Encyclopedia of Public Relations

Originally published in print format in 2004.

The Encyclopedia of Public Relations explores the evolution of the PR field, with examples from history describing events, changing practices, and the key figures who developed and expanded the profession. This two-volume set is the first and most authoritative compilation of the subject, and is a must-have for any library serving patrons in business, communication, and journalism.

The encyclopedia explores key challenges facing the profession of public relations and its practitioners, such as earning the trust and respect of critics and the general public. Opinions about PR are as diverse as the issues addressed by the people and organizations in the field. One good example is ethics (decision-making, creation of meaning, etc.), and the popular notion that many PR practitioners use their skills to deliberately misinform the public. In contrast, public relations professionals also have an integral role in social responsibility, such as notifying the public of climate or public health concerns. These volumes go into great depth about such ethical policies and challenges. In fact, the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) operates under a specific code of ethics-full details of which are included in an appendix.

Features and benefits include:

• With the Sage Series in Public Relations and the Handbook of Public Relations (8/2000), Sage has emerged as a strong publisher in public relations of books above the four-color introductory level. The Encyclopedia of Public Relations is a logical extension of that base and a topic that reaches well beyond the academic library market.
• Bob Heath is internationally known and respected for both his academic work and his corporate consulting experience.

This title is now available in eBook format through Gale Virtual Reference Library.