies given in the public relations context
  • Discusses the greatest challenges students will face in the modern world of public relations while also providing communication strategies to overcome each challenge

CHAPTER 1: UNDERSTANDING PUBLIC RELATIONS: A BRIEF HISTORY

Chapter Outline 

Chapter Objectives 

Definition of Public Relations 

The History of Public Relations 

Public Relations as a Process 

Types of Public Relations 

 Employee Relations 

 Consumer Relations 

 Investor Relations 

 Community Relations 

 Media Relations 

 Public Affairs 

 Crisis Communication 

Public Relations as a Career 

Strategies for Professional Success 

Executive Summary 

Key Terms 

Discussion Questions 

 


CHAPTER 2: ETHICS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

Chapter Outline 

Chapter Objectives 

Defining Ethics 

The Importance of Ethics in Public Relations 

Ethical Considerations 

 The Ethics of Electronic Communication 

Ethical Responsibility 

 Adapting to the Audience 

 Ethical Responsibility Strategies 

Some Ethical Perspectives 

Religious Perspective 

 Human Nature Perspective 

 Dialogical Perspective 

 Situational Perspective 

Strategies for Professional Success 

Executive Summary 

Key Terms 

Discussion Questions 

 

 
CHAPTER 3: PUBLIC RELATIONS THEORY

Chapter Outline 

Chapter Objectives 

Excellence Theory 

News Framing Theory 

Technology-Image Expectancy Gap 

Corporate Apologia 

Situational Crisis Communication Theory 

Strategies for Professional Success 

Executive Summary 

Key Terms 

Discussion Questions 

 

 
CHAPTER 4: PUBLIC RELATIONS RESEARCH

Chapter Outline 

Chapter Objectives 

Learning Research Methods to Consume Research 

Learning Research Methods to Produce Research 

Reasons for Learning Research Methods 

Qualitative vs. Quantitative Questions and Approaches to Research 

Qualitative Methods 

 Different Ways of Collecting Data 

 Qualitative Data Analysis 

 Concerns with Qualitative Research 

Quantitative Methods 

 Different Ways of Collecting Data 

 Examples of Likert Scale Answer Sets 

 Examples of Semantic Differential Questions 

 Quantitative Data Analysis 

 Concerns with Quantitative Research 

Strategies for Professional Success 

Executive Summary 

Key Terms 

Discussion Questions 

 

 
CHAPTER 5: PLANNING AND STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION

Chapter Outline 

Chapter Objectives 

The Four-Stage Planning Process 

Campaign Planning 

 Planning 

 Implementation 

 Evaluation 

Crisis Planning 

 Pre-Crisis 

 The Crisis Event 

 Post-Crisis 

Event Planning 

 Initial Steps 

 Speaker Considerations 

 Tips for Hosting Impromptu Meetings 

 Tips for Hosting Media Events 

 Post-Event Pleasantries and Evaluation 

Strategies for Professional Success 

Executive Summary 

Key Terms 

Discussion Questions 

 


CHAPTER 6: PUBLIC RELATIONS WRITING AND SOCIAL MEDIA

Chapter Outline 

Chapter Objectives 

News Releases 

 Standard News Releases 

 Broadcast News Releases 

Social Media News Releases (SMNRS) 

Media Information Documents 

Backgrounders 

 Fact Sheets 

 Pitch Letters 

 Media Advisories 

 Media Kits 

 Electronic Press Kits (EPKs) 

Writing for Television and Radio 

 Video News Releases (VNRs) 

 Public Service Announcements (PSAs) 

Writing for the Internet 

 Online Newsrooms 

 Blogs 

Writing for Social Media 

 Social Media Strategies 

 Measuring Social Media Engagement 

Strategies for Professional Success 

Executive Summary 

Key Terms 

Discussion Questions 

 

 
CHAPTER 7: CONFLICT MANAGEMENT

Chapter Outline 

Chapter Objectives 

Conflict Management 

 Advocacy and Accommodation 

Defining Conflict 

 Conflict versus Crisis 

 Expressed Struggle 

 Interdependence 

 Perception 

 Incompatible Goals 

 TRIP Model of Goals 

 Scarce Resources 

 Interference 

Contexts for Conflict in PR 

 Interpersonal Conflict 

 Intergroup Conflict 

 Interorganizational Conflict 

Conflict Resolution Strategies 

 Styles vs. Tactics 

 Conflict Styles 

 Conflict Strategies in Public Relations 

Strategies for Professional Success 

Executive Summary 

Key Terms 

Discussion Questions 

 

 
CHAPTER 8: IMAGE REPAIR THEORY

Chapter Outline 

Chapter Objectives 

Image Repair Theory 

Foundations and Assumptions of Image Repair Theory 

Communication Is a Goal-Directed Activity 

Image Repair Strategies 

 Denial 

 Evading Responsibility 

 Reducing Offensiveness 

 Strategy Combinations 

Media Contexts for Image Repair 

 Statements 

 Press Conferences 

Television Interviews 

 Internet and Social Media 

Strategies for Professional Success 

Executive Summary 

Key Terms 

Discussion Questions 

 

 
CHAPTER 9: PUBLIC RELATIONS AND CULTURAL DIVERSITY

Chapter Outline 

Chapter Objectives 

Fostering Culture and Diversity as a Public Relations Professional 

 Diversity Initiatives in Professional Contexts 20

 Diversity and Customer Relations 

Fostering Cultural Competence in the Workplace 

 Interviewing Through the Cultural Lines 

 Discrimination in Professional Contexts 

Power in the Workplace 

Strategies for Professional Success 

Executive Summary 

Key Terms 

Discussion Questions 

 

 
CHAPTER 10: PUBLIC RELATIONS AND THE LAW

Chapter Outline 

Chapter Objectives 

Free Speech Law 

 First Amendment 

 Commercial Speech 

 Corporate Speech 

Defamation 

 Libel and Slander 

 Defenses to Defamation Charges 

Invasion of Privacy 

 Intrusion 

 Misappropriation and False Light 

 Types of Permission 

Relevant Government Agencies 

 Federal Trade Commission 

 Food and Drug Administration 

 Securities and Exchange Commission 

 National Labor Relations Board 

Additional Business Regulations 

 Copyright Law 

 Trademark Law 

Strategies for Professional Success 

Executive Summary 

Key Terms 

Discussion Questions 

 

 
CHAPTER 11: PUBLIC RELATIONS IN GOVERNMENT

Chapter Outline 

Chapter Objectives 

The Role of Public Relations in Government 

Distinguishing Characteristics of Government PR 

Theoretical Approaches to Government and Political PR 

 Sources of Government and Political PR 

 Identifying the “Publics” 

Political Public Relations and the Public Agenda 

Strategies for Professional Success 

Executive Summary 

Key Terms 

Discussion Questions 

 

 
CHAPTER 12: CORPORATIONS

Chapter Outline 

Chapter Objectives 

The Importance of Public Relations in Corporations 

 Corporations Defined 

 Functions of Corporate Public Relations 

 Executive Communications 

Challenges in Corporate Public Relations 

 Crisis Management 

 Corporate Reputation 

Strategies in Corporate Public Relations 

 Corporate Social Responsibility 

 Customer Relations 

 Being in the Know 

 Acting with Ethics and Professionalism 

Strategies for Professional Success 

Executive Summary 

Key Terms 

Discussion Questions 

 

 
CHAPTER 13: NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

Chapter Outline 

Chapter Objectives 

The Nonprofit Sector 

 Nonprofit Organizations Defined 

 Functions of Nonprofit Public Relations 

Challenges in Nonprofit Organizations 

 Competition for Resources 

 Managing Multiple Bottom Lines 

Strategies in Nonprofit Organizations 

 Fundraising 

 Maintaining Mission Focus 

 Developing Board Relations 

 Developing Volunteer Relations 

 Partnering and Collaborating 

Strategies for Professional Success 

Executive Summary 

Key Terms 

Discussion Questions

 


CHAPTER 14: PUBLIC RELATIONS IN HEALTH CARE

Chapter Outline 

Chapter Objectives 

The Role of Public Relations in Public Health 

 Public Health Challenges 

 Principles of Public Relations Applied to Public Health 

 Relationships with the Media 

Effective Public Health Messaging Strategies 

 Planning and Implementing the Public Health Message 

 Social Media Strategies 

Public Health Threats and Crisis Communication 

 Public Health Crises 

 Communicating with the Public and with Stakeholders 

Careers in Health Care Public Relations 

 Hospitals and Medical Facilities 

 Pharmaceutical and Medical Supply Companies 

 Government Agencies and Offices 

Strategies for Professional Success 

Executive Summary 

Key Terms 

Discussion Questions 

 

 
REFERENCES

 

GLOSSARY

 

INDEX

Shawn Wahl

Dr. Shawn Wahl is the Founding Dean of the Judith Enyeart Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities (RCASH) and Professor of Communication at Missouri State University (MSU). Shawn’s most notable accomplishment in higher education leadership is facilitating the largest scholarship and structural private eight-figure gift in university history. He has served in the Dean role since 2017 and as Department Head of Communication at MSU from 2012 to 2017. Prior to MSU, he served as the Department Head of Communication, Mass Media & Theatre at Angelo State University and as the Founding Director of Graduate Studies at Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi. Dr. Wahl was the 2016 President of the Central States Communication Association (CSCA). He has authored numerous books, including Public Speaking: Essentials for Excellence; Nonverbal Communication for a Lifetime; The Communication Age: Connecting and Engaging; Business and Professional Communication: KEYS for Workplace Excellence; Persuasion in Your Life; Intercultural Communication in Your Life; Public Relations Principles: Bridging Theory and Practice and Organizational Communication:  Strategies for Success. He has published articles in Communication Education, Communication Research Reports, Communication Studies, Communication Teacher, Journal of Family Communication, and the Basic Communication Course Annual. Dr. Wahl and colleagues received the Distinguished Article Award: Instructional Development Division (IDD) National Communication Association (NCA), 2021. Shawn completed two executive leadership programs at the Harvard University Graduate School of Education, the Management Development Program (MDP, 2016), and the Institute for Educational Management (IEM, 2022). In addition, Shawn is an experienced organizational communication consultant and executive leadership coach in various industries (e.g., commodity trading, mining, oil and gas, and health care).

Michelle Maresh-Fuehrer
Michelle M. Maresh-Fuehrer, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Communication at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, has authored a variety of publications in the areas of crisis communication and public relations including a book, titled Creating Organizational Crisis Plans, book chapters in Persuasion in Your Life and The Handbook of Crisis Communication, and articles in national communication journals including Communication Teacher, Communication Education, and the American Communication Journal. She is Vice President of Public Relations of the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi chapter of Phi Kappa Phi, Chair of Rotary International District 5930’s Public Relations (Image) Committee and Crisis Management Sub-Committee, and a member of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s Campus Emergency Response Team. She is certified in Community Emergency Response by FEMA/U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and enjoys working as a public relations/crisis communication consultant for a variety of organizations.

Every successful business utilizes good public relations with the media to maintain a positive public opinion.

Designed as a core textbook for introductory public relations courses, Public Relations Principles: Strategies for Professional Success provides students with a solid foundation in public relations in a variety of contexts.

With possible uses in various industries such as health care, education, human resources, and marketing, the public relations practices covered in Public Relations Principles: Strategies for Professional Success are designed to address the needs of today’s students and encourage them to conduct a personal inventory on their public relations skills.

Available in print and eBook versions, Public Relations Principles: Strategies for Professional Success:

  • Covers all relevant concepts and theories in the field while engaging today’s students by developing communication skills through application.
  • Enhances critical thinking skills and improves student’s communication choices and strategies given in the public relations context
  • Discusses the greatest challenges students will face in the modern world of public relations while also providing communication strategies to overcome each challenge

CHAPTER 1: UNDERSTANDING PUBLIC RELATIONS: A BRIEF HISTORY

Chapter Outline 

Chapter Objectives 

Definition of Public Relations 

The History of Public Relations 

Public Relations as a Process 

Types of Public Relations 

 Employee Relations 

 Consumer Relations 

 Investor Relations 

 Community Relations 

 Media Relations 

 Public Affairs 

 Crisis Communication 

Public Relations as a Career 

Strategies for Professional Success 

Executive Summary 

Key Terms 

Discussion Questions 

 


CHAPTER 2: ETHICS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

Chapter Outline 

Chapter Objectives 

Defining Ethics 

The Importance of Ethics in Public Relations 

Ethical Considerations 

 The Ethics of Electronic Communication 

Ethical Responsibility 

 Adapting to the Audience 

 Ethical Responsibility Strategies 

Some Ethical Perspectives 

Religious Perspective 

 Human Nature Perspective 

 Dialogical Perspective 

 Situational Perspective 

Strategies for Professional Success 

Executive Summary 

Key Terms 

Discussion Questions 

 

 
CHAPTER 3: PUBLIC RELATIONS THEORY

Chapter Outline 

Chapter Objectives 

Excellence Theory 

News Framing Theory 

Technology-Image Expectancy Gap 

Corporate Apologia 

Situational Crisis Communication Theory 

Strategies for Professional Success 

Executive Summary 

Key Terms 

Discussion Questions 

 

 
CHAPTER 4: PUBLIC RELATIONS RESEARCH

Chapter Outline 

Chapter Objectives 

Learning Research Methods to Consume Research 

Learning Research Methods to Produce Research 

Reasons for Learning Research Methods 

Qualitative vs. Quantitative Questions and Approaches to Research 

Qualitative Methods 

 Different Ways of Collecting Data 

 Qualitative Data Analysis 

 Concerns with Qualitative Research 

Quantitative Methods 

 Different Ways of Collecting Data 

 Examples of Likert Scale Answer Sets 

 Examples of Semantic Differential Questions 

 Quantitative Data Analysis 

 Concerns with Quantitative Research 

Strategies for Professional Success 

Executive Summary 

Key Terms 

Discussion Questions 

 

 
CHAPTER 5: PLANNING AND STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION

Chapter Outline 

Chapter Objectives 

The Four-Stage Planning Process 

Campaign Planning 

 Planning 

 Implementation 

 Evaluation 

Crisis Planning 

 Pre-Crisis 

 The Crisis Event 

 Post-Crisis 

Event Planning 

 Initial Steps 

 Speaker Considerations 

 Tips for Hosting Impromptu Meetings 

 Tips for Hosting Media Events 

 Post-Event Pleasantries and Evaluation 

Strategies for Professional Success 

Executive Summary 

Key Terms 

Discussion Questions 

 


CHAPTER 6: PUBLIC RELATIONS WRITING AND SOCIAL MEDIA

Chapter Outline 

Chapter Objectives 

News Releases 

 Standard News Releases 

 Broadcast News Releases 

Social Media News Releases (SMNRS) 

Media Information Documents 

Backgrounders 

 Fact Sheets 

 Pitch Letters 

 Media Advisories 

 Media Kits 

 Electronic Press Kits (EPKs) 

Writing for Television and Radio 

 Video News Releases (VNRs) 

 Public Service Announcements (PSAs) 

Writing for the Internet 

 Online Newsrooms 

 Blogs 

Writing for Social Media 

 Social Media Strategies 

 Measuring Social Media Engagement 

Strategies for Professional Success 

Executive Summary 

Key Terms 

Discussion Questions 

 

 
CHAPTER 7: CONFLICT MANAGEMENT

Chapter Outline 

Chapter Objectives 

Conflict Management 

 Advocacy and Accommodation 

Defining Conflict 

 Conflict versus Crisis 

 Expressed Struggle 

 Interdependence 

 Perception 

 Incompatible Goals 

 TRIP Model of Goals 

 Scarce Resources 

 Interference 

Contexts for Conflict in PR 

 Interpersonal Conflict 

 Intergroup Conflict 

 Interorganizational Conflict 

Conflict Resolution Strategies 

 Styles vs. Tactics 

 Conflict Styles 

 Conflict Strategies in Public Relations 

Strategies for Professional Success 

Executive Summary 

Key Terms 

Discussion Questions 

 

 
CHAPTER 8: IMAGE REPAIR THEORY

Chapter Outline 

Chapter Objectives 

Image Repair Theory 

Foundations and Assumptions of Image Repair Theory 

Communication Is a Goal-Directed Activity 

Image Repair Strategies 

 Denial 

 Evading Responsibility 

 Reducing Offensiveness 

 Strategy Combinations 

Media Contexts for Image Repair 

 Statements 

 Press Conferences 

Television Interviews 

 Internet and Social Media 

Strategies for Professional Success 

Executive Summary 

Key Terms 

Discussion Questions 

 

 
CHAPTER 9: PUBLIC RELATIONS AND CULTURAL DIVERSITY

Chapter Outline 

Chapter Objectives 

Fostering Culture and Diversity as a Public Relations Professional 

 Diversity Initiatives in Professional Contexts 20

 Diversity and Customer Relations 

Fostering Cultural Competence in the Workplace 

 Interviewing Through the Cultural Lines 

 Discrimination in Professional Contexts 

Power in the Workplace 

Strategies for Professional Success 

Executive Summary 

Key Terms 

Discussion Questions 

 

 
CHAPTER 10: PUBLIC RELATIONS AND THE LAW

Chapter Outline 

Chapter Objectives 

Free Speech Law 

 First Amendment 

 Commercial Speech 

 Corporate Speech 

Defamation 

 Libel and Slander 

 Defenses to Defamation Charges 

Invasion of Privacy 

 Intrusion 

 Misappropriation and False Light 

 Types of Permission 

Relevant Government Agencies 

 Federal Trade Commission 

 Food and Drug Administration 

 Securities and Exchange Commission 

 National Labor Relations Board 

Additional Business Regulations 

 Copyright Law 

 Trademark Law 

Strategies for Professional Success 

Executive Summary 

Key Terms 

Discussion Questions 

 

 
CHAPTER 11: PUBLIC RELATIONS IN GOVERNMENT

Chapter Outline 

Chapter Objectives 

The Role of Public Relations in Government 

Distinguishing Characteristics of Government PR 

Theoretical Approaches to Government and Political PR 

 Sources of Government and Political PR 

 Identifying the “Publics” 

Political Public Relations and the Public Agenda 

Strategies for Professional Success 

Executive Summary 

Key Terms 

Discussion Questions 

 

 
CHAPTER 12: CORPORATIONS

Chapter Outline 

Chapter Objectives 

The Importance of Public Relations in Corporations 

 Corporations Defined 

 Functions of Corporate Public Relations 

 Executive Communications 

Challenges in Corporate Public Relations 

 Crisis Management 

 Corporate Reputation 

Strategies in Corporate Public Relations 

 Corporate Social Responsibility 

 Customer Relations 

 Being in the Know 

 Acting with Ethics and Professionalism 

Strategies for Professional Success 

Executive Summary 

Key Terms 

Discussion Questions 

 

 
CHAPTER 13: NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

Chapter Outline 

Chapter Objectives 

The Nonprofit Sector 

 Nonprofit Organizations Defined 

 Functions of Nonprofit Public Relations 

Challenges in Nonprofit Organizations 

 Competition for Resources 

 Managing Multiple Bottom Lines 

Strategies in Nonprofit Organizations 

 Fundraising 

 Maintaining Mission Focus 

 Developing Board Relations 

 Developing Volunteer Relations 

 Partnering and Collaborating 

Strategies for Professional Success 

Executive Summary 

Key Terms 

Discussion Questions

 


CHAPTER 14: PUBLIC RELATIONS IN HEALTH CARE

Chapter Outline 

Chapter Objectives 

The Role of Public Relations in Public Health 

 Public Health Challenges 

 Principles of Public Relations Applied to Public Health 

 Relationships with the Media 

Effective Public Health Messaging Strategies 

 Planning and Implementing the Public Health Message 

 Social Media Strategies 

Public Health Threats and Crisis Communication 

 Public Health Crises 

 Communicating with the Public and with Stakeholders 

Careers in Health Care Public Relations 

 Hospitals and Medical Facilities 

 Pharmaceutical and Medical Supply Companies 

 Government Agencies and Offices 

Strategies for Professional Success 

Executive Summary 

Key Terms 

Discussion Questions 

 

 
REFERENCES

 

GLOSSARY

 

INDEX

Shawn Wahl

Dr. Shawn Wahl is the Founding Dean of the Judith Enyeart Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities (RCASH) and Professor of Communication at Missouri State University (MSU). Shawn’s most notable accomplishment in higher education leadership is facilitating the largest scholarship and structural private eight-figure gift in university history. He has served in the Dean role since 2017 and as Department Head of Communication at MSU from 2012 to 2017. Prior to MSU, he served as the Department Head of Communication, Mass Media & Theatre at Angelo State University and as the Founding Director of Graduate Studies at Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi. Dr. Wahl was the 2016 President of the Central States Communication Association (CSCA). He has authored numerous books, including Public Speaking: Essentials for Excellence; Nonverbal Communication for a Lifetime; The Communication Age: Connecting and Engaging; Business and Professional Communication: KEYS for Workplace Excellence; Persuasion in Your Life; Intercultural Communication in Your Life; Public Relations Principles: Bridging Theory and Practice and Organizational Communication:  Strategies for Success. He has published articles in Communication Education, Communication Research Reports, Communication Studies, Communication Teacher, Journal of Family Communication, and the Basic Communication Course Annual. Dr. Wahl and colleagues received the Distinguished Article Award: Instructional Development Division (IDD) National Communication Association (NCA), 2021. Shawn completed two executive leadership programs at the Harvard University Graduate School of Education, the Management Development Program (MDP, 2016), and the Institute for Educational Management (IEM, 2022). In addition, Shawn is an experienced organizational communication consultant and executive leadership coach in various industries (e.g., commodity trading, mining, oil and gas, and health care).

Michelle Maresh-Fuehrer
Michelle M. Maresh-Fuehrer, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Communication at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, has authored a variety of publications in the areas of crisis communication and public relations including a book, titled Creating Organizational Crisis Plans, book chapters in Persuasion in Your Life and The Handbook of Crisis Communication, and articles in national communication journals including Communication Teacher, Communication Education, and the American Communication Journal. She is Vice President of Public Relations of the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi chapter of Phi Kappa Phi, Chair of Rotary International District 5930’s Public Relations (Image) Committee and Crisis Management Sub-Committee, and a member of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s Campus Emergency Response Team. She is certified in Community Emergency Response by FEMA/U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and enjoys working as a public relations/crisis communication consultant for a variety of organizations.