Journal of Public Relations Research

Heath, Robert L.; Liao, Shu-Huei; Douglas, William

1995 Journal of Public Relations Research

doi: 10.1207/s1532754xjprr0702_01

Using a telephone survey of 203 residents in Point Comfort and Port Lavaca, Texas, we examined the effect of perceived economic benefits or losses on issue involvement and motivation to use information sources and take action. Results indicate that perceptions of the effect that a chemical plant—as a source of risk—has on economic benefits or losses increase cognitive involvement and motivate people to strategically use information and take action. A curvilinear relation was found between involvement and economic benefits. People who perceive financial impact show high involvement (both positive and negative); those who perceive little or no economic impact experience lower involvement. People with high negative involvement are more likely to take action against the plant and become activists. As the basis of involvement, we asked people to consider financial loss or gain, as well as environrnental impact. We also compared the information-use and action-taking options of general publics to involved publics. This analysis is interpreted to confirm and expand situational theory.

Kelly, Kathleen S.

1995 Journal of Public Relations Research

doi: 10.1207/s1532754xjprr0702_02

Previous empirical research identified four models of fund raising that explain how charitable organizations practice this specialization of public relations. In this article, I report the results of the second stage of analysis in which I explore why these organizations practice fund raising the way they do. To move from descriptive to explanatory research, I utilize national data on power-control theory, the concept of the dominant coalition, and the issue of autonomy, as well as organizational and practitioner characteristics.

Grunig, Larissa A.

1995 Journal of Public Relations Research

doi: 10.1207/s1532754xjprr0702_03

In this case study of a class-action suit against the U.S. Department of State, I focus on sex discrimination in job assignments as a way of exploring the existence and consequences of organizational culture on public relations and, more specifically, on female professionals aspiring to a managerial role. I begin with a look at women's history in the Foreign Service and continue with a discussion of its personnel system. Taken together, this historical and contemporary analysis (accomplished through a triangulation of methods that included lengthy personal interviews and examination of relevant documents) suggests that despite legal progress and a change in organizational culture, female Foreign Service officers continue to be disadvantaged. The explanation for the clash that led to their 14-year-long legal struggle lies in a strong subculture operating primarily in posts overseas. That male-dominated counterculture limited women's abilities for career advancement. I conclude that discrimination against women whose work involves communication as part of their diplomatic service also might adversely affect their constituencies, particularly in developing countries.