The Routledge Companion to Public Relations

Public relations is a uniquely pervasive force in our modern economy, influencing every aspect of our lives from the personal to the political. This comprehensive volume provides an expert overview of current scholarship, reflecting the impact of technology, society, and demographic shifts in a complex global environment.

The last century saw the emergence of the public relations discipline. This expertly curated collection explores the dynamic growth in thinking about public relations’ role in our changing global society, now and into the future. It reflects the challenges and perspectives of postcolonial, postmodern, feminist, critical race theory, social responsibility, sustainability, activist standpoints, as well as the profound and unpredictable impact of technological change and social media. Each chapter provides an overview of current knowledge and its roots, while engaging with emerging new directions and old debates – and advocates for where the research agenda is likely to advance in the future.

This unique Companion will be an essential resource for students and researchers in public relations, communication, marketing, media, and cultural studies. It provides an authoritative reference for educators and a one-stop repository of public relations knowledge, scholarship, and debates for the enquiring professional.

Donnalyn Pompper is Professor and Endowed Chair in Public Relations, School of Journalism & Communication, and affiliate faculty for Ethnic Studies and the Science Communication Research Center at the University of Oregon, USA.

Katie R. Place is Professor of Strategic Communication at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut, USA.

C. Kay Weaver is Chair and Professor in the Department of Advertising, Public Relations, and Media Design at the University of Colorado, Boulder, USA.