The analysis presented in this paper is based on the premise that study of public relations from the perspective of a rhetorical theory yields useful insights about public relations. The first part of the paper develops a rationale for the study of the rhetoric of organizations, especially the rhetoric of corporations, and concludes by juxtaposing…

Electronic mail and other telecommunications processes may prove to be valuable tools for the active involvement of educators in legislative and policy development. Involving educators in regulations development could reduce implementation problems significantly. Using electronic media to disseminate policy information to educational agencies and…

In order to evaluate the effectiveness of problem-solving groups, a study developed a model of group problem-solving behavior, and applied the resulting conceptual framework to 16 actual evaluations of quality circle programs (defined as a group of 3-15 persons from the same work area who meet for problem-solving). The model divides each of the…

Shared conventions of the modern radio industry should allow radio announcers and other producers of radio content to distinguish "good radio" from "bad radio." To help in making this distinction, a study delineated some of the basic conventions used in the production of radio content and analyzed the frequency of their…

To address the lack of research focusing on naturally occurring groups within an organizational context, a study examined the selection process and criteria that individuals use when allowed to self-select members for task groups. Subjects, 248 students enrolled in a basic communication course at a midwestern university, self-selected themselves…

A study examined the way argumentation in collective bargaining shapes outcomes. Specifically, it explored the types of claims and reasoning processes that characterize bargaining interaction on different subissues of a proposal and tracked the development of arguments through sequential sessions and caucus meetings by examining similarities and…

A study examined (1) whether organizations "order" the four organizational roles (communication manager, communication liason, media relations specialist, communication technician) that public relations practitioners play, and (2) whether, if roles are hierarchically ordered, practitioners internalize the hierarchy by aspiring to…

This paper, based on the author's experience as a superintendent of a successful Colorado school district, suggests means of strengthening a school district's public image. Simple measures are presented for (1) stimulating and maintaining parent involvement in district- and school-sponsored organizations, (2) improving communication with the…

A case study tested the premise that people cope with ambiguity in particular ways within an organizational context, negotiating for understanding and choice through the manipulation of power, ideology, and technology. The study focused on the implementation of a satellite communications network in local Catholic Church offices and on staff…

To explore the dimensions of credibility and physical attractiveness in a public relations setting, the impact of public relations (PR) spokesperson physical attractiveness--as operationalized as photographs of the spokesperson attached to a press release--on perceptions of both the writer's and the organization's credibility was examined.…

This book is directed primarily to the managers of recreation and leisure service organizations. Part 1 covers making and implementing policies. The focus is on the executive's role in policy making and developing and implementing personnel policies as the foundation of personnel management. Handling the problem of acquired immune deficiency…

The research audit is an effective means for providing undergraduate students with relevant organizational experience through which they can integrate theory and practice. A course was designed to teach students to apply basic concepts in the field of organizational communication to "real life" communication problems in organizations.…

A study examined the relationships between (1) employee job performance and organizational relationships, (2) employee job performance and communication processes, (3) organizational relationships and communication processes, and (4) task characteristics and structural characteristics. Data were gathered from approximately 200 employees of a state…

A secondary analysis of data gathered by the International Communication Association (ICA) Communication Audit was used to test the hypothesis that the smaller the discrepancy between attitudes about current levels of information and the perceived ideal level of that information, the greater the organizational satisfaction. From 991 respondents…

Three methods of data collection (nomination technique, survey instruments, and interviews) were used in a study that examined the way power was perceived by men and women in an organization and how women acquired and manifested power in a male-dominated organization. A total of 86 teachers and administrators were interviewed with the following…