Journal of Public Relations Research

Callison, Coy; Zillmann, Dolf

2002 Journal of Public Relations Research

doi: 10.1207/S1532754XJPRR1402_1

The influence of attributing corrective information to different spokespersons in the wake of company-negative accusations was investigated experimentally. In particular, the research pitted a company's own public relations sources against sources working for a firm hired by the maligned organization and sources employed by agencies investigating negative claims independently. Results suggest that public relations sources are less credible than outside sources. Over time, however, public relations sources are judged as equally credible as hired and independent sources.

Aldoory, Linda; Toth, Elizabeth

2002 Journal of Public Relations Research

doi: 10.1207/S1532754XJPRR1402_2

This article illustrates through literature and original research a beginning theory that explains the enduring gender discrepancies in what has become a gendered field, that of public relations. A survey of public relations practitioners reveals statistically significant gender differences in hiring perceptions, salary and salary perceptions, and promotions. These data support several previous studies that have shown over time gender discrepancies in hiring, salaries, and promotions. Using theory drawn from other fields as well as original data from a series of focus groups, authors construct concepts and theoretical propositions to help explain why there are still gender differences in a field that is made up predominantly of women.

Palenchar, Michael J.; Heath, Robert L.

2002 Journal of Public Relations Research

doi: 10.1207/S1532754XJPRR1402_3

The authors undertook a study to define the messages that exist in 2 communities of risk (e.g., high concentration of chemical facilities) using the principles of fantasy theme analysis and symbolic convergence theory. Through several methodological steps including a document review, interviews, focus groups, and a telephone survey (N = 450), the researchers determined the messages that dominate in the community, and were able to segment them into rhetorical visions based on master analogues. Analysis indicated that persons who adhere to different perspectives or opinions (measured as rhetorical visions) experience different amounts of uncertainty, control, and support or opposition for the industries that create the risks. This analysis adds depth to the risk communication literature and suggests that public relations practitioners can and should attempt to understand risk discourse content as well as the communication processes and risk perceptions held by key publics.