Journal of Public Relations Research

Kim, Jeesun; Kim, Hyo Jung; Cameron, Glen T.

2012 Journal of Public Relations Research

doi: 10.1080/1062726X.2012.723275

Exaggerated projections of the 3rd-person effect of crisis news on target groups may play a key role in escalating corporate crises. A 2 (locus of control: internal vs. external) × 2 (product category of crisis: food vs. laptop) experiment found that the 3rd-person perception varies as a function of product category. Our results indicated that in a laptop product category crisis, participants perceived target audiences to be more influenced than themselves when locus of control was internal rather than when it was external. This study delved into the potential effect on target groups and the corporation resulting from possible exaggerated perceptions of the impact of the crisis on the target groups. This perception may prompt or even pressure target audiences to react more strongly in keeping with the perceived impact, not their actual concern with the crisis. In turn, corporations may respond to a target audience based on the reaction the target audience feels obligated to portray in response to perceived impact, not actual impact measured independently in various ways.

Ye, Lan; Ki, Eyun-Jung

2012 Journal of Public Relations Research

doi: 10.1080/1062726X.2012.723277

This study was designed to identify trends, patterns, and academic rigor in research studies focusing on Internet-related public relations through a review of articles published between 1992 and 2009.1 This study examined the authorship, theoretical frameworks, methodological approaches, and research topics addressed in these published articles. Key findings suggested an increasing trend in the number of published articles, a lack of applied theoretical frameworks, a dominance of quantitative research, and an emphasis on use of the Internet in public relations. 1Please see the appendix for a bibliography of the 115 articles studied.

Place, Katie R.

2012 Journal of Public Relations Research

doi: 10.1080/1062726X.2012.723278

This qualitative study examines how women public relations practitioners make meaning of power. From literature regarding power-control theory, gender, and empowerment, one research question was posed: How do women public relations practitioners make meaning of power? Results suggest that women practitioners made meaning of power as influence, relationships, knowledge and information, access, results-based credibility, and empowerment. The data extended power-control theory and scholarship regarding empowerment and uniquely added a gendered lens to the examination of power in public relations. Women practitioners actively enact influence, strategically forge relationships and gain and control information to affect their power.

Tindall, Natalie T. J.; Waters, Richard D.

2012 Journal of Public Relations Research

doi: 10.1080/1062726X.2012.723279

Despite the increasing focus on understanding the diversity of public relations, academics and practitioners have largely ignored gay men. Grounded in queer theory, this qualitative study examines the experiences of gay men working in public relations. We used in-depth interviews and focus groups to allow participants to discuss their careers openly. Practitioners indicated that they enjoyed working in public relations, although they pointed out areas of dissatisfaction and suggested ways to improve the working environment for gay men. These include an increased awareness of personal lives and the gay community, reduction of stereotypes, and adopting diversity-friendly policies.