Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to suggest that effectiveness of public relations should be evaluated in terms of behavioral relationships as well as symbolic relationships by examining relationships between image and organization-public relationships. This study empirically investigated relationships between public relationships and corporate image and furthermore explored whether the relationships differed depending different corporations (public/private) as well as groups (professional/non-professional). A survey was conducted with 423 respondents. It found that there were statistically significant positive correlations between corporate image and multiple components of public relationships in the public and private corporations as well as in the professional and non-professional groups. Moreover, it discovered that the components of public relationships affecting corporate image were almost similar in both corporations. It also found that components of public relationships affecting corporate image were different between professional groups and non-professional ones, for the public corporation, whereas they, except one component, were almost similar in both groups, for the private corporation. Conclusively, these findings suggest that there were close relationships between corporate image and public relationships, implying that effectiveness of public relations should be evaluated in terms of behavioral relationships as well as symbolic relationships.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: This study of multinational companies in China focuses on three areas: first, how multinational companies cultivate quality relationships in China; the role of culture plays in the relationship cultivation, and how organization-public relationships can be evaluated from a qualitative perspective. The researcher interviewed 40 participants from 36 multinational companies in China. The findings revealed that the characteristics of Chinese culture, such as family orientation, relational orientation (role formalization, relational interdependence, face, favor, relational harmony, relational fatalism, and relational determination) influenced significantly on multinational companies¡¦ relationship cultivation strategies. Multinational companies from the Western countries, however, to be more persistent in their own cultural values than multinational companies from Asian countries in relationship building. In addition, the research also found that the cultivation strategies of positivity and sharing of tasks were used in achieving all the relationship qualities (trust, control mutuality, commitment, and satisfaction) in the Chinese context. Qualitative evaluation criteria for this study are also discussed in this paper.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: The purposes of this study are to explore the strategies that can help an organization achieve quality relationships and, from the global public relations perspective, to find out the effective ways to communicate with the Chinese publics. I used the relationship cultivation strategies and relationship outcomes developed by Hon and J. Grunig (1999) to explore how differently multinational and Taiwanese companies build relationships with their publics in China. I conducted qualitative interviews with 20 participants from 18 Taiwanese companies and compared the findings with Hung’s (2003) study on multinational companies in China. The findings show that two-way and symmetrical communication were the best dimensions for both multinational and Taiwanese companies to achieve quality relationships. Among all the relationship cultivation strategies, positivity and cooperation were the strategies multinational and Taiwanese companies used the most to build trust, control mutuality, commitment, and satisfaction with their Chinese publics. This study not only provides more insightful evidences for the research on relationship management, but also gives more information on practicing successful public relations at the global setting.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: This study examines the association between mobile phone use and relational uncertainty, intimacy, and attachment. A survey of 197 university students currently in romantic relationships revealed that relational uncertainty was negatively associated with the amount of mobile phone use. Relational intimacy, however, was positively associated with mobile phone use. In regards to attachment styles, participants with higher levels of avoidance placed fewer calls than those with lower levels of avoidance. Anxiety levels were not significantly associated with mobile phone use. These findings indicate that a higher amount of mobile communication between partners is closely related to positive outcomes in their relationship. Specifically, mobile communication between romantic partners can reduce relational uncertainty and increase intimacy, as well as be influenced by the communicators’ attachment styles.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: This study explored the role of the communication of commitment, commitment level, and relationship uncertainty on perceptions of relationship quality and stability. Data collected from 230 people in romantic relationships indicated people more strongly committed reported less uncertainty, greater use of commitment indicators, and more positive feelings about their relationship. Also, those with greater commitment and less uncertainty sustained their relationship over a period of four months. Implications as well as limitations are discussed.