Journal of Public Relations Research

Fitzpatrick, Kathy R.; Palenchar, Michael J.

2006 Journal of Public Relations Research

doi: 10.1207/s1532754xjprr1803_1

Front groups are controversial public relations techniques used by organizations to influence public opinion and public policy on behalf of undisclosed special interests. This article examines historical and contemporary uses of such third-party efforts and considers constitutionally permissible restrictions on front group practices. We address the specific issue of whether governments may compel organizations to reveal their participation in grassroots lobbying initiatives without violating the First Amendment. We then consider the implications of front groups for public relations ethics and the potential for heightened legal regulation spawned by unethical public relations practices perceived to interfere with the efficient functioning of government.

Jo, Samsup

2006 Journal of Public Relations Research

doi: 10.1207/s1532754xjprr1803_2

In this study I attempt to replicate and extend Huang's (2001) research by adding relational dimensions that could capture specific features that may characterize the organization–public relationship in South Korea. Findings indicate that trust, control mutuality, satisfaction, and commitment are closely related to each other, whereas personal network is positively associated with other dimensions in the retailer group. In contrast, the managers representing Samsung Electronics' position perceived more negatively the personal network dimension than did the retailer group. This study reveals that trust, satisfaction, and commitment are global relational measures, whereas personal network as conceptualized here may reflect unique aspects of Eastern culture. Furthermore, these 4 relational measures can be used to evaluate public relations outcomes.

Stein, Andi

2006 Journal of Public Relations Research

doi: 10.1207/s1532754xjprr1803_3

This study serves as a means of determining the relevance of information richness theory to the field of public relations as it pertains to employee communications and community building. In the article, I analyze the effect that various employee communications tools could potentially have on fostering a sense of community in an organization based on their degrees of information richness. Using a survey method to gather data, the study focuses on a healthcare system in the Pacific Northwest with multiple locations. The study evaluates employee perceptions of the effectiveness of various communication tools in helping to establish a sense of community at 3 levels of the organitation—departmental, regional, and organizational.

Kiousis, Spiro; Mitrook, Michael; Wu, Xu; Seltzer, Trent

2006 Journal of Public Relations Research

doi: 10.1207/s1532754xjprr1803_4

This study explores the role of candidate news releases, media content, and public opinion in shaping the salience of political issues and candidate images during the 2002 Florida gubernatorial election. The study analyzed 77 news releases, 654 newspaper stories, and public opinion data from a statewide survey of 572 respondents. Significant correlations were found supporting both first- and second-level agenda building and agenda-setting effects. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.