About the authors

Foreword

Preface

Publisher’s acknowledgements

Part 1 The context of public relations

1. Public relations origins: definitions and history

2. Public relations and the media

3. Digital and social media

4. Public relations and democracy

5. Community and society: corporate social responsibility (CSR)

6. Intercultural and multicultural context of public relations

7. Role of the public relations practitioner

Part 2 Public relations theories and concepts

8. Public relations theories: an overview

9. Strategic public relations planning and management

10. Public relations programme research and evaluation

11. Corporate image, reputation and identity

12. Public relations, propaganda and the psychology of persuasion

13. Public relations’ professionalism and ethics

Part 3 Public relations specialisms

14. Media relations

15. Internal communication

16. Managing community involvement programmes

17. Issues management

18. Crisis public relations management

19. Public relations and the consumer

20. Business-to-business public relations

21. Public affairs

22. Public relations in the world of finance

23. Integrated marketing communications

24. Sponsorship

Part 4 Sectoral considerations

25. Non-government organisations and pressure groups

26. Corporate communication

27. Celebrity public relations

28. Strategic communication and social marketing in healthcare organisations

29. What next? Future issues for public relations

Glossary

Index

Develop a clear understanding of the concepts and best practices in public relations

Exploring Public Relations and Management Communication, 5th Edition, by Tench and Waddington is the definitive text on public relations. Blending theory with real-life applications. this book offers critical analysis with updated case studies, exercises and discussion questions that provide you with a holistic subject understanding. It also engages you with the thought processes behind some of the latest PR campaigns. This fundamental yet very practical text recognises the strategic importance of public relations to organisations, growing conversation about professionalism in practice and professional ethics. A comprehensive coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic helps you understand the implications of this global crisis on public relations and strategic communication.

A perfect accompaniment for undergraduate and postgraduate students, this comprehensive textbook is also preferred by those studying for professional qualifications. 

Ralph Tench is Professor of Communication Education and Director of Research at Leeds Business School, Leeds Beckett University, where he also oversaw the expansion of the undergraduate, postgraduate and professional course portfolio. He has managed the largest EU-funded public relations research project and his work is widely published in books and academic journals worldwide. He is a past Board member and President (2017-2020) of the European Public Relations Research and Education Association. 

Stephen Waddington is a public relations moderniser, thought leader and consumer engagement advocate. In addition to his role as Visiting Professor in Practice at Newcastle University, Stephen is also Managing Partner at Wadds Inc., a professional advisory firm for marketing and PR agencies and communication teams. He is a past President of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations and has co-founded, managed and sold two award-winning public relations agencies. 

Pearson, the world’s learning company. 

Relevant, real-life understanding of concepts

• UPDATED! New developments in the discipline: The book focuses on national and international developments and insights in the fast-changing world of public relations.
• NEW! COVID-19 crisis management: There is an increased coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic and its implications on public relations and strategic communication.
• UPDATED! Growing significance of PR: The text recognises the strategic importance of public relations to organisations and growing conversation about professionalism in practice.
• NEW! Practical approach: Students gain an insight into both theoretical and practical approaches of public relations, the tasks of the professional, the debate about professional ethics, and the issue of its impact.
• UPDATED! European context: The text discusses public relations and communication management concepts in a European context but is updated with newest insights from global perspectives as well.

Put theory into practice

• UPDATED! In-depth case studies: Every chapter contains multiple case studies and mini case studies that encourage students to apply the principles under discussion to the solution of the case at hand.
• UPDATED! Explore features in each chapter instruct students on where to look for more specialised sources of information or how to engage further with topics.
• REVISED! Think about sections throughout the book encourage students to pause and think a little more deeply about the issues and ideas that are discussed.
• UPDATED! Instructor’s resources: An instructor’s manual and PowerPoint slides are available to lecturers to complement this textbook and support your teaching.

New topics and revised structure

• NEW! Increased coverage of new topics such as corporate communication, digital and social media, democracy and political discourse, research and evaluation methods and techniques, pressure groups and NGOs, disinformation and fake news, celebrities and influencers, sports public relations and fashion PR.
• REVISED! Consistent framework: All chapters are written and reviewed within a consistent framework in this edited textbook.
• UPDATED! Implications of technology and change on the theory and practice of public relations is included in all chapters.

New to this edition:

Relevant, real-life understanding of concepts  

• New developments in the discipline: The book focuses on national and international developments and insights in the fast-changing world of public relations. 

• COVID-19 crisis management: There is an increased coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic and its implications on public relations and strategic communication. 

• Growing significance of PR: The text recognises the strategic importance of public relations to organisations and growing conversation about professionalism in practice. 

• Practical approach: Students gain an insight into both theoretical and practical approaches of public relations, the tasks of the professional, the debate about professional ethics, and the issue of its impact. 

• European context: The text discusses public relations and communication management concepts in a European context but is updated with newest insights from global perspectives as well. 

Put theory into practice 

• In-depth case studies: Every chapter contains multiple case studies and mini case studies that encourage students to apply the principles under discussion to the solution of the case at hand. 

• Explore features in each chapter instruct students on where to look for more specialised sources of information or how to engage further with topics. 

• Instructor’s resources: An instructor’s manual and PowerPoint slides are available to lecturers to complement this textbook and support your teaching. 

New topics and revised structure 

• Increased coverage of new topics such as corporate communication, digital and social media, democracy and political discourse, research and evaluation methods and techniques, pressure groups and NGOs, disinformation and fake news, celebrities and influencers, sports public relations and fashion PR. 

• Implications of technology and change on the theory and practice of public relations is included in all chapters.