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Public relations models and persuasion ethics: a new approach

Public relations models and persuasion ethics: a new approach Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review public relations and related literature to examine attitudes to persuasion and propaganda as part of a long‐term project to produce an integrated ethical framework. Design/methodology/approach – A critical approach to existing literature, examining assumptions and value judgments underpinning core texts and other writing. The limitations of systems, marketplace and relationship theory are briefly examined. Findings – The dominance of systems theory and its reluctance to engage with persuasion has created a vacuum which is filled by critics, such as Stauber and Rampton. The common models of public relations – boundary spanner, advocate, relationship manager and propagandist – have limited discussion of persuasion and persuasion ethics, with the exception of the rhetorical version of advocacy which has produced considerable material of interest. However, rhetoric is rarely taught in the UK and the marketplace approach is more common. Social psychology has useful insights into persuasion and the Maletzke model is adapted to suggest future direction for an integrated ethical framework. Research limitations/implications – These are preliminary findings, based on literature, which will underpin the PhD started in July 2007. The application of the model is explored but has not yet been tested in practice. Practical implications – If practitioners internalise particular versions of public relations and adopt ethical assumptions connected with each model, competing views of PR ethics will undermine an integrative approach. The adapted model proposed in this paper can be used either as a tool for analysing communication ethics or as a practical guide to professional behaviour. Originality/value – Others (L'Etang, Piezska, Moloney, Weaver, Edgett) have covered some of these issues. This paper links ethical approaches with models of public relations and suggests the use of a communication model rarely referenced in PR literature. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Journal of Communication Management Emerald Publishing

Public relations models and persuasion ethics: a new approach

Journal of Communication Management , Volume 11 (4): 19 – Nov 20, 2007

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References (86)

Publisher
Emerald Publishing
Copyright
Copyright © 2007 Emerald Group Publishing Limited. All rights reserved.
ISSN
1363-254X
DOI
10.1108/13632540710843922
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review public relations and related literature to examine attitudes to persuasion and propaganda as part of a long‐term project to produce an integrated ethical framework. Design/methodology/approach – A critical approach to existing literature, examining assumptions and value judgments underpinning core texts and other writing. The limitations of systems, marketplace and relationship theory are briefly examined. Findings – The dominance of systems theory and its reluctance to engage with persuasion has created a vacuum which is filled by critics, such as Stauber and Rampton. The common models of public relations – boundary spanner, advocate, relationship manager and propagandist – have limited discussion of persuasion and persuasion ethics, with the exception of the rhetorical version of advocacy which has produced considerable material of interest. However, rhetoric is rarely taught in the UK and the marketplace approach is more common. Social psychology has useful insights into persuasion and the Maletzke model is adapted to suggest future direction for an integrated ethical framework. Research limitations/implications – These are preliminary findings, based on literature, which will underpin the PhD started in July 2007. The application of the model is explored but has not yet been tested in practice. Practical implications – If practitioners internalise particular versions of public relations and adopt ethical assumptions connected with each model, competing views of PR ethics will undermine an integrative approach. The adapted model proposed in this paper can be used either as a tool for analysing communication ethics or as a practical guide to professional behaviour. Originality/value – Others (L'Etang, Piezska, Moloney, Weaver, Edgett) have covered some of these issues. This paper links ethical approaches with models of public relations and suggests the use of a communication model rarely referenced in PR literature.

Journal

Journal of Communication ManagementEmerald Publishing

Published: Nov 20, 2007

Keywords: Propaganda; Ethics; Public relations; Social psychology

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