Public Relations Research Articles

Stoic virtue in modern public relations: Cicero’s De Officiis and the fully functioning society theory

ABSTRACT This paper merges classical philosophy and modern public relations theory by analyzing Cicero’s De Officiis ;(44 BCE) through the lens of Fully Functioning Society Theory (FFST) (Heath, 2006, 2018). While Cicero’s Stoic framework prioritizes virtue (honestum) and tangible civic duty over performative reputation, FFST advocates for dialogic, ethical communication to align organizational and societal interests. Both critique hollow rhetoric (Cicero condemns panem et circenses spectacles, while FFST rejects symbolic CSR) yet diverge in their prescriptions: Cicero emphasizes action (e.g. infrastructure, legal defense), whereas FFST privileges deliberative discourse. The study argues that integrating Cicero’s stoic pragmatism into FFST could address contemporary PR challenges, such as greenwashing and distrust in corporations, by grounding strategic communication in virtue and long-term societal harmony. By synthesizing these frameworks, the paper proposes a hybrid model for public relations that balances ethical rigor with pragmatic engagement based on deeds, offering a timely corrective to profit-driven reputation management.

The impact of job satisfaction on the performance of public relations female-practitioners in Jordanian companies

The article aimed to identify the job satisfaction of female public relations practitioners in Jordanian companies and its impact on their job performance. The article adopted the descriptive approach by surveying the opinions of a sample of (72) female practitioners of public relations. The results indicated that the level of job satisfaction of female practitioners in terms of (work environment, job tasks, job growth, incentives, salaries) was medium, while job performance was high. The results also showed a low dimension of equality based on gender compared to other dimensions of job satisfaction. As for the most prominent difficulties facing female practitioners, the administrative hierarchy is governed by personal relationships.

Public Relations Strategic Mapping and Credible Election Administration in West Africa

In this study, we assessed the effect of and potential of public relations (PR) strategic mapping on attitudinal changes of both the electorates and staff of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the areas of voter education, voter participation, acceptance of electoral outcomes as well as building strong internal controls. Anchoring the study on participatory theory, data generated primarily from four hundred respondents selected using multi-staged sampling technique were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The four research questions were answered and the results from the use of descriptive statistics and inferential statistics of logistic regression shows that Public relations strategic mapping (PRSM) have made significant influence on voter education, participation, acceptance of outcome, as well as building strong internal control. The study also noted that PRSM have enormous potentials yet to be harnessed, the odd ratios of 9.213 for voter participation, 12.962 for voter education, 7.145 for electoral result acceptance and, 3.133 for internal control showing that, any unit increase in PRSM effort create significant impacts on attitudinal changes among the citizenly. Hence, we concluded that PR strategic mapping remains the magic wand in changing people’s perception about INEC and also helping INEC in building strong internal control. Therefore, the study recommended more efficient usage of PR strategic mapping in amending the battered image of INEC before the electorates to improve voter participation and acceptance of election outcomes among other things.

Development Trends of Technology Parks: State Support Instruments

Aim. Identify the main tools contributing to the development of the infrastructure of technoparks and their residents, as well as consider aspects of improving the legal regulation of state support for technoparks in the Russian Federation.Methodology. To achieve the set objectives, the authors studied, systematized and analyzed a significant number of scientific, educational and methodological sources. The norms of international and national law concerning the legal regulation of public relations related to the organization of technology parks in Russia were also summarized. The process of systematization and generalization of data required the use of various methodological approaches, including dialectical methods such as analysis and synthesis, as well as cultural and comparative legal methods. To identify patterns, logical methods were used, including deduction, induction and analogy, as well as historical and formal legal approaches. Describing and comparing the results with other studies, the authors used systemic, functional and sociological methods.Results. The conducted analysis allowed to identify trends in the evolution of legislation. In particular, successful regulation of the activities of technology parks specializing in high technologies at the federal level was noted, which led to the formulation and consolidation of the definition of a technology park at the regulatory level. However, some shortcomings were also identified, such as the possibility of creating technology parks and receiving support only if the goals defined by law are met, as well as the lack of legal norms regulating the activities of technology park residents. As a result, a conclusion was made on the need to further improve the system of state regulation of technology parks based on federal legislation and current standards.Research implications. Until recently, the management of technology parks was fragmented and unsystematic, but in recent years positive changes have been observed, which is associated with amendments and additions to industry legislation.

Hasil Analisis SWOT Masalah Transparansi dalam Manajemen Humas yang Ada di Pohuwato

Public information transparency is a crucial element of good governance principles. Pohuwato Regency, one of the administrative regions in Gorontalo Province, continues to face significant challenges in implementing public information disclosure. The role of the Regional Government's Public Relations (PR) division in disseminating information has not functioned optimally, as indicated by the limited public access to important and strategic governmental information. This study aims to analyze transparency issues in Pohuwato using a SWOT analysis approach (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats). The research employs a descriptive qualitative method through interviews with PR officials, staff from the Communication and Information Office (Kominfo), and members of the community. The findings indicate that there is internal potential to be developed, such as the commitment of some officials to serve the public. However, weaknesses persist, including inadequate infrastructure and budgetary support. Opportunities to enhance transparency exist through the utilization of digital technology and national policy support, yet these are challenged by low information literacy among the public and a culture of bureaucratic secrecy. In conclusion, public information transparency in Pohuwato requires comprehensive and sustainable reform in public relations management.

The integration of artificial intelligence in public relations practice in the UAE: Analyzing opportunities and challenges through the AMO theory framework

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into public relations (PR) is transforming traditional communication strategies by enhancing content creation, audience engagement, and data-informed decision-making. Despite its potential, AI adoption in PR remains uneven, with varying levels of awareness, readiness, and implementation across organizations. This study examines AI adoption in the UAE’s PR sector, exploring practitioners’ abilities, motivations, opportunities, and concerns related to ethics and regulation. Guided by the Ability, Motivation, and Opportunity (AMO) framework, the research draws on semi-structured interviews with PR directors and experts from public and private institutions. Thematic analysis, conducted using NVivo software, reveals both the perceived benefits of AI and the structural and cultural challenges surrounding its implementation. A critical challenge identified is the lack of culturally and linguistically localized AI tools, particularly in the UAE and broader Arab region, leading to reliance on foreign technologies that may not align with regional values. This, along with cultural resistance rooted in a preference for personal interaction, continues to limit AI’s widespread integration. Findings further indicate that ethical concerns, regulatory ambiguities, and limited internal capabilities constrain broader adoption. Participants emphasized the need for human oversight, effective governance, and continuous professional development to support responsible and context-sensitive AI deployment in PR. The study concludes that a balanced strategy—merging innovation with ethical and regulatory safeguards—is necessary to unlock AI’s full potential in the field.

Analysis of Credit Marketing Strategy, Lending Procedures, and Service Quality on Customer Satisfaction of Rural Banks

Customer satisfaction plays a critical role in the long-term success and survival of any institution, and local banks, including Rural Banks, understand that their loan marketing strategies, lending practices, and the quality of service they offer are key drivers of customer satisfaction. This study aims to analyze the credit marketing strategies, lending procedures, and service quality of Rural Credit Banks in order to enhance customer satisfaction and explore the complex relationship between these factors and customer satisfaction. Using a quantitative approach, this study collected data through questionnaires distributed to a sample of 96 customers who applied for loans at Rural Banks. The findings revealed that personalized sales promotions, product displays, promotional programs, and public relations are fundamental to the credit marketing strategies of Rural Banks. The loan origination process consists of several steps, including file submission, loan file inspection, decision making, contract signing, loan disbursement, installment processing, and loan repayment. In addition, the study emphasized that competitive interest rates for small loans, combined with flexible repayment options based on membership levels, contribute significantly to customer satisfaction. Overall, this underscores the important role of loan marketing strategies, lending practices, and service quality in shaping customer satisfaction in the local banking context.

Book Review: Race, Diversity, and Social Mobility in the Public Relations Industry BridgenElizabethZelerIleana. 2025. Race, Diversity, and Social Mobility in the Public Relations Industry. London: Routledge. 82 pp. £52.99

Book Review: Race, Diversity, and Social Mobility in the Public Relations Industry BridgenElizabethZelerIleana. 2025. Race, Diversity, and Social Mobility in the Public Relations Industry. London: Routledge. 82 pp. £52.99

Corporate social advocacy and reproductive rights: Analyzing public relations responses to Dobbs v. Jackson

This study analyzes how corporate organizations responded to changes for reproductive rights in the United States after the Dobbs v. Jackson Supreme Court decision. Qualitative thematic analysis with computer-assisted and manual coding is used to examine brands’ statements related to abortion politics and employees’ reproductive rights. Corporate social advocacy is employed as a theoretical lens to identify concepts and themes from 117 organizational statements issued in 2022 after the leak and final court decision. Brands responded in various ways, such as acknowledging the healthcare implications and offering statements of material support for employees, advocating for reproductive rights and criticizing the Supreme Court, and recognizing the changing legal landscape for key publics with diverse political views. Responses were addressed to blends of internal and external publics, with some brands focusing on healthcare and human resources management while others waded more directly and pointedly into political and values advocacy. Brands continue to wade into social and political issues and this study provides an inquiry on the hotly contested issue of abortion.

El El protocolo como herramienta para la gestión de valores intangibles en las organizaciones: hacia una estrategia corporativa de marca eficaz

Objective: This article highlights the importance of protocol as a key intangible resource at the organisational level and explores how the strategic and professional implementation of corporate communication, including protocol, can strengthen the identity, reputation and trust of stakeholders in organisations. Furthermore, it analyses the intangible resources that contribute to the strengthening of the brand, providing a strategic recommendation for companies. Methodology: In the framework of an exploratory study, a narrative review of the current scientific literature on the management of intangibles is conducted, including inclusion criteria focused on protocol and other relevant disciplines such as reputation, public relations (PR) and corporate social responsibility (CSR). Based on this review, a strategic guide is developed to support brands in managing their intangible values. Discussion: The findings underline that protocol, beyond its ceremonial function, can be effectively integrated into corporate strategy to strengthen identity, reputation and trust in organisations. The integration of protocol with other intangible values generates significant synergies, contributing to sustainable value creation and differentiation in a competitive environment. Limitations: As a limitation, it is highlighted that the practical proposal may not be applicable to all organisations due to cultural and operational differences. Variations in organisational structure, corporate culture and environment may influence the effectiveness of the protocol as a strategic tool Contribution: The work contributes to the field of corporate communication by highlighting the importance of protocol as an essential tool for the management of intangibles. It provides an innovative perspective on protocol, positioning it as a key strategic resource within organisations, and offers a guide to help organisations that want to manage their intangible values effectively.

Character assassination as a communicative phenomenon: a retrospective review of concept development and extensions

Abstract This retrospective review synthesizes communication scholarship concerning character assassination (CA) or the deliberate destruction of a target’s character by an attacker. We first review the five pillars of CA, before tracing the development of CA across the three subfields of communication most prevalent in our sample: Political communication, rhetoric, and persuasion; mediated/mass communication and new communication technologies; and public relations and strategic communication. We offer an agenda for future CA research in three intellectual territories underrepresented in our sample, including sociological, sociopsychological, and sociocultural approaches; health and science communication; and interpersonal and instructional communication. In all, our review underscores the contemporary salience of CA as a communicative phenomenon, and outlines directions for further developing this burgeoning area of research.

О МЕРАХ ПООЩРЕНИЯ МУНИЦИПАЛЬНЫХ ОБРАЗОВАНИЙ

Introduction: the article attempts to analyze the measures used to encourage municipalities as a necessary condition for the effective functioning of local self-government. The non-material (motivating factor) and material measures of encouragement of municipalities aimed at their sustainable development are investigated. Materials and Methods: the author considers a set of norms of Constitutional, Administrative and Budgetary Law that form public incentive legal relations, presents scientific and theoretical positions of scientists and judicial practice on these issues; general scientific methods were used, as well as special ones: structural-functional, formal-legal were used. Results: the analysis of scientific literature and legislation regulating public-award relations allowed us to identify two groups of incentive measures: material and non-material. Non–material incentive measures are measures based on the recognition of the merits of a local community acting on the basis of a collective consciousness formed by the common interests and values of the population of a particular territory. The main forms of non-material incentives are awards and honorary titles, both at the federal and regional levels. Material incentives for municipalities are funds received by the local budget through inter–budgetary transfers from the federal budget or the budget of a constituent entity of the Russian Federation. Discussion and Conclusions: the lack of legislation in a significant part of the subjects of the Russian Federation that would provide for awarding municipalities was negatively assessed, since the local community should receive a positive assessment of its merits. The State's award policy and relevant regulatory legal acts should provide for the awarding of municipalities with state awards and honorary titles. It is proposed to introduce the concept of a budget grant provided to a municipality. Keywords: Constitution of the Russian Federation; public authority; local self-government; encouragement; incentive measures; motivation

Hidden in Plain Sight: The In/Visibility of Human Rights in El Salvador’s Prisons Under the State of Exception

Abstract This article examines the social and political impacts of President Nayib Bukele’s 2023 opening of a megaprison in El Salvador by analyzing his government-funded international public relations campaign. We chronicle how the design of the prison, along with policies for arresting, detaining, and prosecuting Salvadorans for alleged gang-related crimes, offers a mirage of transparency that obstructs the visibility needed to protect the human rights of Salvadorans. Our analysis places empirical accounts of conditions in El Salvador in conversation with the largely Twitter/X-based public relations campaign announcing the new prison. We show how the campaign works to justify an alarming degradation of democratic principles and practices during the current régimen de excepción (state of exception). Bukele rationalizes an iron-fist-style approach to gang violence while simultaneously silencing political opposition and obfuscating the expanding scope of state human rights violations. We argue that the trade-offs being made in El Salvador between increased safety for some and human rights violations for others ultimately contribute to the corrosion of democracy. Moreover, we discuss how Bukele’s tough-on-crime populism simultaneously produces and exports an “authoritarian playbook” for wider regional democratic erosion in line with Bukele’s model.

ПРОБЛЕМЫ УГОЛОВНОЙ ОТВЕТСТВЕННОСТИ ЗА НАРУШЕНИЕ ПРАВИЛ ОХРАНЫ И ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЯ НЕДР

Introduction: the article is devoted to the study of the effectiveness of criminal legal impact related to the protection of public relations arising from violations of the rules of protection and use of mineral resources. Literature Review: the works have been studied E.A. Galinovskaya, S.I. Golubeva, N.V. Kichigin, A.A. Kuleshova, T.A. Yakovleva and other scientists devoted to the legal regulation of subsurface use, including criminal liability for violations of the rules of protection and use of subsurface resources. Materials and Methods: the methodological basis of the research was made up of general scientific and special methods: historical, system-structural, logical, historical-legal, formal-legal, comparative-legal, etc. The empirical basis of the study was strategic planning documents; federal and regional legislation; materials of investigative and judicial practice, as well as publications presented in open sources (mass media) on the subject under study. Results: the article describes the legal regulation of subsurface use in the Russian Federation, its individual shortcomings are noted; the problems that arise when bringing persons to criminal responsibility for violating the rules of protection and use of subsurface resources are highlighted; based on the analysis of domestic and foreign experience in constructing criminal law norms and their substantive content, it is concluded that part 1 of the article The Criminal Code of the Russian Federation needs to be improved, and appropriate proposals have been formulated. Discussion and Conclusions: it is proposed to incorporate regulatory legal acts regulating the use and protection of subsurface resources, which will make it possible to identify and qualify violations in this area faster and more effectively, determine the type of legal liability and apply specific legal norms; to consolidate at the legislative level the concepts of "subsurface area", "use of subsurface", "protection of subsurface" and a number of others; to differentiate responsibility for violation of the rules of protection and use of mineral resources by amending part 1 of Article 255 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.

Mainstreaming wanghong in the international press discourse

ABSTRACT In recent years, there has been a surge in global interest in wanghong. Wanghong are chiefly known for their prowess as communicators who efficiently parlay viewer traffic into sales and have become staples for international brands that aim to break into the Chinese market as well as domestic breaks that aim to expand worldwide. Wanghong are also pioneers in experimenting with novel and curious communication formats that often challenge the status quo of attention economies, and have swiftly become indispensable partners to social media and e-commerce platforms. Most prominently, with their ability to dissect and disseminate information into digestible media for laypersons, in many markets wanghong have also become essential extensions of public relations management for governments and public service entities. In a nutshell, the growing and dominant presence of wanghong in everyday life as evidenced through their visibility and influence across interactive media, industry verticals, and online platforms is a testament to their trade as arbiters of digital cultures for everyday users. This paper looks more deeply into the global interest in wanghong by studying how the phenomenon and the discourse surrounding it has been mainstreamed by the international press discourse. Drawing on an original corpus of international press articles in the English language concentrated on four key seasons in the last decade (2014–2024), during which worldwide interest on wanghong registered significant movement, the paper presents a content analysis of the news corpus to uncover the discursive shifts pertaining to: Conceptual synonyms, genres, platforms, topics, and concerns in wanghong cultures.

Assessment of Public Relations Strategies for Sensitisation on the Prevention of COVID-19 by Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)

Public relations is a critical tool for guiding national affairs and addressing public health challenges. This study evaluates the public relations strategies employed by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) for sensitization on COVID-19 prevention during the 2020 pandemic. The primary objective was to assess the extent, effectiveness, and scope of NCDC's public relations efforts in raising awareness and influencing preventive behavior. Adopting a cross-sectional survey research design, the study utilized questionnaires administered to a sample of 317 respondents selected through both random and purposive sampling techniques. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis, and the Extended Parallel Processing Model (EPPM) was employed as the theoretical framework. Findings revealed that 35.3% and 24% of respondents strongly agreed and agreed, respectively, that the NCDC deployed its public relations and sensitization strategies to a significant extent and in a comprehensive manner. Additionally, 62.1% of respondents affirmed the effectiveness of these strategies in enhancing public awareness and behavior change, contributing to the flattening of the COVID-19 curve, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)—a high-risk area due to its exposure to travel-related transmission. The study concludes that public relations played a pivotal role in mitigating the spread of COVID-19 and recommends the continuous engagement of an active and well-trained public relations department at both national and state levels of the NCDC. Sustained communication efforts beyond health crises are essential to maintaining public trust and preparedness.

The Impact of Work Motivation, Organizational Commitment, and Compensation on OCB: A Study in Public Relations and Protocols of BNN Indonesia

Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB) is closely related to organizational performance and encompasses employee behaviors that support organizational effectiveness. These include social competence to maintain team cohesion, willingness to participate in collaborative efforts to achieve collective goals, and the ability to maintain moral and psychological balance in achieving personal and organizational objectives without harming others. OCB plays a crucial role in enhancing or diminishing organizational performance. The population in this study consisted of 56 employees from the Public Relations and Protocol at the BNN Indonesia. The sampling technique used was a saturated sampling method, in which the entire population was included as the sample. This study applied a quantitative research approach, with data collected through questionnaires. The data were then analyzed using multiple regression analysis with IBM SPSS Statistics version 29. The findings revealed that work motivation, organizational commitment, and compensation simultaneously have a positive and significant influence on Organizational Citizenship Behavior. Furthermore, the partial analysis indicated that each independent variable—work motivation, organizational commitment, and compensation—individually exerts a positive and significant effect on OCB. These findings align with the principles of Social Exchange Theory, which posit that reciprocal relationships between individuals and their institutions encourage voluntary contributions beyond formal job responsibilities.

Strategi Getok Tular dalam Public Relations Islami: Studi Komunikasi Berbasis Komunitas Jamaah Umrah Uskinu Ponorogo

This study explores the word of mouth (WOM) strategy within the framework of Islamic public relations as implemented by Uskinu Ponorogo, a religious travel agency specializing in Umrah services. The research is motivated by the increasing reliance on personal recommendations amid widespread fraud cases in the Umrah travel sector, and the lack of scholarly attention to WOM communication embedded in Islamic values. Using a qualitative approach with a field research design, data were collected through an in-depth interview with the agency’s public relations officer. The findings reveal that interpersonal communication among former pilgrims, facilitated through regular alumni gatherings, plays a key role in building public trust and strengthening loyalty by leveraging both religious legitimacy and institutional credibility. This community-based and spiritually grounded WOM strategy has proven to be an effective, ethical, and sustainable communication tool for enhancing the agency’s public reputation. The study contributes theoretically to the discourse on Islamic public relations and provides practical insights for faith-based service institutions.

The Role of Public Relations of the Sukabumi City DPRD Secretariat in Delivering Public Information

Public relations (PR) plays a strategic role in bridging communication between government institutions and the public to achieve transparency in public information. The Public Relations Division of the Secretariat of the Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) of Sukabumi City is required to deliver information effectively, transparently, and accountably. This study aims to identify the role of the PR Division in providing public information. A descriptive qualitative method was employed, with the research conducted at the DPRD Office of Sukabumi City. Data collection techniques included observation, interviews, and documentation. Informants in this study consisted of the Head of Public Relations, PR staff, and representatives of DPRD members.The object of this research is the PR Division of the DPRD Secretariat of Sukabumi City, particularly its role in delivering public information. Data analysis followed the Miles and Huberman model, encompassing data collection, data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The findings reveal that the duties of the PR Division go beyond documentation and media coverage; they also serve as communicator, relationship builder, management support, and image maker. Social media and collaboration with mass media are utilized as the main communication channels for disseminating public information. The main obstacles include limited human resources and inadequate supporting facilities. Overall, the PR Division has performed its role fairly well, although improvements are still needed through capacity building and technical support.

Perancangan Desain Pedoman Manajemen Krisis Berbasis Teknologi Artificial Sebagai Inovasi di Bidang Kehumasan

This study aims to analyze the extent to which artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are utilized by government institutions and companies in public relations (PR) practices, and to relate these findings to crisis management strategies. Using a descriptive quantitative approach, data were collected through surveys and interviews involving 23 institutions, consisting of 19 government agencies and 4 private companies. The results show that ChatGPT is the most widely used AI tool (56%), followed by Gemini (34%) and QuillBot (14%). Most other tools showed low usage rates, with a high percentage falling under the “unknown” category, indicating limited information and awareness regarding AI technologies within PR environments. These findings have strategic implications in the context of crisis management, as the speed and accuracy of information dissemination are highly dependent on technological adaptability. The integration of AI tools into public communication systems can serve as both a preventive and responsive solution to reputational and operational crises. Therefore, policies are needed to enhance digital literacy and provide technical training on AI utilization for PR practitioners in both the public and private sectors.