The 1987 Foundation for Public Relations Research and Education lecture asserts that the basic and fundamental principles of public relations remain unchanged and that strategic communication is still the main activity of the field. (MM)

Proposes a definition of uncertainty useful in organizational communication and demonstrates the applicability of the concept in managing communication problems in a selected manufacturing firm. (MS)

Offers evidence that brain hemispheres process information differently, and that semantics influence hemispheric processing. Suggests directions for research on message style, source perception, and threat perception. (MS)

Traces the movement away from the classical model of speechwriting and proposes a new rationale for viewing ghostwritten speeches as organizational products. Notes the implications for speech pedagogy. (PD)

With a view on analyzing the deeper trends in the European discourse that will shape the European Union's (EU's) future, a study examined 121 speeches made by EU political leaders over the period 1985-1997 and concorded and statisticized which words were used, how often, where, and when with the help of a computer-aided content analysis engine.…

A 10-point program to help businesses reduce discourtesy should have the following ingredients: return phone calls; answer letters; avoid putting people on hold; revive the words "please, thank you, and pardon me"; don't get instantly familiar with people; keep your word; be on time; meet deadlines; be honest; and be civil. (RM)

A framegame is an informal, game-like activity that may be used within management groups to gain group consensus and problem resolution. The technique combines individual contributions and group interaction. A sample framegame structure is provided. (Author/MLF)

Offers tips on improving the organizational communication between yearbook staff editors and photographers to ensure that the right pictures are taken at the right times. (RL)

An English educator and the convention director of the National Council of Teachers of English debate the continued need for an annual NCTE national convention. (RL)

Describes an intensive, two-day program for business and institutional editors offered by the extension service of the University of Wisconsin at Madison. (FL)

Simple surveys can provide administrators with information on what employees want to tell the public and on what the public wants to know about the schools. On the whole, the public wants to know specific information about educational programs and activities. A list of typical kinds of stories is included. (Author/IRT)

Analyzes the media campaign launched by the Mobil Oil Corporation in an effort to produce a public opposed to government regulation of business. (FL)

Extension education's success and effectiveness is determined to a great extent by its ability to relate programs and organization to the public in a favorable light. The author discusses approaches to using public relations, emphasizing the value of good programs and performance coupled with continual and well-planned publicity. (MF)

Focuses on skills necessary for effective negotiation planning. Argues that the information processing tendencies of high self-monitors make them adept at negotiation planning. Extends existing work by relating self-monitoring to plan generation, enactment, and consequences. Indicates that self-monitoring is related to prenegotiation goal…

Examines relationships among impression-management messages, evaluations of reward allocations (fairness and responsibility), and reaction to rewards (anger, approval of manager, and overall job satisfaction). Finds that impression-management messages directly influence fairness and responsibility, and indirectly influence anger and approval. (SR)