The beginning of the 21st century: Public Relations and Organisational

communication at the crossroads

(Toward the history: the role of professional public relations in the

economic downturn)

Kaja Tampere, PhDPoznan, 30.06.2009

No classical PR theory. Grunig’s Excellence theory four model approach is only one, which describes professional practice. Lot of critics because of idealistic nature.

Deeply inter-disciplinary approach: Public relations is an applied social science, a branch of organisational sociology which derives substantial conceptual contributions from system theory, organisational theory, communication, psychology, social psychology, game theory, and other areas of social inquiry’ (Dozier 1993).

Communication flow and result: relations

Main questions: If communication flow is always full, who fills this flow? And who’s messages are dominant? And – who

designs relations?

Journalists

Public relations officers

Roots: PR as profession, principle, code of ethics

Relations with propaganda, conflict between different ideologies

Internal communication as part of PR, blossoming of capitalism

Opening period and collapse of Soviet Union, planned economy in crisis

Postmodernist PR, blossoming of consumption, Market economy in crisis

Network PR, computer-mediated communication and relations

Balance is lost, new balance is neededConsumer oriented PR based on buying-selling ideology is

the bad joke today in the economical crisis situation...PR is in the service of special interests ...theories are

telling something else PR profession in crisis, research results:

Manager, Finn, in Estonia: “I need Public relations but I really do not need a public relations officer!”

Manager, Estonian, in Finland: “I can’t see the profitability of PR. I really don’t need a secretary with a university degree...

Old strategies and tactics are not effective anymore, new ones are not ready yet

PR in Facebook, Obama-team: to one of my Estonian friend: "Urmas, I need your voice on health care. Join my call: Ask Congress to pass real health care reform in 2009.”

Everything new has been forgotten a long time ago!

The best experiences come from history: The Keeper of the Royal Conscience

The value of theories: theoretical practice and practical theory...

Take a look at macro level and develop the mission! What it MEANS to practice PR at

macro level? Role of PR from system-theoretical point of view: To keep a system alive...

New professional quality: 4E concept - educated, ethical, effective, economic...