Journal of Public Affairs 

About: Journal of Public Affairs is an academic journal published by Wiley-Blackwell. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Politics & Government. It has an ISSN identifier of 1472-3891. Over the lifetime, 1608 publications have been published receiving 17670 citations. The journal is also known as: Public affairs.

Safeguarding corporate social responsibility (CSR) in global supply chains: how codes of conduct are managed in buyer‐supplier relationships

Abstract: In the wake of globalization, companies are becoming increasingly aware of the social and environmental aspects of international production. Companies of today not only have to be profitable, but they also have to be good corporate citizens. In response to the increasing societal pressure, many companies adopt the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) by introducing codes of conduct that are expected to ensure socially responsible business practises throughout the chain—from supplier of raw materials to final end-users. However, there are several challenges to the management and control of codes of conduct in global supply chains. Active commitment is a precondition for the successful implementation of the codes, but the incentive to comply with the codes does not necessarily extend to all the actors in the chain. Moreover, it is difficult to enforce codes of conduct in global supply chains, because the involved companies are separated geographically, economically, legally, culturally and politically. In consequence, introducing codes of conduct in global supply chains raises a series of agency problems that may result in non-compliance. Realizing that non-compliance can have severe consequences for the initiator (due to consumer sanctions, negative press, capital loss, government interventions, damaged brand etc.), the article analyses how the interests of the actors in the supply chain can be aligned with the terms of the codes. IKEA is used as a ‘best case’ example to illustrate how codes of conduct can be effectively managed in the supply chain. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Squawking, tweeting, cooing, and hooting: analyzing the communication patterns of government agencies on Twitter

Abstract: Twitter is rapidly gaining attention from strategic communicators for its ability to enhance communication campaigns. Whether using the site to augment word-of-mouth marketing campaigns or engage in conversations with stakeholders, Twitter has become the leading online social media outlet for marketing and public relations efforts. However, despite the service's ability to provide a forum for interacting with stakeholders, the site primarily began as a way for its users to provide one-way updates and disseminate information. By using the models of public relations as its framework, this study examines how government agencies are using Twitter to communicate with their audiences through content analysis of 1800 updates from 60 government agencies. Contrary to public affairs practitioners' claims of interactivity on Twitter, government agencies primarily relied on one-way communication that sought to inform and educate rather than two-way symmetrical conversations. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Unpacking the social media phenomenon: towards a research agenda

Abstract: In this paper, we highlight some of the challenges and opportunities that social media presents to researchers, and offer relevant theoretical avenues to be explored. To do this, we present a model that unpacks social media by using a honeycomb of seven functional building blocks. We then examine each of the seven building blocks and, through appropriate social and socio-technical theories, raise questions that warrant further in-depth research to advance the conceptualization of social media in public affairs research. Finally, we combine the individual research questions for each building block back into the honeycomb model to illustrate how the theories in combination provide a powerful macro-lens for research on social media dynamics. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The use of social media: an exploratory study of usage among digital natives

Abstract: Word-of-mouth has long been an important concept in marketing communications. In today's world of Web 2.0, electronic word-of-mouth has materialized as a phenomenon of critical interest to marketers. Within the context of electronic word-of-mouth has emerged consumer-generated content in which consumers can quickly and easily create and distribute messages via the worldwide web. Given that today's college students are considered digital natives and comprise the Generation C market segment, one might suspect that this group would be active in creating and disseminating product/service content within their social groups. This research reports on an exploratory study that examined college student behaviors in the vast world of social media. On the basis of a content analysis of self-report behaviors, these digital natives are content with current technology and capabilities for their general role as spectators. They appear content with what they know and what they are doing. The research raises identity questions as to who the active innovators in marketing's social media ecosystem might be. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Transparency in government communication

Abstract: Basic to a successful democracy is the existence of a public informed about government actions. This requires government information to be open and accessible to the public. This study sought to understand how communicators in government value and practice transparency. Constant comparative thematic analysis of 18 semi-structured interviews of government communicators revealed a transparency model for government communication. This paper outlines that model and identifies practices and structures that promote transparent communication practices. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.