Kathy R. Fitzpatrick

Bio: Kathy R. Fitzpatrick is an academic researcher from Quinnipiac University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Public diplomacy & Empirical legal studies. The author has an hindex of 6, co-authored 6 publications receiving 345 citations.

Advancing the New Public Diplomacy: A Public Relations Perspective

Abstract: As public diplomacy assumes a more prominent role in the diplomatic affairs of nations, scholars and practitioners are challenged to define the 'new' public diplomacy's purpose and goals, to develop the theoretical foundations of the discipline, and to articulate principles of practice for effectively and ethically achieving a nation's foreign affairs' objectives. This article demonstrates the potential for the public relations theory of relationship management to advance contemporary thought and practice in public diplomacy. The study finds that by defining public diplomacy's central purpose as relationship management, unifying the functions under one overarching concept, adopting a management (rather than communication) mindset, and recognizing the importance of diplomatic deeds that support communication practices, practitioners will be better equipped to conduct public diplomacy effectively.

Ethics in public relations : responsible advocacy

Abstract: Introduction: Toward a Definitional Framework for Responsible Advocacy Chapter 1: Baselines for Ethical Advocacy in the "Marketplace of Ideas" - Kathy Fitzpatrick Chapter 2: Responsibility and Accountability - Thomas H. Bivins Chapter 3: The Ethics of Communicating With and About Difference in a Changing Society - Larissa A. Grunig and Elizabeth L. Toth Chapter 4: Negotiating Relationships With Activist Publics - Linda Hon Chapter 5: Responsible Advocacy for Nonprofit Organizations - Carolyn Bronstein Chapter 6: Truth and Transparency - Karla Gower Chapter 7: Responsible Online Communication - Kirk Hallahan Chapter 8: Responsible Advocacy Through Strategic Risk Communication - Michael J. Palenchar and Robert L. Heath Chapter 9: The Ethics of Public Diplomacy - Philip Seib Chapter 10: Advocacy Across Borders - Donald K. Wright

Defining Strategic Publics in a Networked World: Public Diplomacy’s Challenge at Home and Abroad

Abstract: SummaryThis article addresses the issue of how strategic publics should be defined in public diplomacy. The article first reviews widely accepted theories of stakeholders and publics in business and public relations that help to explain the role and value of publics to organizations and provide alternatives for the conceptualization of strategic publics. It applies these concepts to public diplomacy in an effort to demonstrate their potential usefulness in identifying and prioritizing strategic publics at home and abroad. The article then suggests that although stakeholder theory and situational theory are useful tools for conceptualizing strategic publics in public diplomacy, these theories must be expanded to capture fully the complex nature of the contemporary diplomatic environment. An expanded framework that is based on networks of influence is suggested as an alternative for defining public diplomacy publics in a networked world.

Factors affecting the impact of professional development programs on teachers' knowledge, practice, student outcomes & efficacy.

Abstract: This report examines effects of structural and process features of professional development programs on teachers' knowledge, practice and efficacy. It is based on four recent (2002-2003) studies undertaken through the Australian Government Quality Teacher Programme, designed to enhance teacher quality. The total data set for the survey study includes 3,250 teachers who had participated in eighty individual professional development1 activities within these studies. Teachers were surveyed at least three months after participating in an activity, which provided them with the opportunity to gauge the impact of programs on their practice. To investigate factors affecting impact, a theoretical model was developed based on recent research into the characteristics of effective professional development and tested using blockwise regression analysis. The model included contextual factors (e.g., school support), structural features of programs (e.g. ,length), process features (e.g., emphasis on content; active learning; examination of student work; feedback; follow-up), a mediating variable (level of professional community generated), and four outcome measures (knowledge; practice; student learning and efficacy). Consistent significant direct effects were found across the four studies for the impact of content focus, active learning, and follow-up on knowledge and professional community. Feedback was rarely incorporated into program design. Impact on efficacy was strongly related to the perceived impact of activities on teachers' practice and student learning outcomes.

Communication, Organization, and Crisis

Abstract: Communication is increasingly recognized as an important process in organizational crisis and crisis management. The Three Mile Island incident, the Bhopal Union Carbide accident, the crash of Northwest Airlines Flight 255, and the Exxon Valdez oil spill can all be described as specific, unexpected, and nonroutine events or series of events that created high levels of uncertainty and threat or perceived threat to an organization’s high-priority goals. Crises disrupt employees and communities, damage corporate reputations, and cost hundreds of millions of dollars. Crises also serve as the impetus for investigations and organizational change. This review organizes a dynamic and growing body of communication and organizational literature dealing with crisis, including various developmental approaches used to describe crisis, decision making, public relations, rhetorical approaches, organizational legitimacy, and methodologies for crisis communication research. Research themes and new directions are identifie...

Effective Crisis Management through Established Stakeholder Relationships: Malden Mills as a Case Study

Abstract: This article investigates the postcrisis communication of Aaron Feuerstein, chief executive officer of Malden Mills, after a fire destroyed his textile mill. It explains how leadership communicatio...

Information and Compassion in Crisis Responses: A Test of Their Effects

Abstract: This article reports the results of an experimental study that tested the effect of compassion and instructing information in crisis response strategies on organizational reputation, honoring accounts, and intended potential supportive behavior. The study used a pool of 1 14 crisis managers, overcoming the limitation of using only student populations. The literature analysis sets up the rationale of examining compassion and instructing information in accident crises. The results found a significant, positive effect for compassion on organizational reputation, honoring accounts, and intended potential supportive behavior. No such effect was found for instructing information. In general, experimental studies like this one help to advance our understanding of crisis communication strategies and the crisis management process. The specific implications of the study for crisis management are discussed at the end of the article.