Global PR Insights – serie

This book presents a comprehensive guide for public relations and strategic communication professionals and entrepreneurs to effectively manage the communication aspects of startups in the context of business in China. Drawing on interdisciplinary theories, current issues, and updated research evidence obtained from entrepreneurs and startup leaders in China, this concise volume provides research-based insights on the best practices for public relations and strategic communication in the unique context of startups. It addresses relationships with stakeholders, public relations practice, leadership communication, and how to leverage the power of social media in the entrepreneurial context.Strategic Communication for Startups and Entrepreneurs in China will be of great benefit to public relations and strategic communication scholars and practitioners, startup leaders and entrepreneurs interested in opportunities in China, and advanced students in public relations, business communication, and entrepreneurship.

This book examines how public relations might re-imagine itself as an instrument of "sustainable citizenship" by exploring alternative models of representing and building relationships with and among marginalised publics that disrupt the standard discourses of public relations. It argues that public relations needs to situate itself in the larger context of citizenship, the values and ethics that inform it and the attitudes and behaviours that characterize it.Interlacing critical public relations with a theoretical fabric woven with strands of postcolonial histories, indigenous studies, feminist studies, and political theory, the book brings out the often-unseen processes of relationship building that nurtures solidarity among historically marginalized publics. The book is illustrated with global cases of public relations as sustainable citizenship in action across three core elements of the earth – air, water, and land. In each of the cases, readers can see how resistance movements, not necessarily aligned with any specific organization or interest group, are seeking to change the status quo of a world increasingly defined by exploitation, overconsumption, sectarianism, and faux nationalism. This challenging book will be of interest to students and scholars of not only public relations but also the broader social and management sciences who are interested in issues of environmental and social justice.

This is a study of the Royal Bank of Canada’s Monthly Letter, which was initially created in 1920 as a traditional economic newsletter and later evolved quite serendipitously into a publication marvel when, in 1943, it came under the influence of John Heron, journalist and publicist, gaining mass appeal both domestically and abroad.This concise history documents the inception, development and rise to popularity of the Monthly Letter, telling the untold story of how a corporate newsletter became a tool of international public diplomacy. The purpose of this writing is to demonstrate the entanglement of the fields of public diplomacy and public relations and to offer a more palatable conceptualization of them as two discrete, but necessary, parts of a whole. It acknowledges the varied soup of contested terminology which surrounds the field of public diplomacy (e.g. corporate diplomacy, cultural diplomacy and economic diplomacy). This work conceptualizes public diplomacy and public relations as two parts of a whole in which the sum is greater than its individual parts, juxtaposing the two fields in relation to one another, diminishing neither.The contents of this work provide a broad overview of the fields of public diplomacy and public relations that could serve as an introduction and discussion point for students and scholars in both fields and offers a specific case study around which lively discussion and additional study can ensue.

As media continues to evolve, social media has become even more integral to public relations activities, presenting new opportunities and challenges for practitioners. Relationships between publics and organizations continue to be first and foremost, but the process and possibilities for mutually beneficial relationships are being rewritten in situ. This volume aims to explore and understand highly engaged publics in a variety of social media contexts and across networks. The hope is the expansion and extension of public relations theories and models in this book helps move the discipline forward to keep up with the practice and the media environment. Contributors analyzed a range of organizations and industries, including corporate, entertainment, government, and political movements, to consider how public relations practitioners can facilitate ethical and effective communication between parties. A consistent thread was the need for organizations and practitioners to better understand the diverse backgrounds of publics, including age, ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation, beyond surface-level demographic stereotypes and assumptions.This book will be of interest to researchers, academics, and students in the field of public relations and communication, especially those with a particular interest in online engagement and social media as a PR tool.

This concise text provides an accessible introduction to artificial intelligence and intelligent user interfaces (IUIs) and how they are at the heart of a communication revolution for strategic communications and public relations.IUIs are where users and technology meet – via computers, phones, robots, public displays, etc. They use AI and machine learning methods to control how those systems interact, exchange data, learn from, and develop relations with users. The authors explore research and developments that are already changing human/machine engagement in a wide range of areas from consumer goods, healthcare, and entertainment to community relations, crisis management, and activism. They also explore the implications for public relations of how technologies developing hyper-personalised persuasion could be used to make choices for us, navigating the controversial space between influence, nudging, and controlling.This readable overview of the applications and implications of AI and IUIs will be welcomed by researchers, students, and practitioners in all areas of strategic communication, public relations, and communications studies.

This concise text provides an accessible introduction to artificial intelligence and intelligent user interfaces (IUIs) and how they are at the heart of a communication revolution for strategic communications and public relations.IUIs are where users and technology meet – via computers, phones, robots, public displays, etc. They use AI and machine learning methods to control how those systems interact, exchange data, learn from, and develop relations with users. The authors explore research and developments that are already changing human/machine engagement in a wide range of areas from consumer goods, healthcare, and entertainment to community relations, crisis management, and activism. They also explore the implications for public relations of how technologies developing hyper-personalised persuasion could be used to make choices for us, navigating the controversial space between influence, nudging, and controlling.This readable overview of the applications and implications of AI and IUIs will be welcomed by researchers, students, and practitioners in all areas of strategic communication, public relations, and communications studies.

This book examines how public relations might re-imagine itself as an instrument of "sustainable citizenship" by exploring alternative models of representing and building relationships with and among marginalised publics that disrupt the standard discourses of public relations. It argues that public relations needs to situate itself in the larger context of citizenship, the values and ethics that inform it and the attitudes and behaviours that characterize it.Interlacing critical public relations with a theoretical fabric woven with strands of postcolonial histories, indigenous studies, feminist studies, and political theory, the book brings out the often-unseen processes of relationship building that nurtures solidarity among historically marginalized publics. The book is illustrated with global cases of public relations as sustainable citizenship in action across three core elements of the earth – air, water, and land. In each of the cases, readers can see how resistance movements, not necessarily aligned with any specific organization or interest group, are seeking to change the status quo of a world increasingly defined by exploitation, overconsumption, sectarianism, and faux nationalism. This challenging book will be of interest to students and scholars of not only public relations but also the broader social and management sciences who are interested in issues of environmental and social justice.

This book traces a resistance to public relations (PR) from the postwar period that sought to expose it as a dangerous, but little understood political dynamic. Critically exploring authoritarianism as a key concept, it argues “PR”’s market-friendly but oppressive and concealed language practices have systematically led to many of the divisive and polarised communication styles that we see today, and has had wider damaging effects for society.Rich with illustrative examples, the chapters set out the limits of "PR" in relation to "truth" and show how literature and websites opened an important but under-recognised space in which neoliberal dogma was challenged. Offering a major new theory, it introduces a radical way to think about public relations and its relationship to democracy and society, and to understand its legacies like climate change denial.This accessible book renews critique and is a valuable reference for undergraduate and postgraduate students studying and researching media and communication, politics, sociology, cultural sociology, cultural studies and history, and for those working in the communication industries.

As media continues to evolve, social media has become even more integral to public relations activities, presenting new opportunities and challenges for practitioners. Relationships between publics and organizations continue to be first and foremost, but the process and possibilities for mutually beneficial relationships are being rewritten in situ. This volume aims to explore and understand highly engaged publics in a variety of social media contexts and across networks. The hope is the expansion and extension of public relations theories and models in this book helps move the discipline forward to keep up with the practice and the media environment. Contributors analyzed a range of organizations and industries, including corporate, entertainment, government, and political movements, to consider how public relations practitioners can facilitate ethical and effective communication between parties. A consistent thread was the need for organizations and practitioners to better understand the diverse backgrounds of publics, including age, ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation, beyond surface-level demographic stereotypes and assumptions.This book will be of interest to researchers, academics, and students in the field of public relations and communication, especially those with a particular interest in online engagement and social media as a PR tool.

This is a study of the Royal Bank of Canada’s Monthly Letter, which was initially created in 1920 as a traditional economic newsletter and later evolved quite serendipitously into a publication marvel when, in 1943, it came under the influence of John Heron, journalist and publicist, gaining mass appeal both domestically and abroad.This concise history documents the inception, development and rise to popularity of the Monthly Letter, telling the untold story of how a corporate newsletter became a tool of international public diplomacy. The purpose of this writing is to demonstrate the entanglement of the fields of public diplomacy and public relations and to offer a more palatable conceptualization of them as two discrete, but necessary, parts of a whole. It acknowledges the varied soup of contested terminology which surrounds the field of public diplomacy (e.g. corporate diplomacy, cultural diplomacy and economic diplomacy). This work conceptualizes public diplomacy and public relations as two parts of a whole in which the sum is greater than its individual parts, juxtaposing the two fields in relation to one another, diminishing neither.The contents of this work provide a broad overview of the fields of public diplomacy and public relations that could serve as an introduction and discussion point for students and scholars in both fields and offers a specific case study around which lively discussion and additional study can ensue.

This book presents a comprehensive guide for public relations and strategic communication professionals and entrepreneurs to effectively manage the communication aspects of startups in the context of business in China. Drawing on interdisciplinary theories, current issues, and updated research evidence obtained from entrepreneurs and startup leaders in China, this concise volume provides research-based insights on the best practices for public relations and strategic communication in the unique context of startups. It addresses relationships with stakeholders, public relations practice, leadership communication, and how to leverage the power of social media in the entrepreneurial context.Strategic Communication for Startups and Entrepreneurs in China will be of great benefit to public relations and strategic communication scholars and practitioners, startup leaders and entrepreneurs interested in opportunities in China, and advanced students in public relations, business communication, and entrepreneurship.

In a world that is increasingly wary of artificial intelligence (AI), this book explores the pressing need for strategic communicators to move away from being advocates for AI and move towards a more critical activist role that enables them to counter AI-driven threats to communities and relationships.AI is contributing to inequality, misinformation and environmental damage, among other problems. This book argues that strategic communicators are uniquely placed to help counter AI-driven challenges because of their skills in relationship-building and their ability to craft and deliver messages effectively. By discussing the different professional activist approaches that communicators can take in relation to growing AI challenges, the book offers multiple perspectives that will help to build knowledge in diverse settings and develop practice, especially in community and activist strategic communication.Research-based and combining theory with practice, this thought-provoking book will be welcomed by strategic communication scholars and practitioners alike eager to develop a critical approach to the challenges surrounding AI.

In a world that is increasingly wary of artificial intelligence (AI), this book explores the pressing need for strategic communicators to move away from being advocates for AI and move towards a more critical activist role that enables them to counter AI-driven threats to communities and relationships.AI is contributing to inequality, misinformation and environmental damage, among other problems. This book argues that strategic communicators are uniquely placed to help counter AI-driven challenges because of their skills in relationship-building and their ability to craft and deliver messages effectively. By discussing the different professional activist approaches that communicators can take in relation to growing AI challenges, the book offers multiple perspectives that will help to build knowledge in diverse settings and develop practice, especially in community and activist strategic communication.Research-based and combining theory with practice, this thought-provoking book will be welcomed by strategic communication scholars and practitioners alike eager to develop a critical approach to the challenges surrounding AI.

This book examines the intricate relationship between culture and public relations within the Middle Eastern context, adopting an interpretive, inductive approach to explore how various cultural dimensions shape the enactment of key public relations concepts. Using the Global Public Relations Framework (GPRF) as a guiding structure, the book analyzes the influence of political, economic, societal, media, activist, and organizational cultures on public relations in Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).The book first focuses on Israel, investigating how cultural factors influence organizational identity and reputation. The book then shifts to the UAE, exploring how cultural dynamics affect organizational listening and engagement among organizations and publics. By examining the dialectical interaction between local and global cultural factors, the book offers a nuanced understanding of how public relations is practiced in these diverse Middle Eastern contexts.This book provides valuable insights for scholars, practitioners, and students interested in global public relations, intercultural communication, and Middle Eastern studies. It highlights the significance of cultural specificity in shaping public relations strategies and practices, offering a unique contribution to the field’s understanding of public relations in non- Western settings.

This book examines the intricate relationship between culture and public relations within the Middle Eastern context, adopting an interpretive, inductive approach to explore how various cultural dimensions shape the enactment of key public relations concepts. Using the Global Public Relations Framework (GPRF) as a guiding structure, the book analyzes the influence of political, economic, societal, media, activist, and organizational cultures on public relations in Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).The book first focuses on Israel, investigating how cultural factors influence organizational identity and reputation. The book then shifts to the UAE, exploring how cultural dynamics affect organizational listening and engagement among organizations and publics. By examining the dialectical interaction between local and global cultural factors, the book offers a nuanced understanding of how public relations is practiced in these diverse Middle Eastern contexts.This book provides valuable insights for scholars, practitioners, and students interested in global public relations, intercultural communication, and Middle Eastern studies. It highlights the significance of cultural specificity in shaping public relations strategies and practices, offering a unique contribution to the field’s understanding of public relations in non- Western settings.

This book is a groundbreaking exploration of the lived experiences of women in Nigeria’s public relations industry. Readers will gain a nuanced understanding of how Nigerian women navigate professional barriers, societal expectations, and the evolving demands of the public relations field. Key features include first-hand accounts from practitioners, thematic analyses on emotional labor, mentorship, and leadership challenges, and a metamodern perspective that bridges traditional and contemporary approaches.The book challenges global assumptions about gender in PR while reflecting on Nigeria’s unique cultural and regulatory context. Combining scholarly rigor with accessible storytelling, it serves as both a learning tool and a call to action for the global PR community, particularly in emerging markets like Nigeria, where gender equity in professional spaces remains a significant challenge.By highlighting strategies for overcoming systemic barriers, the book inspires students, researchers, and professionals to foster greater inclusivity and innovation in communication practices. Moreover, the book will also resonate with policymakers and professional associations focused on equity in the workplace.

This book is a groundbreaking exploration of the lived experiences of women in Nigeria’s public relations industry. Readers will gain a nuanced understanding of how Nigerian women navigate professional barriers, societal expectations, and the evolving demands of the public relations field. Key features include first-hand accounts from practitioners, thematic analyses on emotional labor, mentorship, and leadership challenges, and a metamodern perspective that bridges traditional and contemporary approaches.The book challenges global assumptions about gender in PR while reflecting on Nigeria’s unique cultural and regulatory context. Combining scholarly rigor with accessible storytelling, it serves as both a learning tool and a call to action for the global PR community, particularly in emerging markets like Nigeria, where gender equity in professional spaces remains a significant challenge.By highlighting strategies for overcoming systemic barriers, the book inspires students, researchers, and professionals to foster greater inclusivity and innovation in communication practices. Moreover, the book will also resonate with policymakers and professional associations focused on equity in the workplace.

This book explores the recent academic and practice‑based research and thinking on race, diversity, and social mobility within the public relations industry, arguing for the necessity of more transformative actions to address systemic inequities.Through an analysis of interviews with UK‑based public relations practitioners from a wide range of backgrounds, this book integrates and illustrates different strands of research to shed light on persistent challenges and opportunities in the field and understand how those who are often the subjects of such discussions experience discrimination. The authors introduce complex topics in an accessible manner, providing an overview of recent research, demonstrating practical applications of theoretical frameworks, and suggesting reading for further exploration. It also includes additional pedagogical features which allow readers to explore specific topics through guided reading and exploratory questions.By grounding its analysis in the lived experiences of public relations practitioners, this book contributes to the literature of race, diversity, and social mobility while fostering discussion on the systematic discrimination faced by practitioners. It will help and encourage researchers, educators, and practitioners to critically explore their own practice and open up new conversations about this crucial issue.