Showing papers in "Journal of Communication Management in 2006"
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present two studies designed to test if the halo effect could occur and which of the two dynamics of the prior reputation halo best serve to explain the benefits of a favorable, pre-crisis reputation.
Abstract: Purpose – Crisis managers believe in the value of a favorable, pre‐crisis reputation. The prior reputation can create a halo effect that protects an organization during a crisis. The prior reputation/halo might work as a shield that deflects the potential reputational damage from a crisis. Or the prior reputation/halo might encourage stakeholders to give the organization the benefit of the doubt in the crisis (reduce attributions of crisis responsibility). Oddly, researchers have had little luck in producing a halo effect for prior reputation in crisis situations. The purpose of this paper is to present two studies designed to test if the halo effect could occur and which of the two dynamics of the prior reputation halo best serve to explain the benefits of a favorable, pre‐crisis reputation.Design/methodology/approach – The research focuses on a set of studies conducted to illustrate the halo effect and to explore how it serves to protect an organization during a crisis. The implications of the findings ...
385 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a content analysis of 286 web sites was conducted to determine how corporations use their site as a communication medium for building and nurturing relationships with publics, and the results revealed that openness was the strategy used most frequently.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine how organizations enact positivity, openness, access, sharing of tasks, and networking through their web sites. The paper also aims to investigate whether, different types of industries display different levels of relationship strategy.Designs/methodology/approach – A content analysis of 286 web sites was conducted to determine how corporations use their site as a communication medium for building and nurturing relationships with publics. Company web sites were selected from the Fortune 500 list according to industry type. The sites were analyzed for the presence and quality of variables identified in the public relations literature as measures of relationship maintenance strategies.Findings – The study's first research question addressed how the sampled organizations display use of relationship maintenance strategies through their web sites. The results revealed that openness was the strategy used most frequently. The quality of the openness dimension als...
94 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, an alternative framework for international research is proposed, one which advocates understanding public relations as an occupational group and emphasises the need to recognise the role of public relations practitioners as agents, or intermediaries in the development of culture.
Abstract: Purpose
– To advance the cultural approach to public relations research and practice through linking societal culture and occupational culture of public relations to the communication practices of practitioners, in the aim of understanding the contribution made by public relations to the development of contemporary cultures.
Design/methodology/approach
– The discussion identifies some of the limitations of recent thinking regarding the nature public relations within a global context, particularly as regards professionalisation. An alternative framework for international research is then proposed – one which advocates understanding public relations as an occupational group and emphasises the need to recognise the role of public relations practitioners as agents, or “intermediaries” in the development of culture.
Findings
– Rather than focus on developing codes of practice, it is recommended that the public relations industry should establish its current functions and potential for meeting human needs within differing cultural contexts.
Originality/value
– The paper advocates a fresh approach to the debate surrounding international professionalisation of public relations.
78 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors highlight the need for cultural sensitivity in designing web sites that are likely to be read by different cultural groups within one's own country or by people outside one of own country.
Abstract: Purpose – The paper highlights the need for cultural sensitivity in designing web sites that are likely to be read by different cultural groups within one's own country or by people outside one's own country.Design/methodology/approach – The link between culture and communication is established via research and this relates to the web as the web is an increasingly important vehicle for communication. A literature review is undertaken into the variables that impact on both culture and cross‐cultural comparison in terms of likely impact on web site content, design and structure.Findings – Cultural sensitivity is a critical factor in communication and must be taken into account if the web site is to be an effective vehicle for communication in a cross‐cultural context.Practical implications – Those designing web sites should adopt a structured approach of firstly assessing the extent to which it is necessary to take culture into account in designing the web site. Then they need to determine the communication...
74 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explore the management of employment equity (EE) communication at corporate level, against the background of South African societal complexities, speculating about how the normative ideals of transformational change communication could be applied in order to bridge the apparent divide between government's current development agenda and negative societal sentiments about EE per se on the one side, and corporate transformation efforts on the other.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the management of employment equity (EE) communication at corporate level, against the background of South African societal complexities. It speculates about how the normative ideals of transformational change communication could be applied in order to bridge the apparent divide between government's current development agenda and negative societal sentiments about EE per se on the one side, and corporate transformation efforts on the other.Design/methodology/approach – A multiple qualitative case study design was followed for the collection of empirical evidence. Semi‐structured interviews were used for data collection in each of the three case studies.Findings – This paper indicates current trends pertaining to the complexity of communicating EE in South Africa, including the strategic value of communication. It appears that internal communication does not receive as much strategic attention as external communication does. Furthermore, some key organizati...
65 citations
TL;DR: How public relations practitioners define influence and where they find influence are examined, with findings that public relations professionals defined influence in terms of shaping decisions, having access, and being heard.
Abstract: Purpose – To examine how public relations practitioners define influence and where they find influence.Design/methodology/approach – Depth interviews with 162 public relations practitioners.Findings – Public relations professionals defined influence in terms of shaping decisions, having access, and being heard. They said they were most influential in crisis situations and when preparing communication messages or plans. They are least influential in strategic decision making, when they are perceived as technicians, and in interactions with senior executives. The most common influence tactic used by these professionals was rational influence.Practical implications – The authors suggest eight tenets regarding influence for public relations practitioners.Originality/value – Practitioners have long noted the need for increased influence across the organization. But, there is little scholarship that examines just how public relations pracitioners should increase their influence and ascent to organizational deci...
60 citations
TL;DR: In this article, trust and distrust exist simultaneously within business-to-business relationships and are employed in a coaxial view of relationships within a zone of approval, and trust is proposed as a 12th dimension, adding to Ledingham's 11.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to respond to a call for academia to partner industry by offering new thinking on public relations research and practice.Design/methodology/approach – The paper rethinks relationship management by broadening previous views on the dimensions of relationships. Distrust is proposed as a 12th dimension, adding to Ledingham's 11. It suggests that trust and distrust exist simultaneously within business‐to‐business relationships and that trust and distrust are employed in a coaxial view of relationships within a zone of approval. The paper draws on the work of relationship management theorists and those who identify trust as a key component of relationships. Conceptual considerations are coupled with empirical data collected in a qualitative case study of relationships between the communications team of a blue chip UK utilities company and service provider (SP) organisations.Findings – Analysis supports the broader understanding of trust and distrust operating simultaneousl...
59 citations
TL;DR: The authors examined a range of personal qualities including skills such as listening, observation, and relationship building, as well as issues surrounding gender/sexuality, courtesy, honesty, integrity and credibility.
Abstract: Purpose – Lobbying and lobbyists have for some time been regarded with suspicion and even outright mistrust by journalists and the wider public. While to some extent, popular (mis)perceptions about lobbyists are understandable, they are also regrettable: lobbyists operate in every political system, and generally do so in an entirely proper fashion. This paper seeks to consider the personal characteristics which effective and successful lobbyists require.Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on 60 interviews with lobbyists in Washington, London and Brussels; the approach used here is simply to allow lobbyists themselves to discuss at some length their views about the issues they feel are important in a practical sense.Findings – The paper examines a range of personal qualities including skills such as listening, observation, and relationship‐building, as well as issues surrounding gender/sexuality, courtesy, honesty, integrity and credibility.Research limitations/implications – While it is unrea...
49 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a case study of a Fortune 500 company with plants in every continent was conducted, and the authors found a deep divide in attitude, expectation, and style between what practitioners and the dominant coalition regarded as necessary and sufficient measures in crisis planning.
Abstract: Purpose – Crisis planning, which symbolizes an organization's crisis preparedness and often conceptualized at the corporate headquarters, is increasingly decentralized to regional centers of global companies. These centers, in turn, synchronize their crisis master plans with its national units for expeditious management of localized crises. The purpose of this paper is to capture the decision‐making processes that practitioners at a regional center faced as they nurtured their master plan from conception to implementation.Design/methodology/approach – The qualitative method is used. This is a case study of a Fortune 500 company with plants in every continent. The company has four regional centers, and the center under study oversees more than 20 national units or countries.Findings – This study found a deep divide in attitude, expectation, and style between what practitioners and the dominant coalition regarded as necessary and sufficient measures in crisis planning.Research limitations/implications – Res...
43 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore the innovative "rules" developed three decades ago by the Activist Pioneer Saul Alinksy and how his work has close parallels both with modern activism and corporate issue management.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to characterize commonalities between activists and corporate communicators, who are often perceived as natural antagonists within the context of managing public and community issues.Design/methodology/approach – The focus is on exploring the innovative “rules” developed three decades ago by the Activist Pioneer Saul Alinksy and how his work has close parallels both with modern activism and corporate issue management. The paper cites modern sets of “rules” on both sides of the debate, highlighting common themes, and examines three recent developments which have impacted the nature of the relationship between contending parties.Findings – While communication technology including the internet has helped level the power imbalance between the “haves” and the “have nots,” change within activism – such as growing professionalism, the emergence of formalized stakeholder participation, and a growing acceptance of constructive engagement – has further drawn both parties incre...
37 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined three perspectives on autonomy: communication management or public relations autonomy, autonomy in management theory, and the autonomy of moral philosophy, and found that autonomy is necessary for optimal contribution to strategic management and acting as ethical counsel in the public relations function.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine three perspectives on autonomy: communication management or public relations autonomy, autonomy in management theory, and the autonomy of moral philosophyDesign/methodology/approach – These arguments for autonomy are combined and studied to ascertain their impact on: the contribution of the communication function to strategic management of the organization, and, the enactment of an ethics counselor role by public relations This research examines autonomy in communication at two global organizations through 43 interviews, observation, and document analysis Factors influencing and contributing to autonomy are discussedFindings – Autonomy was found to be necessary for optimal contribution to strategic management and acting as ethical counsel in the public relations function In both ways, autonomy contributes to the stature of the communication function within an organization and the development of public relations as a profession Autonomy should be high
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss topics that need future research in governmental communication; setting the research agenda; and discuss the research limitations/implications of governmental organisations focusing on monitoring methods, accountability and return of investment.
Abstract: Purpose – To discuss topics that need future research in governmental communication; setting the research agenda.Design/methodology/approach – Based on two studies by the Research Group for Governmental Communication.Findings – The development of this field would benefit from research on monitoring methods, accountability and return of investment.Research limitations/implications – Focuses of governmental organisations.Practical implications – Priorities to professionalise communication.Originality/value – Based on two studies that are unique in Europe: trend study governmental communication and development of a balanced scorecard for communication in this field.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors observed the investor relations process from the perspective of media sociologists and found a slow decline in the importance of financial news media in the investment process, but financial news also continues to play a significant role in trading in the London Stock Exchange.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to observe the investor relations (IR) process from the perspective of media sociologists.Design/methodology/approach – The focus of the piece is the changing role of the financial news media in equities markets. It is based on two lengthy periods of research into the part played by communications in investment in the London Stock Exchange. The research looked at three sets of participants and three stages of the communications process: financial public/IR and the IR function, financial journalists and news reporting, and professional investors and their evaluation processes. Much of the work involved semi‐structured interviews with over 100 high‐level participants.Findings – The findings suggest a slow decline in the importance of financial news media in the investment process. However, financial news also continues to play a significant role in trading in the city and can, at times, still have a powerful impact on investment patterns. Consequently, all sides – comp...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a development framework for government communicators, which embeds a strategic approach to communication, and describe how a working group approached the project which involved examining extant training frameworks from communication professional bodies, academic literature and practitioner communities.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a development framework for government communicators.Design/methodology/approach – This paper describes how a working group approached the project which involved examining extant training frameworks from communication professional bodies, academic literature and practitioner communities; undertaking extensive interviewing and data collection from departments and obtaining input from external organisations in order to devise an original, process‐driven model which embeds a strategic approach to communication. The paper also outlines the collaborative way in which the model was developed which included extensive input from government communicators at all levels of seniority, ongoing consultation and testing with potential users, private sector organisations and accrediting professional bodies.Findings – Following a review of government communications in 2004, the new permanent secretary for government communication has begun to implement a range of initiativ...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors outline concepts that explore and extend the significance of public relations as a relationship management discipline and propose a definition of organisations as the nexus of relationships, and the differentiation between organisational and interpersonal relationships is explored through a concept that organisations' tangible and intangible tokens are limited by a concept of materiality in a cultural setting.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to outline concepts that explore and extend the significance of public relations as a relationship management discipline.Design/methodology/approach – The paper postulates practice through which value is created to meet organisational objectives from the known or latent potential of tangible and intangible assets. In doing so, a definition and early research findings into the nature of relationships is put forwards and a definition of organisations as the nexus of relationships is proposed. The differentiation between organisational and interpersonal relationships is explored through a concept that organisations' tangible and intangible tokens are limited by a concept of materiality in a cultural setting.Findings – The paper posits that material value is released through a process of relationship change and a public relations practice of relationship management is put forward as a management discipline that can create value when the process of relationship management...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue that academia should have an intimate understanding of the practical problems facing the corporate communication/public relations profession and argue that good theory should guide research towards crucial questions and enlighten the profession.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to argue that academics should have an intimate understanding of the practical problems facing the corporate communication/public relations profession.Design/methodology/approach – The paper discusses how good theory should guide research towards crucial questions and enlighten the profession.Findings – Academics should build theory that guides research toward crucial questions to enlighten the profession. The research agenda should include macro issues such as the purpose of corporate communication in the new business paradigm; its contribution to organisational effectiveness; scope of delivery; strategy development and alignment; functional integration; return on investment; and the core competencies, processes and structures needed to enhance performance. This will create the knowledge to rectify current criticisms and fulfil top management expectations of the corporate communication function.Originality/value – The paper highlights how theory on strategic communi...
TL;DR: In this article, it is argued that practitioners can benefit substantially from theoretical frameworks and that a change of mindset on these issues, allied with a closer working relationship with relevant academics, could both enhance PR as a profession and as a strategic management discipline.
Abstract: Purpose – As the public relations industry seeks professional status and a more meaningful role in the strategic management of organisations, survey evidence suggests reluctance among practitioners to embrace theoretical frameworks and to study other management disciplines. The purpose of this paper is to examine this issue.Design/methodology/approach – The paper is written from the perspective of a practitioner. Following a brief review of some current theoretical concepts, it is argued that practitioners can benefit substantially from theoretical frameworks.Findings – Having noted an apparent reluctance on the part of fellow practitioners to embrace theoretical frameworks as learning tools, or to acquire wider management skills, it is suggested that such attitudes might inhibit the development of PR as a profession and as a strategic management discipline. This paper suggests that a change of mindset on these issues – allied to a closer working relationship with relevant academics – could both enhance P...
TL;DR: In this paper, the co-orientation model is used as a vehicle for framing the perceptions of different stakeholder groups, and the implications for the development of effective sustainability communication strategies for organizations are discussed.
Abstract: Purpose – The co‐orientation model is used as a vehicle for framing the perceptions of different stakeholder groups. This study aims to operationalize the principles of sustainable development in the chain‐of‐custody and measure two selected stakeholder groups' perceptions of their importance.Design/methodology/approach – The co‐orientation model provides guidance for improving communications and stakeholder relationships by identifying different co‐orientation states of the communicating parties. The implications for the development of effective sustainability communication strategies for organizations are discussed.Findings – Sustainability communications requires a systematic approach in which all the communication activities are directed toward achieving increased understanding between the organization and its relevant stakeholders about the issues. The co‐orientation model enables the identification of unique initiatives to overcome the communication problems caused by the different co‐orientation st...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine the state of the art of, and trends in, communication management research in Germany and The Netherlands and compare the characteristics of the doctoral research of the two countries.
Abstract: Purpose – Without doubt, communication management is an expanding and diversifying discipline and the demand for a strategic functioning is rising. Accumulation of knowledge can be seen as a major prerequisite for the development of its practice. The purpose of this paper is to examine the state of the art of, and trends in, communication management research in Germany and The Netherlands.Design/methodology/approach – Following on from a Europe‐wide Delphi research project, this study focused on two countries – Germany and The Netherlands. The study was limited to PhD theses on communication management and compares the characteristics of the doctoral research of the two countries.Findings – The range of disciplines that study aspects of communication management is enormous and most dissertations start almost from scratch, assuming that there is no relevant research that the project can take as a starting point. This fragmentation of research hinders the development of communication management as a theoret...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors outline the challenge of practice informed by theory in public relations and advocate that knowledge building must include theoretical research that explains and improves practice, and stress the importance of scholars integrating their theory making with practice.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to outline the challenge of practice informed by theory in public relations.Design/methodology/approach – The paper offers a brief discussion of theoretical understanding in public relations.Findings – The paper advocates that knowledge building must include theoretical research that explains and improves practice.Originality/value – The paper stresses the importance of scholars integrating their theory making with practice.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examine how organisations generate the additional value from community consultation and take advantage of the opportunities that engagement with the community can present, and discuss how to use community consultation to generate additional value.
Abstract: Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to examine how organisations generate the additional value from community consultation and take advantage of the opportunities that engagement with the community can present.
Design/methodology/approach
– The paper derives from the author's experiences as a public relations officer. In 2000, he experienced two consultations on the same topic while working for the City of Melbourne. The first was a consultation imposed by the State Government on whether supervised injecting facilities should be introduced in Victoria to deal with the growing heroin problem. The second was the development of the City's Drug Action Plan. The contrast between these two consultations was stark and motivated the author to share his thoughts on community consultation.
Findings
– More successful community consultations, and more creative results, are achieved by consulting about the problem, allowing the community and organisation to come up with solutions together. This approach was particularly successful in the development and implementation of the City of Melbourne Drug Action Plan in 2000. Community consultation can be a very effective tool when used appropriately by organisations that are prepared to utilise the knowledge and expertise of the communities they deal with.
Originality/value
– While this paper deals predominantly with community relations in the organisational operations context, the techniques described are valid and useful for all community relations projects regardless of definition, and indeed can be used in other forms of public relations and public affairs.
TL;DR: In this paper, a five-step career progression model for the UK's public relations industry is presented, with a focus on gender discrimination and the prevailing dominance of American academics, while largely ignoring the perception of industry insiders.
Abstract: Purpose – Public relations research into career advancement has been frequently criticised for its focus on gender discrimination and the prevailing dominance of American academics, while widely ignoring the perception of “industry insiders”. This paper aims to provide new insight into PR career progression.Design/methodology/approach – The paper considers alternative aspects to PR career progression, as emphasised by general management and continuous professional development literature, with a close examination of the UK's public relations industry and its practitioners' perceptions of career advancement impacting factors.Findings – The results gained were used to develop a Five‐step PR Career Progression Model, which may act as a useful starting point for further research into career advancement factors and the move towards a widely accepted set of career progression benchmarks for the UK's public relations industry.Originality/value – Overall, this paper encourages both PR academics and practitioners t...
TL;DR: This paper used critical theory to examine the ideas and assumptions underlying reputation management and examine contradictions within the term, and examined how public relations practitioners explain their role to internal and external publics.
Abstract: Purpose – “Reputation management” is widely used as a rationale for public relations, although the public relations practice has problems with its own reputation. Public relations is presented in textbooks as a mature management discipline, yet the term “public relations” is rejected by many practitioners and academics. “Reputation management” may have been introduced to counter negative associations and to gain status for the practice. The purpose of this paper is to use critical theory to question the ideas and assumptions underlying “reputation management” and to examine contradictions within the term.Design/methodology/approach – The paper reviews what this theory has to say about public relations and its claim to be a mature management discipline. It examines how public relations practitioners explain their role to internal and external publics.Findings – An initial literature review suggests that the contradictions within “reputation management” mirror contradictions within public relations practice...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigate and explain the extent to which communication systems and practices may enhance or undermine organisational commitment in field service engineers and identify communication principles underpinning both successful and counter-productive strategies for engaging commitment in remote technical workforces.
Abstract: Purpose – To investigate and explain the extent to which communication systems and practices may enhance or undermine organisational commitment in field service engineers. To identify communication principles underpinning both successful (intentional and unintentional) and counter‐productive strategies for engaging commitment in remote technical workforces.Design/methodology/approach – The approach of the study is critical interpretive. Data were obtained from two UK service companies, in the form of interviews and observation (primary sources), and organisational texts and publications (secondary sources).Findings – The findings illustrate management strategies and practices through which remote technical workers form a sense of organisational attachment, and the communication principles underpinning them. In doing so, they suggest that availability of digital technology and frequency of electronic communication are not necessarily key to developing and maintaining a sense of organisational attachment in...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss issues of PR theory and practice, and present seven questions that are crucial to the conversation between PR theories and practice: identity/image, organizational culture, modes of representation, advocacy, audiences (including "the self") and dialogue in idealism and practice.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss issues of PR theory and practice.Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents seven questions that are crucial to the conversation between PR theory and practice. The questions center on these concepts, in turn: identity/image, organizational culture, modes of representation, advocacy, audiences (including “the self”), dialogue in idealism and practice, and social engagement.Findings – The persistent, negative reputation of PR has to be of concern to theorists as well as practitioners. PR has tended to ignore, hold static, or even render invisible the internal affairs of organizations, including the values, opinions and preferences of employees. The idea of representation, with its epistemological, political, and linguistic senses, can help to inform PR theory through a full‐blown consideration of what it means to “stand for” an organization or a cause or an industry. Advocates of PR practice who essentially argue that “the wrangle of the marketplace o...
TL;DR: Public relations needs to mobilise elements from the great body of academic work that already exists and translate that work into methodologies suitable for practitioner use as mentioned in this paper, which is the role of public relations theory.
Abstract: Purpose – To discuss the role of public relations theory.Design/methodology/approach – The paper discusses the importance of public relations theory.Findings – Public relations spans many academic disciplines. Its role is to dissect and critically examine their relevant elements and apply them coherently to professional practice. Public relations needs to mobilise elements from the great body of academic work that already exists and translate that work into methodologies suitable for practitioner use. Unless public relations comes to terms with the dearth of knowledge concerning how people take meaning from the channels by which we communicate our work will not be advanced.Originality/value – The paper stresses that the future rests within a theoretical diaspora, whereby if public relations can enter a new era of effectiveness invading disciplines can be repelled and true modernisation achieved.
TL;DR: This article investigated how organisations seek to legitimate their decisions by tracking the relationship between press releases issued by the Australian Government to support their involvement in the Iraq war, media framing of news stories about this issue, and public opinion.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate how organisations seek to legitimate their decisions by tracking the relationship between press releases issued by the Australian Government to support their involvement in the Iraq war, media framing of news stories about this issue, and public opinion.Design/methodology/approach – The study uses a qualitative content analysis of government press releases and media coverage, and the results of Newspoll opinion polls.Findings – The study showed that despite shifts in the framing of the stories, public opinion remained almost constant.Research limitations/implications – Given these results, the authors suggest that media content does not necessarily change public opinion on a particular issue.Practical implications – Using media coverage as a reflection of either the organisation's legitimating attempts, or of public opinion may provide an inaccurate account of the legitimacy of an organisation's decisions.Originality/value – This study provides evidenc...
TL;DR: In this article, the Scottish Parliament was founded on principles of openness and accessibility and signalled the potential for a new style of politics after devolution, which attracted much comment and criticism from public affairs practitioners and the Scottish media.
Abstract: Purpose – The Scottish Parliament was founded on principles of openness and accessibility and signalled the potential for a new style of politics after devolution. In the aftermath of allegations of political sleaze early in the life of the new institution, the Standards Committee of the Scottish Parliament conducted an inquiry into the registration of lobbyists. This process attracted much comment and criticism from public affairs practitioners and the Scottish media. Based on original empirical research, numerous interviews and first‐hand observation, the purpose of this paper is to offer a response to some of these criticisms.Design/methodology/approach – The research reported here is based upon extended fieldwork and observation of the developing lobbying industry around the new Scottish Parliament, spanning the period from late 1998 until summer 2003. It involved some 73 interviews with various corporate and voluntary sector lobbyists, public servants and elected representatives. It also draws on par...
TL;DR: In this paper, a framework of excellence for the development of an online press office at Cardiff Council has been provided, which is supported by a survey of journalists who have used Cardiff's media service and enhanced by assessment of existing best practice across local authorities in the UK.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a framework of excellence for the development of an online press office at Cardiff CouncilDesign/methodology/approach – The paper presents an analysis of key issues of public relations theory as they apply to the provision of an online press office This is supported by a survey of journalists who have used Cardiff's media service and enhanced by assessment of examples of existing best practice across local authorities in the UKFindings – The result is a suggested framework of nine core elements for excellence, which draws on theory and practice and could be applied by other local authorities The study shows that provided these guiding principles are followed, a basic site can be as successful as one with all the bells and whistlesOriginality/value – The paper makes a substantial contribution to the evidence base for the implementation of local authority online press offices in the UK