Introduction to Public Relations
Strategic, Digital, and Socially Responsible Communication
Third Edition
- Janis Teruggi Page - University of Illinois at Chicago
- Lawrence J. Parnell - George Washington University, Washington D.C., USA
Other Titles in:
Public Relations (Analysis)
Public Relations (Analysis)
December 2024 | 448 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc
Introduction to Public Relations: Strategic, Digital, and Socially Responsible Communication presents a comprehensive introduction to the field of public relations, examining its current practices and future directions. In response to the dynamic shifts in technology, business, and culture, authors Janis T. Page and Lawrence J. Parnell illustrate how today’s PR professionals craft persuasive messages using modern technologies while working in line with the industry's foundations. The text skillfully balances this approach by delving into communication theory, history, processes, and practices, demonstrating how these elements can be integrated into strategic public relations planning. Page and Parnell guide students toward becoming socially responsible communicators, where fostering trust and respect with diverse communities is valued over creating the next viral campaign. The Third Edition responds to the rising focus on social responsibility, sustainability, CEO and investor activism, and consumer demand for ethical brands, and addresses these changes with updated content, including new features, recent examples, case studies, and chapter-opening scenarios.
Preface
Acknowledgments
About The Authors
Chapter 1: Public Relations: A Strategic, Evolving Discipline
Public Relations: Perception Versus Reality
Growth of Public Relations Into a Global Industry
Roles and Functions for Public Relations Pros
Career Paths for Public Relations Professionals: Which Way Is Right for You?
Wrap Up
Chapter Summary
Chapter 2: The History of Modern Public Relations
A History of Public Relations in the Modern Era
Growth of The Public Relations Agency Sector
The Future of Public Relations
Wrap Up
Chapter Summary
Chapter 3: Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Sustainability
Defining Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability Communications: Doing Well by Doing Good, or Is It More Complex?
Successful Corporate Social Responsibility Flows From Business Culture and Builds Reputation
Communicating Corporate Social Responsibility: Opportunities and Challenges
Wrap Up
Chapter Summary
Chapter 4: Ethics and Law in Public Relations
Ethics in Public Relations
Stay Informed, Be Vigilant, Develop Professional and Personal Ethics
How Does Law Affect Public Relations?
Wrap Up
Chapter Summary
Chapter 5: Foundations of Public Relations: Research and Theory
Research: The First Step in the PR Process
Primary Research Methods
Media and Mass Communication Theory: The Big Ideas Behind Public Relations Strategies
More Big Ideas: Persuasion and Management Theories
Wrap Up
Chapter Summary
Chapter 6: Strategic Communication Planning
Foundations of Strategic Planning in Public Relations
Objectives
Programming
Evaluation, Research, and Measurement
Wrap Up
Chapter Summary
Chapter 7: Public Relations Writing: Persuasive and Audience Focused
For a Public Relations Career, You Had Better Become a Good Writer
Public Relations Writing Strategy and Style
Long-Form PR Writing
Wrap Up
Chapter Summary
Chapter 8: Digital and Social Media
Social Media
The Value and Strategies of Social Media
The Value and Strategies of Social Media
Evaluating Online Presence and Looking to the Future
Wrap Up
Chapter Summary
Chapter 9: Media Relations in a Digital World
The State of the News Media Today
Current Practice of Media Relations
Communications Theory and Media Relations
Measuring News Coverage
Global Media Relations Trends and Tactics
Wrap Up
Chapter Summary
Chapter 10: Employee Relations, Corporate Culture, and Social Responsibility
Employee Relations and Healthy Organizations
Public Relations and Employee Engagement
Communication Challenges and Opportunities
Employee Relations and Corporate Social Responsibility
Wrap Up
Chapter Summary
Chapter 11: Corporate Communication and Reputation Management
The Modern Corporation: Meeting the Challenge
Core Competencies of Corporate Communications
Corporate Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility
Financial Communications, Media Relations, and Investor Relations
Wrap Up
Chapter Summary
Chapter 12: Issues Management and Crisis Communication
Issues Management
Crisis Communications
Preparing For and Managing a Crisis
Wrap Up
Chapter Summary
Chapter 13: Nonprofit and Health Communication
Nonprofits: Size, Impact, and Opportunity for Public Relations Practitioners
Public Relations in Nonprofit Advocacy Organizations
Health Communication
Health Communication Lessons From the Pandemic
Wrap Up
Chapter Summary
Chapter 14: Public Affairs, Government Relations, and Political Communications
Understanding PR in a Government Setting
Public Affairs as Compared to Public Relations
Government Relations and Lobbying
Applying Public Relations Strategy to Campaigns and Elections
Wrap Up
Chapter Summary
Chapter 15: Global Public Relations and Public Diplomacy
An Overview of Global Communications
Global Public Relations in Different Settings
Public Diplomacy, Strategic Public Relations, and Social Responsibility
Wrap Up
Chapter Summary
Chapter 16: Sports and Tourism
Opportunities and Challenges of Sports Public Relations
Being Good Sports: CSR in the Sports PR World
Tourism: More Than Sightseeing
Sustainability and Social Responsibility in Tourism PR
Wrap Up
Chapter Summary
Supplements
Instructor Resource Site
For additional information, custom options, or to request a personalized walkthrough of these resources, please contact your sales representative.
LMS cartridge included with this title for use in Blackboard, Canvas, Brightspace by Desire2Learn (D2L), and Moodle
The LMS cartridge makes it easy to import this title’s instructor resources into your learning management system (LMS). These resources include:
You can still access the online resources for this title via the password-protected Instructor Resource Site.
For additional information, custom options, or to request a personalized walkthrough of these resources, please contact your sales representative.
LMS cartridge included with this title for use in Blackboard, Canvas, Brightspace by Desire2Learn (D2L), and Moodle
The LMS cartridge makes it easy to import this title’s instructor resources into your learning management system (LMS). These resources include:
- Test banks
- Editable chapter-specific PowerPoint® slides
- Lecture notes
- All tables and figures from the textbook
You can still access the online resources for this title via the password-protected Instructor Resource Site.
This book provides PR students with the fundamentals they will need to be successful in pursuing their degree and in developing their careers.
University of Central Oklahoma
This is a strong introductory book that will cover the basics of all aspects of not only Public Relations but the classes we have that follow our introductory one. It prepares them for what's down the road in their studies.
Carthage College
Easy to read, current, and engaging for students.
Wayne State College

