It's not just PR: public relations in society

Abstract

Introduction. 1. Does Society Need Public Relations?. Media Use and the Term Criticisms of Public Relations. Popular Press Books Describing the Importance of Public Relations. Professional and Academic Defense of Public Relations. Public Relations and the Marketplace of Ideas. Re-focusing Public Relations. Conclusion. 2. Ethical Implications of Public Relations. What is Public Communication?. Ethical Responsibilities of PR as a Form of Public Communication. Ethical Perspectives. Professional Associations and Ethics. The Boundary-spanning Role of the PR Professional. Tensions for PR Practitioners. Power Relationships. The Power of PR Professionals in the Corporation. A Postmodern Perspective on PR. Conclusion. 3. Who Practices Public Relations?. Corporate-centric Histories of Public Relations. Antagonistic Views of Corporations and Activists. Power and Marginalization. First Reform Era: Abolitionism and Temperance. Second Reform Era: The Muckrakers. Saul Alinsky: Activism in the 1960s. Internet Activism. Labor Unions and Public Relations. Conclusion. 4. Public Relations Influences Society. Marketplace of Ideas. Issues Management: A Framework of Effects on Public Policy. Shaping Public Behavior. Mixing Social and Policy Changes: Direct-to-Consumer Advertising and Big Pharm. Conclusion. 5. Global Effects of Public Relations. Public Diplomacy: Government Public Relations Goes Global. Private Voluntary Organizations: Activism Goes Global. Corporations: Increased Demands from a Global Network of Relationships. Conclusion. Where We Have Been. References. Index.