Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: This qualitative study seeks to review the perceptions held by public relations practitioners who work specifically in global public relations firms, regarding their job roles, and to identify factors that support those roles. In-depth interviews were conducted seeking the views of 20 public relations practitioners, from five global public relations firms in Korea, of their job roles. The results of this study showed that three roles for practitioners who work in global public relations firms were rediscovered: business manager, strategic counselor/manager, and non-strategic technician. It also identified nine factors affecting public relations practitioners’ roles. The important and powerful factors, contributing to practitioners’ perceptions of job roles, were chiefly attributed to culturally oriented influences. Finally, it provides critical clues to the process of enhancing public relations professionalism.

Publication Type: Poster
Abstract: The public relations (PR) practices of the Korean Information Service (KOIS) and the National Image Committee (NIC), two major PR organizations in the Korean government, are analyzed in this study. Based on the three-dimensional theoretical framework of Hutton’s 1 public relations practices (interest, initiative, and image), the PR practices of the KOIS and the NIC were classified into six relatively distinct orientations or models of public relations practice: persuasion, advocacy, public information, cause-related public relations, image/reputation management, and relationship management. Using data collected from in-depth interviews and investigation into the actual PR materials, both the KOIS and the NIC are found to rely heavily on “image/reputation management” type PR practices. On the other hand, the relatively weak practices of the two organizations are found to be “advocacy” and “cause-related public relations.” The primary contribution of this study is providing PR practitioners of government organizations with theoretical understanding and applications of public relations practices, which complement the development of strategic PR programs. Limitations and future research are discussed.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: Using the model of Benoit (2004) we describe and explain the change and persistence of the Dutch electoral system between 1897 and 2005. We focus on the introduction of proportional representation in 1917, the attempts to further increase the threshold between 1950 and 1980, the abolishment of compulsory voting in 1970, the attempt to introduce a district system with large multi-member districts in 1970, and finally the attempt in 2005 to introduce a mixed system with multi-member districts. We systematically use ex ante perceived consequences of an alternative electoral system with regard to changes in the distribution of seats to understand the preferences of political parties with regard this alternative system. We will show that many (stated) preferences of political parties with regard to electoral systems change can indeed be understood once we assume parties to be seat-maximizers. Some preferences, however, cannot be explained by this assumption. In addition many potential changes in the Dutch electoral law appear to have no consequences for the distribution of seats at all. This means the model of Benoit is unable to explain or predict a large set of potential changes in an electoral system. In addition we shall show that electoral law change and other policy areas and tightly connected. This makes preferences with regard to electoral systems and the decision-making procedures only part of an explanation of decision-making about electoral systems. Electoral systems are simply part of politics and therefore less predictable than is assumed by Benoit.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Interviews were conducted with 97 high-level PR executives to assess factors relating to professional success and leadership. Results suggest that the definitions of professional success, the metrics for gauging success, and the factors contributing to success are diverse and multidimensional.
Qualitative analysis of the interviews suggested 10 themes or patterns in success, including the power of performance, diversity of experiences, networks of relationships, complex communication skill sets, and passion and a proactive nature in work. Some modest gender differences also were noted.
The study contributes to our understanding of success factors in the field and captures perceptions about success among top public relations leaders, a group little represented in the literature on this topic.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: This paper makes the case that PR systems are likely to generate more environmentally responsive policies than Plurality/Majority systems-even in the absence of environmental legislative parties- as a result of the contagion effect they induce.