Jim Macnamara – författare

This book is a comprehensive, practical guide to successful academic research. Drawing on lived experiences across a variety of academic disciplines and commercial practice, Jim Macnamara illustrates the many successes, challenges and failures involved in academic research.In the ever-changing higher education environment, Macnamara examines different educational institutions, structures, systems, positions, and career paths to demonstrate how to get into and build an academic research career. Chapters utilise case studies, research reporting, tips, and personal reflections to explore how to find and broaden your academic niche, innovative ways to gain research funding, and how to write, publish, disseminate, and teach your work. The book aims to support academics in a world of university-industry engagement and partnerships, diversification of research funding, research translation and commercialization of research outputs. It provides crucial analysis of the impact academic research has on industry and professional practices, public policy, and society.With particular attention paid to disciplinary research budgets, conventions, and practices, this book will be invaluable to students and scholars across the social sciences looking to begin and build their research careers.

This book is a comprehensive, practical guide to successful academic research. Drawing on lived experiences across a variety of academic disciplines and commercial practice, Jim Macnamara illustrates the many successes, challenges and failures involved in academic research.In the ever-changing higher education environment, Macnamara examines different educational institutions, structures, systems, positions, and career paths to demonstrate how to get into and build an academic research career. Chapters utilise case studies, research reporting, tips, and personal reflections to explore how to find and broaden your academic niche, innovative ways to gain research funding, and how to write, publish, disseminate, and teach your work. The book aims to support academics in a world of university-industry engagement and partnerships, diversification of research funding, research translation and commercialization of research outputs. It provides crucial analysis of the impact academic research has on industry and professional practices, public policy, and society.With particular attention paid to disciplinary research budgets, conventions, and practices, this book will be invaluable to students and scholars across the social sciences looking to begin and build their research careers.

Our Elgar Concise Introductions are inspiring and considered. They explain the key principles in business and are expertly written by some of the world’s leading scholars. The aims of the series are two-fold: to pinpoint essential concepts of business and management, and to offer insights that stimulate critical thinking. A pioneer in the study of organizational listening, Jim Macnamara synthesizes his extensive research and knowledge surrounding the field in this Concise Introduction. Exploring how organizations including government departments and agencies, corporations, non-government organizations and institutions listen to their constituents and stakeholders, he highlights the essential role of listening in public communication. Chapters summarize the theoretical foundation of organizational listening and present practical recommendations to address its challenges and opportunities. Macnamara demonstrates the tangible benefits of effective organizational listening and suggests how to adopt an 'architecture of listening' method to improve communication in organizations. Key Features:Provides a clear and accessible overview of the fieldPresents key methods of effective organizational listeningIdentifies case studies of crises resulting from not listeningIncludes findings from over 30 recent studies and author’s own researchAnalyses fundamental principles and guidelines – the 'seven canons of listening'The Concise Introduction to Organizational Listening is a valuable resource for scholars and students of communication, business and management, public relations and communication, politics and public policy and marketing. Its practical guidance will also benefit practitioners, public policy advisers and consultants working in communication, government and policy development.

Our Elgar Concise Introductions are inspiring and considered. They explain the key principles in business and are expertly written by some of the world’s leading scholars. The aims of the series are two-fold: to pinpoint essential concepts of business and management, and to offer insights that stimulate critical thinking. A pioneer in the study of organizational listening, Jim Macnamara synthesizes his extensive research and knowledge surrounding the field in this Concise Introduction. Exploring how organizations including government departments and agencies, corporations, non-government organizations and institutions listen to their constituents and stakeholders, he highlights the essential role of listening in public communication. Chapters summarize the theoretical foundation of organizational listening and present practical recommendations to address its challenges and opportunities. Macnamara demonstrates the tangible benefits of effective organizational listening and suggests how to adopt an 'architecture of listening' method to improve communication in organizations. Key Features:Provides a clear and accessible overview of the fieldPresents key methods of effective organizational listeningIdentifies case studies of crises resulting from not listeningIncludes findings from over 30 recent studies and author’s own researchAnalyses fundamental principles and guidelines – the 'seven canons of listening'The Concise Introduction to Organizational Listening is a valuable resource for scholars and students of communication, business and management, public relations and communication, politics and public policy and marketing. Its practical guidance will also benefit practitioners, public policy advisers and consultants working in communication, government and policy development.

Evaluating Public Communication addresses the widely reported lack of rigorous outcome and impact-oriented evaluation in advertising; public relations; corporate, government, political and organizational communication and specialist fields, such as health communication. This transdisciplinary analysis integrates research literature from each of these fields of practice, as well as interviews, content analysis and ethnography, to identify the latest models and approaches. Chapters feature:• a review of 30 frameworks and models that inform processes for evaluation in communication, including the latest recommendations of industry bodies, evaluation councils and research institutes in several countries;• recommendations for standards based on contemporary social science research and industry initiatives, such as the IPR Task Force on Standards and the Coalition for Public Relations Research Standards;• an assessment of metrics that can inform evaluation, including digital and social media metrics, 10 informal research methods and over 30 formal research methods for evaluating public communication; • evaluation of public communication campaigns and projects in 12 contemporary case studies.Evaluating Public Communication provides clear guidance on theory and practice for students, researchers and professionals in PR, advertising and all fields of communication.

Evaluating Public Communication addresses the widely reported lack of rigorous outcome and impact-oriented evaluation in advertising; public relations; corporate, government, political and organizational communication and specialist fields, such as health communication. This transdisciplinary analysis integrates research literature from each of these fields of practice, as well as interviews, content analysis and ethnography, to identify the latest models and approaches. Chapters feature:• a review of 30 frameworks and models that inform processes for evaluation in communication, including the latest recommendations of industry bodies, evaluation councils and research institutes in several countries;• recommendations for standards based on contemporary social science research and industry initiatives, such as the IPR Task Force on Standards and the Coalition for Public Relations Research Standards;• an assessment of metrics that can inform evaluation, including digital and social media metrics, 10 informal research methods and over 30 formal research methods for evaluating public communication; • evaluation of public communication campaigns and projects in 12 contemporary case studies.Evaluating Public Communication provides clear guidance on theory and practice for students, researchers and professionals in PR, advertising and all fields of communication.

An invaluable resource for shaping policies that resonate with the public and benefit democratic practicesDemocracy may be widespread, but its vitality is under siege. Public trust in governments and institutions has eroded to critical levels, with many democracies failing to include citizens in meaningful consultation, engagement, and participation.Public Communication and Public Policy: Reviving Democracy by Recalibrating Public Communication addresses this urgent need, exposing how one-way communication practices perpetuate disengagement and hinder policy effectiveness. Drawing on research across three continents, author Jim Macnamara dissects policy frameworks and government communication guidelines to uncover systemic shortcomings and offer actionable solutions.Combining critical literature reviews, practitioner interviews, and real-world case studies, Public Communication and Public Policy delivers detailed recommendations to reform public communication—challenging conventional approaches and advocating for recalibrated consultation and citizen participation to rebuild trust and reinvigorate democratic processes.A timely, solutions-focused analysis of democratic challenges, Public Communication and Public Policy Analyzes 16 widely used policy models to reveal critical gaps in consultation and engagement practicesProvides detailed strategies to enhance public communication, consultation, and stakeholder participationIntroduces groundbreaking frameworks such as the IP-IT model of communicationExamines key policy failures such as Robodebt (Australia) and Post Office Horizon (UK)Bridges communication theory, public policy studies, and political sciencePublic Communication and Public Policy: Reviving Democracy by Recalibrating Public Communication is a must-read for academics, students, and professionals in public communication, strategic communication, and public policy. It is particularly relevant for policymakers, advisers, and government communication practitioners aiming to create inclusive, effective, and trust-building policies.

The emergence of what are called `new media’ and `social media’ is one of the most discussed topics in contemporary societies. Because media and public communication are mostly analyzed within particular theoretical frameworks and within specific disciplinary fields, polarized views have been created with cyberoptimists and celebrants on one side and cyberpessimists and skeptics on the other. Thus we lack an understanding of the interdependencies and convergence between disciplines and practices.The second edition of this book expertly synthesizes competing theories and disciplinary viewpoints and examines the latest data, including international research from fast-growing markets such as China, to provide a comprehensive, holistic view of the twenty-first century media (r)evolution. Dr. Macnamara argues that the key changes are located in practices rather than technologies and that public communication practices are emergent in highly significant ways.Engaging and accessible, this book is essential reading for scholars and professionals in media and communication and an invaluable text for courses in media studies, journalism, advertising, public relations and organisational and political communication.

The emergence of what are called `new media’ and `social media’ is one of the most discussed topics in contemporary societies. Because media and public communication are mostly analyzed within particular theoretical frameworks and within specific disciplinary fields, polarized views have been created with cyberoptimists and celebrants on one side and cyberpessimists and skeptics on the other. Thus we lack an understanding of the interdependencies and convergence between disciplines and practices.The second edition of this book expertly synthesizes competing theories and disciplinary viewpoints and examines the latest data, including international research from fast-growing markets such as China, to provide a comprehensive, holistic view of the twenty-first century media (r)evolution. Dr. Macnamara argues that the key changes are located in practices rather than technologies and that public communication practices are emergent in highly significant ways.Engaging and accessible, this book is essential reading for scholars and professionals in media and communication and an invaluable text for courses in media studies, journalism, advertising, public relations and organisational and political communication.

The interrelationship between journalism and public relations (PR) is one of the most contentious in the field of media studies. Numerous studies have shown that 50–80 per cent of the content of mass media is significantly shaped by PR. But many editors, journalists, and PR practitioners engage in a ‘discourse of denial’, maintaining what critics call the dirty secret of journalism – and PR. Media practitioners also engage in an accusatory ‘discourse of spin’ and a ‘discourse of victimhood’. On the other hand, PR practitioners say they help provide a voice for organizations, including those ignored by the media. Meanwhile, the growth of social media is providing new opportunities for governments, corporations, and organizations to create content and even their own media, increasing the channels and reach of PR. This book reviews 100 years of research into the interrelationship between journalism and PR and, based on in-depth interviews with senior editors, journalists, and PR practitioners in several countries, presents new insights into the methods and extent of PR influence, its implications, and the need for transparency and change, making it a must-read for researchers and students in media studies, journalism, public relations, politics, sociology, and cultural studies.

The interrelationship between journalism and public relations (PR) is one of the most contentious in the field of media studies. Numerous studies have shown that 50–80 per cent of the content of mass media is significantly shaped by PR. But many editors, journalists, and PR practitioners engage in a ‘discourse of denial’, maintaining what critics call the dirty secret of journalism – and PR. Media practitioners also engage in an accusatory ‘discourse of spin’ and a ‘discourse of victimhood’. On the other hand, PR practitioners say they help provide a voice for organizations, including those ignored by the media. Meanwhile, the growth of social media is providing new opportunities for governments, corporations, and organizations to create content and even their own media, increasing the channels and reach of PR. This book reviews 100 years of research into the interrelationship between journalism and PR and, based on in-depth interviews with senior editors, journalists, and PR practitioners in several countries, presents new insights into the methods and extent of PR influence, its implications, and the need for transparency and change, making it a must-read for researchers and students in media studies, journalism, public relations, politics, sociology, and cultural studies.

Organizations, which are central in contemporary industrialized and post-industrial societies, including government departments and agencies, corporations, and non-government organizations, claim to want and practice two-way communication, dialogue, and engagement with citizens, customers, employees, and other stakeholders and publics. But do they in reality? Voice – speaking up – is recognized as fundamental for democracy, representation, and social equity. But what if governments, corporations, institutions, and NGOs are not listening? This book reports the findings of a two-year, three-continent study that show that public and private sector organizations devote substantial and sometimes massive resources to construct an ‘architecture of speaking’ through advertising, PR, and other public communication practices, but listen poorly, sporadically, and sometimes not at all. Beyond identifying a ‘crisis of listening’ in modern societies, this landmark study proposes and describes how organizations need to create an architecture of listening to regain trust and re-engage people whose voices are unheard or ignored. It presents a compelling case to show that urgent attention to organizational listening is essential for maintaining healthy democracy, organization legitimacy, business sustainability, and social equity. This research is essential reading for all scholars, students, and practitioners involved in politics; government, corporate, marketing, and organizational communication; public relations; and all those interested in democratic participation, media, and society.

Organizations, which are central in contemporary industrialized and post-industrial societies, including government departments and agencies, corporations, and non-government organizations, claim to want and practice two-way communication, dialogue, and engagement with citizens, customers, employees, and other stakeholders and publics. But do they in reality? Voice – speaking up – is recognized as fundamental for democracy, representation, and social equity. But what if governments, corporations, institutions, and NGOs are not listening? This book reports the findings of a two-year, three-continent study that show that public and private sector organizations devote substantial and sometimes massive resources to construct an ‘architecture of speaking’ through advertising, PR, and other public communication practices, but listen poorly, sporadically, and sometimes not at all. Beyond identifying a ‘crisis of listening’ in modern societies, this landmark study proposes and describes how organizations need to create an architecture of listening to regain trust and re-engage people whose voices are unheard or ignored. It presents a compelling case to show that urgent attention to organizational listening is essential for maintaining healthy democracy, organization legitimacy, business sustainability, and social equity. This research is essential reading for all scholars, students, and practitioners involved in politics; government, corporate, marketing, and organizational communication; public relations; and all those interested in democratic participation, media, and society.

While many analyses have examined disinformation in recent election campaigns, misuse of ‘big data’ such as the Cambridge Analytica scandal, and manipulation by bots and algorithms, most have blamed a few bad actors. This incisive analysis presents evidence of deeper and broader corruption of the public sphere, which the author refers to as post-communication. With extensive evidence, Jim Macnamara argues that we are all responsible for the slide towards a post-truth society. This analysis looks beyond high profile individuals such as Donald Trump, Russian trolls, and even ‘Big Tech’ to argue that the professionalized communication industries of advertising, PR, political and government communication, and journalism, driven by clickbait and aided by a lack of critical media literacy, have systematically contributed to disinformation, deception, and manipulation. When combined with powerful new communication technologies, artificial intelligence, and lack of regulation, this has led to a ‘perfect data storm’. Accordingly, Macnamara proposes that there is no single solution. Rather, he identifies a range of strategies for communication professionals, industry associations, media organizations and platforms, educators, legislators, regulators, and citizens to challenge post-communication and post-truth.

While many analyses have examined disinformation in recent election campaigns, misuse of ‘big data’ such as the Cambridge Analytica scandal, and manipulation by bots and algorithms, most have blamed a few bad actors. This incisive analysis presents evidence of deeper and broader corruption of the public sphere, which the author refers to as post-communication. With extensive evidence, Jim Macnamara argues that we are all responsible for the slide towards a post-truth society. This analysis looks beyond high profile individuals such as Donald Trump, Russian trolls, and even ‘Big Tech’ to argue that the professionalized communication industries of advertising, PR, political and government communication, and journalism, driven by clickbait and aided by a lack of critical media literacy, have systematically contributed to disinformation, deception, and manipulation. When combined with powerful new communication technologies, artificial intelligence, and lack of regulation, this has led to a ‘perfect data storm’. Accordingly, Macnamara proposes that there is no single solution. Rather, he identifies a range of strategies for communication professionals, industry associations, media organizations and platforms, educators, legislators, regulators, and citizens to challenge post-communication and post-truth.

The first edition of this book (2016) broke new ground by identifying organizational listening as a major gap in public communication studies and practice. This entirely new edition substantially expands the concept, theory, and practice. Organizational Listening II reports the research findings of the author’s Organizational Listening Project undertaken since the first edition, as well as findings from a number of other researchers who have entered this emerging field. In addition to confirming that organizations central to contemporary society continue to listen poorly, and sometimes not at all, this new edition makes a significant contribution to a growing body of theory on organizational listening and outlines more than 30 ways that organizations can implement listening in practice, resulting in major benefits for themselves, their stakeholders, and society.Macnamara brings a unique combination of academic research and professional experience to explain why organizational listening needs to go beyond interpersonal listening and identifies the necessary culture, policies, systems, resources, and skills for organizational listening as well as the role of new technologies. The Organizational Listening Project, a multi-stage research study led by the author over the past 10 years, has been described as "a research program of major international significance".*This book is essential reading for teachers, researchers, and practitioners in government, corporate, marketing, and organizational communication and related fields such as public relations, customer relations, and stakeholder engagement.