The latest trends in American Public Relations research (Literature review)

Jacek Barlik

The article presents public relations research in the United States, with emphasis on recent publications (from mid 90s till 2002). The reason for paying special attention to American research in public relations is commonly held belief among international scholars that their American peers have dominated the field for years. Majority of branch periodicals and serial publications are authored by American researchers and their editorial boards are mainly filled by professors of American universities (although not necessarily American citizens).The article contains an extensive overview of public relations literature, especially research papers published in "Journal of Public Relations Research" (till 2002), which is perceived as the most important forum of diverse interests and research perspectives of American PR. The study shows major research traditions in American PR studies: general PR theory, research on roles, feminism in PR, critical and rhetorical approach to PR, and postmodern theories. It presents research agendas and key points of different research traditions.

KEYWORDS

public relations research, general PR theory, feminism in PR, postmodern PR