Journal of Public Relations Research

Ziaukas, Tim

1999 Journal of Public Relations Research

doi: 10.1207/s1532754xjprr1102_01

The purpose of this case study is to situate the sinking of RMS Titanic in the history of public relations. Despite the fact that the sinking of the luxury liner on April 15, 1912, is among the most examined events of the 20th century, the disaster's place in the history and evolution of public relations has gone largely undocumented. This case study—an examination of the ship's promotion and the subsequent proto-crisis communications efforts provided by the ship's corporate owner, the White Star Line—offers a glimpse into a developmental phase in the history of public relations.

Coombs, W. Timothy

1999 Journal of Public Relations Research

doi: 10.1207/s1532754xjprr1102_02

This article reports the results of an experimental study that tested the effect of compassion and instructing information in crisis response strategies on organizational reputation, honoring accounts, and intended potential supportive behavior. The study used a pool of 1 14 crisis managers, overcoming the limitation of using only student populations. The literature analysis sets up the rationale of examining compassion and instructing information in accident crises. The results found a significant, positive effect for compassion on organizational reputation, honoring accounts, and intended potential supportive behavior. No such effect was found for instructing information. In general, experimental studies like this one help to advance our understanding of crisis communication strategies and the crisis management process. The specific implications of the study for crisis management are discussed at the end of the article.

Gordon, Chandra Grosse; Kelly, Kathleen S.

1999 Journal of Public Relations Research

doi: 10.1207/s1532754xjprr1102_03

A national survey of 191 heads of public relations departments in hospitals measured the departments' expertise or knowledge to practice excellent public relations, as defined by recent research. Utilizing 2 scales original to the study, correlations showed strong and significant relationships between organizational effectiveness and departments with high potential to practice the 2-way symmetrical model, enact the manager role, and participate in strategic planning. Analysis further showed that traditional communication craft, as characterized by 1-way models and the technician role, is a foundation for public relations excellence. Findings can be used to help resolve the current crisis faced by hospitals.

Ledingham, John A.; Bruning, Stephen D.; Wilson, Laurie J.

1999 Journal of Public Relations Research

doi: 10.1207/s1532754xjprr1102_04

Previous research quantified 5 dimensions of the organization-public relationship and determined their influence on organization-public relationships. In this study, the researchers examined the previously unexplored dimension of length of time in the relationship. Results indicate time in the relationship significantly influences perceptions of relationship dimensions and, furthermore, serves as an indicator of behavioral predispositions toward the organization. The research underscores the appropriateness of relationship management as a framework for determining the value of public relations initiatives. This study suggests that building relationships requires a long-term organizational commitment. The study also recommends that public relations practitioners initiate mutually beneficial relationships with key publics at the earliest possible time and nurture relationships with key public members on a continuing basis through programs centered around operationalized relationship dimensions. It is further suggested that mature relationships also require nurturing to sustain loyalty toward the organization.