Innovation in public relations theory and practice

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 382-396 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. Timothy Coombs ◽  
Sherry J. Holladay
Keyword(s):  
Public Relations ◽  
Digital Media ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Innovative Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Narrative Transportation ◽  
Transmedia Storytelling ◽  
Emerging Trends ◽  
Transportation Theory ◽  
New Perspective

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to craft a new perspective on how we can view public relations that reflects important trends emerging in the field including digital media, storytelling, engagement and co-creation of meaning. Transmedia storytelling (an idea with some ties to public relations) and narrative transportation theory are synthesized to form the transmedia narrative transportation (TNT) approach to public relations. The paper details the development of the TNT approach and how it can be applied to public relations initiatives. Design/methodology/approach The approach is a literature review to inform the creation of the TNT approach. A case study is used to illustrate the TNT approach. Findings An innovative approach to conceptualizing and creating public relations initiatives is developed, explained and illustrated. Research limitations/implications The paper examines only one case to illustrate the TNT approach. Practical implications The TNT approach develops a new perspective for public relations for developing and executing public relations initiatives. Transmedia storytelling has already been connected to the practice and TNT builds a more comprehensive approach for understanding its value to public relations. Originality/value There has been a limited application of transmedia storytelling to public relations. This paper synthesizes transmedia storytelling with narrative transportation theory to develop a theory-driven, new approach for public relations thinking. The TNT approach is a unique fusion of ideas that can bring an innovative approach to the practice of public relations that captures four emerging trends that are shaping the practice.

Research thematic and emerging trends of contextual cues: a bibliometrics and visualization approach

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang Zhao ◽  
Lin Wang ◽  
Yaming Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Scene Perception ◽  
Management Practice ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Development Trend ◽  
Research Field ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Knowledge Map ◽  
Contextual Cues ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Emerging Trends

PurposeThe paper aims to clarify the importance of the psychological processing of contextual cues in the mining of individual attention resources. In recent years, the research of more open spatial perspective, such as spatial and scene perception, has gradually turned to the recognition of contextual cues, accumulating rich literature and becoming a hotspot of interdisciplinary research. Nevertheless, besides the fields of psychology and neuroscience, researchers in other fields lack systematic knowledge of contextual cues. The purpose of this study is to expand the research field of contextual cues.Design/methodology/approachWe retrieved 494 papers on contextual cues from SCI/SSCI core database of the Web of Science in 1992–2019. Then, we used several bibliometric and sophisticated network analysis tools, such as HistCite, CiteSpace, VOSviewe and Pajek, to identify the time-and-space knowledge map, research hotspots, evolution process, emerging trends and primary path of contextual cues.FindingsThe paper found the core scholars, major journals, research institutions, and the popularity of citation to be closely related to the research of contextual cues. In addition, we constructed a co-word network of contextual cues, confirming the concept of behavior implementation intentions and filling in the research gap in the field of behavior science. Then, the quantitative analysis of the burst literature on contextual cues revealed that the research on it that focused more on multi-objective cues. Furthermore, an analysis of the main path helped researchers clearly understand and grasp in the development trend and evolution track of contextual cues.Originality/valueGiven academic research usually lags behind management practice, our systematic review of the literature to a certain extent make a bridge between theory and practice.

A scientometric review of hotspots and emerging trends in additive manufacturing

2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuran Jin ◽  
Shoufeng Ji ◽  
Xin Li ◽  
Jiangnan Yu
Keyword(s):  
Additive Manufacturing ◽  
Rapid Prototyping ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Rapid Development ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Interdisciplinary Field ◽  
Emerging Trends ◽  
Three Stages ◽  
Highly Cited

Purpose Additive manufacturing has achieved rapid development in recent years. The purpose of this paper is to visualize the intellectual landscapes of additive manufacturing and identify the hotspots and emerging trends of additive manufacturing, which can provide references for scholars, enterprises and governments to promote the development of theory and practice in the additive manufacturing field. Design/methodology/approach Science mapping is a fast-growing interdisciplinary field originated in information science and technology. Based on this methodology, guided by a computational approach, the paper visualizes the co-occurring keywords network and co-citation references network by CiteSpaceIII software to explore the hotspots and emerging trends of additive manufacturing by the following five indicators: highly cited keywords, burst keywords, clusters, landmark references and burst references. Findings “Additive manufacturing,” “3D printing,” “3D powder printing,” “consolidation phenomena,” “microstructure,” “rapid prototyping,” etc., are the main hotspots of additive manufacturing. The trends of additive manufacturing generally consist of three stages: the fundamental concepts stage from 1995 to 2000 (“rapid prototyping,” “additive manufacturing,” etc.), the approaches and techniques applications stage from 2001 to 2010 (“stereolithography,” “scaffold,” etc.), and the emerging trends stage from 2011 to the present (“stem cell”, “selective laser,” “ti-6al-4v,” etc.). The research is most abundant in 2010 and 2012. The medical field is an important hotspot of additive manufacturing. Additive manufacturing has been researched in interdiscipline. Originality/value The paper maps the perspective of additive manufacturing and explore the hotspots and emerging trends of additive manufacturing.

scholarly journals REVIEW: Valiant on digital media, lacking on indigeneity

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 209
Author(s):  
James Hollings
Keyword(s):  
Public Relations ◽  
Digital Media ◽  
Media Studies ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Media Communication ◽  
Journalism Studies ◽  
Oxford University ◽  
New Approaches ◽  
Oxford University Press

Media and Journalism: New Approaches to Theory and Practice [3rd ed.], edited by Jason Bainbridge, Nicola Goc and Liz Tynan. Melbourne: Oxford University Press., 2015. 504 pp. ISBN 9-780-1955-8801-9.THIS IS an updated version of a well-established media text by three prominent Australian media academics. Like the first edition, it is aimed at beginner media studies students, providing them with a basic introduction to media, communication, journalism studies and public relations concepts, all in a friendly, informal tone.

scholarly journals Breaking the measurement and evaluation deadlock: a new approach and model

2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 371-387 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jim Macnamara
Keyword(s):  
Public Relations ◽  
Delphi Study ◽  
Critical Analysis ◽  
Large Body ◽  
Corporate Communication ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Practical Implementation ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Measurement And Evaluation

Purpose – Noting findings by Michaelson and Stacks in the USA and Zerfass and colleagues in Europe that research-based measurement and evaluation (M & E) of public relations and corporate communication are still not widely applied despite more than a century of discussion and intense focus since the 1970s, the purpose of this paper is to explore the causes of this deadlock and presents an alternative approach and model to overcome identified obstacles and provide new insights to advance this important area of theory and practice. Design/methodology/approach – This paper is informed by critical analysis of the large body of literature on M & E, analysis of M & E reports, and ethnographic research among senior management. Findings – This analysis reveals that, along with long-cited barriers such as lack of budget, lack of knowledge and lack of standards, three other obstacles prevent demonstration of the value of PR and corporate communication. Based on critical analysis of literature and M & E reports and ethnography, this paper presents a new approach and model for M & E to help practitioners overcome these obstacles. Research limitations/implications – This analysis and the approach and model presented address an area of concern identified in research globally, such as a 2008 Delphi study by Watson and the European Communication Monitor in 2011 and 2012. The findings provide theoretical and practical contributions to address the deadlock between normative theories of M & E and practical implementation. Originality/value – The approach and M & E model presented make a significant original contribution to theory and practice.

Public relations at the crossroads

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 494-509 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katharina Wolf ◽  
Catherine Archer
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Public Relations ◽  
Digital Media ◽  
Western Australia ◽  
Holistic View ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Good Communication ◽  
Extant Literature ◽  
Strategic Relationships

PurposeUsing the theoretical lens of social capital, this paper provides insight into senior public relations (PR) professionals’ views on and attitudes towards digital communication in Singapore and Perth, Western Australia, and explores the fundamental question of PR purpose.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on Bourdieu’s theory of practice and in particular his notion of social capital, this exploratory study is based on the critical analysis of 31 semi-structured interviews with senior PR professionals in Singapore and Perth, Western Australia.FindingsPR professionals concur with assumptions made in the extant literature regarding the potential of digital media for PR, despite broad agreement that the fundamentals of good communication have not changed. At its core PR is about counselling, relationships and the building of social capital. Hence, digital tools and platforms are typically being referred to as merely an extension of the PR toolkit. However, as illustrated within the context of influencer engagement, PR has increasingly adopted advertising-led models and has moved away from its core business of developing strategic relationships and goodwill, hence contributing to the convergence of previously distinct communication functions.Originality/valueThis paper is believed to be one of the first to look at the theory of social capital related to PR within a digital context. Further, it takes a holistic view of PR professionals’ views on working with digital media in two geographical locations that have been under-represented in scholarly work in the field of PR. While much of the extant literature has focussed on the benefits of social media for PR, this paper takes a critical look at current challenges, including the rise of social media influencers. The paper contributes to theory relevant to social capital as it looks at the convergence of the professions relevant to digital disruption and argues for PR claiming its distinctive attributes.

Exploring expatriate fan identification in international football supporters

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 78-96
Author(s):  
Nicholas Burton ◽  
Cheri Bradish ◽  
Melanie Dempsey
Keyword(s):  
New Media ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fan Identification ◽  
Role Identification ◽  
Domestic Markets ◽  
National Team ◽  
National Identification ◽  
Fan Motivation ◽  
New Perspective

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine international football supporter behaviours within the context of national and socio-cultural identification, in an effort to better understand what role national identity plays in fan motivation and consumer behaviour for expatriate and non-domestic fans. Design/methodology/approach International football supporters across ten cultural and ethnic communities were surveyed throughout the 2014 Fédération Internationale de Football Association World Cup Finals, exploring the identification and new media socialisation behaviours of national team supporters in non-domestic markets. Findings The study’s findings provide evidence of the role identification plays in informing national and ethnic identities. Supporting one’s home or ancestral national team reflects an important element of national identification and socio-cultural place for expatriate or non-domestic supporters of international football. Importantly, new media behaviours provide supporters with a formative and productive source of national team fan engagement and ethnocultural community creation, particularly for younger target audiences. Practical implications These results bear particular significance for theory and practice: the digital socialisation behaviours supporters engage in are integral components of identity building and communication. In better understanding the awareness and interest of geographically detached sport consumers, this study offers new perspective into the opportunities present for sport organisations and marketers in reaching non-domestic fan nations. Originality/value The findings offer new perspective into the role national identification plays in fan involvement and motivation, and importantly how new media has emerged as a key platform for expatriate and non-domestic supporter socialisation amongst international football supporters.

Social issue qua wicked problems

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-95 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. Timothy Coombs ◽  
Sherry J. Holladay
Keyword(s):  
Social Issue ◽  
Digital Media ◽  
Social Issues ◽  
Strategic Communication ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Management Model ◽  
Issues Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Social

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe the need to theorize firms’ involvement in social issues and propose the social issues management model as a framework for analyzing the communication processes underlying social issues management. An application of the new approach is illustrated through a brief case analysis. Design/methodology/approach The paper is conceptual and emphasizes theory building for firm’s involvement in social issues management. Findings The paper describes modifications to the general issues management model that can be adopted to reflect the social issues management process and contemporary digital media environments. Practical implications The paper can benefit theory and practice of social issues management by describing how specific communication strategies and digital media use may affect social issues management. Social implications Because firms increasingly are motivated or urged by stakeholders to take stands on social issues, understanding how they can perform the role of social issue manager can enhance their potential for contributing to positive social change. Originality/value The paper provides a much needed update to the models of issues management used in strategic communication. The new model accounts for the increasing pressure on firms to address social issues and the role of digital communication channels in that process.

scholarly journals Editorial

2010 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Jim Macnamara ◽  
Robert Crawford
Keyword(s):  
Public Relations ◽  
Digital Media ◽  
Political Communication ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Public Communication ◽  
Ethical Practice ◽  
Holistic View ◽  
University Of Technology ◽  
The University

Welcome to the first issue of Public Communication Review. Borrowing an approach from journalism, it is appropriate in this first issue to briefly explain the who, what, where, when, why and how of this publication. Who and where? Public Communication Review is published by the Australian Centre for Public Communication (ACPC) at the University of Technology Sydney. Why? The Centre was established in 2002 to facilitate research in the field of public communication and to engage with industry and the professions through the dissemination of research and stimulation of debate on important issues, encouraging innovation, and promoting ethical practice. The ACPC is very much a result of UTS’ vision and goal to integrate theory and practice. Along with undertaking partnership and contract research, hosting seminars on key issues, and conducting short courses, the Centre decided that a quality journal is a key channel for achieving its objectives. When we asked the question ‘why launch another journal’, the members and the Advisory Board of the Australian Centre for Public Communication agreed that integration of theory and practice and our holistic view of the field of public communication fill a gap in the field. What? While recognising and respecting the specialist disciplinary fields of public relations, advertising, journalism and media studies, we use the title ‘public communication’ to draw focus to the interrelated and inter-dependent nature of a range of public communication practices. We define public communication as comprising advertising, public relations, organisational and corporate communication, and political communication including campaigns and engagement in the public sphere, as well as media communication generally. These practices are also closely inter-connected with journalism – albeit, sometimes in a tensioned relationship. We believe that this holistic view brings a new perspective and vantage point for exploring public communication. It recognises convergence and an increasing blurring of boundaries between practices of production, practices of distribution, and practices of consumption in the ‘Second Media Age’, and it facilitates discussion of common concerns and interests across practices of public communication. When? We intend to publish two issues a year. How? We have decided that Public Communication Review will be an e-journal as this allows research to be distributed more quickly than print publications and it enables the journal to respond to topical issues. Furthermore, it reflects the practices of the digital media age which are a focus of this journal. On behalf of the Centre and the University of Technology Sydney, I thank the distinguished scholars who have agreed to be members of the Editorial Board and welcome you to Public Communication Review.

Creating business value through corporate communication

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 68-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ansgar Zerfass ◽  
Christine Viertmann
Keyword(s):  
Public Relations ◽  
Corporate Strategy ◽  
Corporate Communication ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Top Executives ◽  
Communication Goals ◽  
Global Companies ◽  
Year 2000

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to report on a multi-step research project which explores concepts that explain communication value across different disciplines and builds a framework that identifies and systematizes communication goals linked to generic corporate goals. Design/methodology/approach Based on a literature review of work on value creation through communication, drawn from 815 publications in 36 international journals across several disciplines (public relations, marketing, management, etc.) and published from the year 2000 onward, the authors have developed a framework, named “Communication Value Circle.” The application of the framework was discussed with chief communication officers from global companies and was used during a communication alignment process in a global healthcare company. Findings Empirical surveys across several continents show that communication professionals use a multitude of rationales to explain the value of their work to top executives. These range from building reputation, brands and identity, to gaining thought leadership, boosting sales, motivating employees, preventing crises and listening to stakeholders. The researchers have identified four major value dimensions of communication (enabling operations, building intangibles, adjusting strategy, and ensuring flexibility). The framework encompasses 12 specific goals for communication that can be derived from corporate strategy. Research limitations/implications The framework stimulates the debate on the diverse concepts of communication value, performance and measurement, and the need to integrate those approaches into theory and practice. Additional qualitative studies to verify the framework are proposed. Practical implications The communication value circle can be used as a management tool for planning, evaluating, and revising strategic directions for communication in any corporation. Originality/value Explaining the value of communication continues to be one of the most important challenges for professionals and scholars alike. This paper proposes a consistent explanation for the theory and practice of what constitutes corporate communication.

Exploring market-oriented relations in the digital era

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-82
Author(s):  
Suk Chong Tong ◽  
Fanny Fong Yee Chan
Keyword(s):  
Public Relations ◽  
Digital Media ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Media Usage ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Digital Era

PurposeMarket-oriented relations has been regarded as a kind of public relations practices widely performed by the practitioners of public relations and marketing. This study attempts to discuss market-oriented relations in the digital era in which public relations and marketing practitioners' involvement in managing market-oriented relations was simultaneously related to their perceptions of interactivity effects, value of public relations and benefits of digital media usage in public relations practices.Design/methodology/approachA self-administrated online survey targeting 241 practitioners engaged in coordinating public relations activities in Hong Kong was conducted in 2017.FindingsStructural equation modeling (SEM) analysis showed that practitioners' involvement in market-oriented relations practices had significant positive effects on their perceptions of interactivity effects, value of public relations and benefits of digital media usage. Practitioners' perceptions of interactivity effects and benefits of digital media usage were positively affected by their perceptions of public relations value, particularly public relations effectiveness. Clients' profitability and business intelligence, as well as interactivity effects in terms of involvement and perceived customization were practitioners' key concerns in managing market-oriented relations.Originality/valueThis study explores how practitioners of public relations and marketing perceived and practiced public relations in the digital era. Specifically, the conception of market-oriented relations in regard to the use of digital media was discussed in the proposed structural model.

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