bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RFID: an enabler of supply chain operations
Authors: Attaran Mohsen
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The desire to cut supply chain costs has made RFID technology one of today's most discussed retail technologies. Given the current implementation pace, the objective of this paper is to go beyond the hype and explore basic issues related to RFID technology, including its promises as well as its pitfalls.

Design/methodology/approach

The author provides a conceptual discussion of the evolution of RFID, addresses its capabilities and its application in various industries, discusses implementation challenges, identifies adoption phases, and reviews RFID's success factors.

Findings

RFID is the most recent prolific technology that provides supply chain collaboration and visibility. An RFID systems solution will increase corporate ROI while at the same time improving retail supply chain communication. Handled properly, RFID technology can result in an evolutionary change incorporating legacy systems with the real‐time supply chain management of tomorrow. Its stumbling point seems only to be a variety of issues outside the technology itself: marketing problems, false promises, security and privacy considerations, and a lack of standards.

Research limitations/implications

The paper was constrained by empirical evidence of, for example, technology deployment, adoption drivers, and success factors.

Practical implications

The paper confirms the power of RFID – a technology in its infancy with as yet untapped potential for supply chain collaboration. It also examines some of the popular RFID products and services.

Originality/value

The paper discusses implementation challenges, identifies adoption phases, and reviews RFID's success factors. It identifies the biggest implementation challenge as the challenge for IT experts of determining how to integrate RFID with existing supply chain management (SCM), customer relationship management (CRM), and enterprise resource planning (ERP) applications.
Complementary theories to supply chain management
Authors: Halldorsson Arni , Kotzab Herbert , Mikkola Juliana H. , Skjøtt‐Larsen Tage
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The paper seeks to discuss and develop SCM as a scientific discipline using different theories from non‐logistics areas to explain inter‐organizational phenomena. It also attempts to establish a frame of reference that allows us to mitigate the gap between the current SCM research and practice and the theoretical explanations of how to structure and manage supply chains.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper introduces three different perspectives that together will contribute to a broader understanding of SCM in practice: an economic perspective; a socio‐economic perspective; and a strategic perspective. The theoretical framework is applied to two important research topics within SCM: third party logistics (TPL); and new product development (NPD).

Findings

There is no such thing as “a unified theory of SCM”. Depending on the concrete situation, one can choose one theory as the dominant explanatory theory, and then complement it with one or several of the other theoretical perspectives.

Research limitations/implications

The way the four theories complement one another is explored on a conceptual basis, but further research into this direction may explore more deeply how these alleged complementarities occur in practice, and how managers mould their decisions by these ideas.

Practical implications

The four theories can provide normative support to important management decisions in supply chains, such as outsourcing, safeguards against opportunism, and alignment of incentives.

Originality/value

The main contribution is that one cannot rely on one theoretical explanation when analyzing phenomena in SCM. It is neccessary to consider several theories and how they may complement one another in order to provide a more comprehensive view of SCM.
Supply chain re‐engineering: the experience of Littlewoods chain stores
Authors: Hollis John
Published: June 2007

Examines a re‐engineering programme undertaken by Littlewoods chain stores in an attempt to improve the company’s image and financial results. Describes the problems faced by the organization and the measures taken to improve the situation: key strategies were identified and senior staff were designated specific tasks. Outlines the key points in the process; the re‐engineering of the supply chain, the involvement of all staff and the two‐way communication system and openness of management.
The supply chain for fresh vegetables: what it takes to make it work
Authors: Grimsdell Ken
Published: June 2007

Examines the way in which British Field Products Ltd has over the year developed an efficient supply chain. Uses the example of broccoli to trace this development since the company started producing broccoli in 1985. Outlines BFD’s six fundamental requirements for an efficient supply: scale of operation; strategic alliances, production flexibility, continuity of supply quality control and communications. Concludes that the best way forward is mutual awareness.
Building effective alliances in the meat supply chain: lessons from the UK
Authors: Palmer C.M.
Published: June 2007

Focuses on the meat and livestock sector and initiatives aimed at encouraging farmers to develop links with other marketing sectors so that they are able to assess and supply the right product, of consistent quality. Believes that farmers should form group structures and then integrate with abattoirs and retailers in order to develop a managed supply chain, citing commitment, communication and continuity as key factors for developing effective business links. Notes the reluctance, in this particular industry, to move from working with an “open‐adversarial” market into a collaborative scheme, and suggests that the inclusion of a value‐based marketing/processing element may assist in achieving a true partnership between farmers and processors.
Branding: a generation gap?
Authors: Harradine Rod , Ross Jill
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The paper seeks to explore key differences in the perceptions of parents and children towards branding, examining differences and potential implications.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted over a six‐month period utilising focus groups, a school census and a parental survey to determine attitudes towards branding and to compare/contrast the different views and perceptions.

Findings

The study demonstrated a gap between the perceptions of parents and the actual brand awareness of their children. The research indicated that children tend to be brand aware at a younger age than their parents believe. Many parents assume that branding influences on their child come from outside the family, but this was contradicted by the children. The study indicated that children have a growing ability to receive information about brands and are able to use this knowledge to inform the growing influence that they exert in the buying process. Finally the study indicated that parents were concerned over the influence that branding can have. It is suggested that the growing sophistication of children in relation to branding issues results in them becoming much more brand‐wise when making purchase choices.

Research limitations/implications

The choice of methodology – a census of a specific school – minimised sampling limitations. The middle‐class catchment area may have produced some bias, and this could be addressed by replicating the research in different schools to allow a broader comparison of the findings.

Originality/value

The paper adds to existing knowledge and understanding of branding and purchase decision making with specific reference to contradictions between generations.
Fashion innovativeness, materialism, and attitude toward purchasing foreign fashion goods online across national borders
Authors: Park Hye‐Jung , Davis Burns Leslie , Rabolt Nancy J.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This study examines the impacts of fashion innovativeness and materialism on young Korean consumers' attitudes toward online purchasing of foreign fashion goods across national borders through local e‐commerce enablers and the moderating effect of internet innovativeness on these impacts.

Design/methodology/approach

The data used in this study were gathered by surveying female university students in Seoul, Korea, using convenience sampling, and 222 questionnaires were used in the statistical analysis. In analyzing data, correlation analysis, hierarchical regression, and simple slope analysis were conducted.

Findings

The results showed that fashion innovativeness and materialism are positively related to the attitude toward purchasing foreign fashion goods online across national borders, and that internet innovativeness exercises significant moderating effects on the relationships.

Originality/value

Past research found positive direct impacts of internet innovativeness on internet shopping, but no study has explored the interaction effects between internet innovativeness and other variables directly influencing online purchasing attitudes toward foreign fashion goods. Practical implications are discussed, and suggestions for future research are made.
CAD/CAM diffusion and infusion in the US apparel industry
Authors: Yan He , Fiorito Susan S.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The paper seeks to examine the determinants of the diffusion and infusion of computer aided design/computer aided manufacturing in the US textile and apparel industries.

Design/methodology/approach

A variety of sources was used to develop the survey, which was mailed to a national random sample of 500 textile and apparel manufacturers. Factor analysis was used to identify the dimensions of reasons for CAD/CAM infusion and diffusion. Three hypotheses were tested with multiple regression analyses procedures.

Findings

The responses of 103 manufacturers from all over the USA were analyzed. Diffusion and infusion of CAD/CAM was found to be driven primarily by the market. In addition, business‐unit size affected recent CAD/CAM diffusion to the systems.

Research limitations/implications

Although a sample size of over 100 manufacturers is respectable, broad generalizations cannot be made. So, as with most empirical research studies, the sample size is a limitation.

Practical implications

Modernization of manufacturing is essential. However, prudent investment for the manufacturer is equally important. The key for the manufacturer is maintaining a balance.

Originality/value

The value of this research is the finding that very few manufacturing companies in the USA have adopted CAD/CAM even though it has been shown that the use of technologies is extremely beneficial to their survival.
Strategic planning for the US textile industry in the post‐quota era
Authors: Oh Hyunjoo , Kim Eunjung
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The paper seeks to develop strategic planning to enhance sustainable competitiveness in the US textile industry with a consideration of DR‐CAFTA as an opportunity to establish responsive supply chain networks in the Western hemisphere.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis was based on literature reviews, trade data analyses, and site visits for personal interviews at textile and apparel companies in North Carolina and the Office of Textile and Apparel at the US Department of Commerce, Washington, DC.

Findings

DR‐CAFTA countries constitute the only remaining region that the US textile industry can use to achieve speed‐to‐market advantages from geographical proximity. Market analysis indicated both voids and opportunities in “fast retailing” supply chain networks. In developing time‐to‐market supply chain networks, it is suggested that the implementation of DR‐CAFTA should focus on: streamlining the rules of origin, expanding the short‐supply list, and coordinating custom procedures; financing options for DR‐CAFTA countries' procurement of fabrics and other raw materials from the USA.

Practical implications

Two models are proposed which can possibly be implemented by the US textile industry: a shortened supply chain for knitted sportswear and fashionable shirts that can capitalize on time‐to‐market; and triangular supply‐chain networks among US retailers and textile companies, Asian textile manufacturers, and DR‐CAFTA apparel manufacturers for fashion basics.

Originality/value

This study has an implication for the US textile industry and policy makers to develop future strategic planning in the post‐quota era. The suggestions will contribute to enhancing the competitiveness of the US textile industry in the intense global competition by achieving speed‐to‐market with DR‐CAFTA countries.
Production sourcing strategies and buyer‐supplier relationships
Authors: Tam F.Y. , Moon K.L. , Ng S.F. , Hui C.L.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to compare the differences between the small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) and the large enterprises (LEs) of the Hong Kong clothing industry in terms of the adoption of production sourcing strategies and buyer‐supplier relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was conducted among 120 small to large‐sized clothing firms in Hong Kong.

Findings

The results show that there were certain differences between SMEs and LEs with regard to production sourcing: LEs are more able to disperse production globally; LEs are more likely to adopt single sourcing, while SMEs prefer multiple sourcing; SMEs tend to use a combined strategy of in‐ and outsourcing, whereas LEs select either insourcing or outsourcing; and LEs are more likely to develop a formal strategic alliance with their trading partners.

Research limitations/implications

The adoption of sourcing strategies and buyer‐supplier relationships may change over time: future research should also be directed towards collecting longitudinal data.

Practical implications

To compete with LEs, SMEs have to ally strategically with their trading partners. Adopting sourcing strategies in a more cooperative manner is therefore imperative. Nonetheless, both SMEs and LEs should exploit their advantages by adopting proper or innovative combinations of sourcing strategies and buyer‐supplier relationships, and hence their respective disadvantages can be offset and their competitive advantages can be enhanced.

Originality/value

This paper examines the differences between SMEs and LEs in the adoption of production sourcing strategies and buyer‐supplier relationships. This study provides an implication for the management of SMEs and LEs in terms of production sourcing.
The changing nature of gender roles, alpha/beta careers and work‐life issues
Authors: Sullivan Sherry E. , Mainiero Lisa A.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The major purpose of this paper is to examine how gender differences impact the enactment of careers. An additional goal is to examine whether, as suggested by recent conceptualizations, careers are indeed becoming more boundaryless.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on the results of two in‐depth qualitative studies (n=52;n=27).

Findings

Two major patterns were found that describe the careers of professionals in the contemporary workplace. One pattern is called the alpha career pattern: over the life span, people with this pattern first focus on challenge, then authenticity, and then balance. The second pattern is called the beta career pattern: over the life span, people with this pattern first focus on challenge, then balance, and then authenticity.

Practical implications

This paper offers a framework that HR managers and other organizational leaders can use to increase the authenticity, balance and challenge experienced by their employees in order to enhance organizational effectiveness.

Originality/value

This paper addresses the numerous calls for the development of a model to explain the complexities of women's careers as well as to recognize gender differences in career enactment. It was found that, in general, men followed the alpha career pattern while women followed the beta career pattern. However, a limited number of women had career experiences that were more consistent with the alpha career pattern more closely aligned with men while some younger men consciously developed more family‐driven beta patterns.
Career orientations of business master's students as compared to social work students
Authors: Buchanan F. Robert , Kim Kong‐Hee , Basham Randall
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore career orientations of business master's degree seekers in comparison with social work degree pursuers in an effort to provide insight for educators and policy makers.

Design/methodology/approach

A web‐based survey of current master's students from two graduate schools at a large university provided 388 respondents who were employed full‐time while pursuing their degrees. Hypotheses were tested with hierarchical regression and MANOVA analysis.

Findings

Business degree pursuers are more strongly influenced by the motive to achieve professional advancement than the motive to acquire knowledge. The findings indicate that careerism and educational motives for business master's students are related to recognition of job alternatives that are an improvement over the current job being held. Social workers' organizational mobility perceptions were influenced by careerism and a desire to gain knowledge, and less influenced by professional advancement motives. Interestingly, the results show that social work graduate students were more careerist than business degree pursuers.

Research limitations/implications

Although this research focuses on the career orientations of business master's students in a comparison to social workers, a broader sample employing samples in other study fields would further expand the knowledge regarding the career orientations of graduate students.

Practical implications

Previous research has mostly dealt with cost/benefit analyses of the value of master's level education. The findings in this research would help policy makers and graduate program educators in a better understanding of students, to assist in marketing, placement, and curriculum design.

Originality/value

The value of master's level education is under‐researched. Much of the existing information is anecdotal. This study deals with specific elements of educational motivation, career orientation, and human capital.
Cultivating creativity in public relations consultancies: The management and organisation of creative work
Authors: Daymon Christine
Published: June 2007

If innovation is to flourish in public relations, then creativity must be encouraged and nurtured because it is out of the process of creativity that innovation springs. In order to understand creativity in public relations consultancies, this paper examines its nature and the dynamics through which it is fostered or hampered. It attempts to answer two main questions: what is the nature of creativity, and how is it accommodated in public relations consultancies? Primary research consists of interviews and a focus group with public relations practitioners in small, medium and large global consultancies in London and the regions. Findings suggest that creativity is characterised by three dimensions: unconventionality, autonomy and risk. The manner in which consultancies organise and manage these determines the extent to which creativity is stimulated or stifled. The styles of management and the forms of organisation which accommodate creativity are primarily influenced by size, client expectations, and the individualistic nature of public relations practitioners. In studying work dynamics and the experiences of members of public relations consultancies, the paper makes a contribution to a field of research that is underdeveloped in both public relations and management literature.
Personal public relations: The interdisciplinary pitfalls and innovative possibilities of identity work
Authors: Motion Judy
Published: June 2007

This paper examines the processes used to create and communicate the public identities of New Zealand women politicians. Interviews conducted with women politicians and their public relations practitioners are drawn upon in order to develop a public relations framework for working with individuals. The framework is developed from Foucault’s work on technologies of the self and comprises six technologies of the self: historical narration, positioning, commodification, mediatisation, aestheticisation, and moral career.
World‐class public relations: A model for effective public relations in the multinational
Authors: Wakefield Robert I.
Published: June 2007

As organisations become multinational, their reputations are increasingly subject to the effects of culture, politics, socioeconomics and other factors that become much more complex in the international arena than in domestic contexts. The crisis suffered by Coca‐Cola in Europe in 1999 can be a lesson to multinationals, small or large, which are not fully prepared to handle cross‐border issues. Studies conducted by this author have led to a useful model for effective public relations across borders, and have shown how European‐based multinationals are often better equipped than American firms to preserve their reputations on a global basis.
Applying communication theories to the Internet
Authors: Fawkes Johanna , Gregory Anne
Published: June 2007

The Internet has brought about change in the way that public relations is practised. Not only has it provided another channel of communication, but the communication dynamic itself has changed because of the Internet’s unique combination of characteristics. Much public relations practice is still posited on dated theories of the system of communication along the linear lines of sender, channel, receiver (with feedback). The public relations professional is there to transmit a message with the purpose of persuading publics to the point of view being promulgated. There have been suggestions that a new model of communication is required in order to explain the Internet medium. This paper re‐examines three of the older communication systems models to establish whether there are elements within them that can be helpful in explaining the dynamics of Internet‐based communication. The authors use the three models, in turn, to examine this medium by focusing on the message sender, the channel itself and the user of the Internet. The conclusion is that together they can throw valuable light on Internet‐based communication and that there are lessons to be drawn from these models that are useful for the contemporary public relations practitioner.
Stakeholder communication management on the Internet: An integrated matrix for the identification of opportunities
Authors: de Bussy Nigel M. , Watson Richard T. , Pitt Leyland F. , Ewing Michael T.
Published: June 2007

Until recently stakeholder communication has tended to be mostly unidirectional and simple. However, the advent of the Internet has brought unprecedented change. Stakeholder communication is no longer unidirectional, and as stakeholders increasingly communicate with each other this communication becomes infinitely more complex. Unfortunately many of the tools and models of PR were developed and refined in a pre‐Internet world. This paper introduces an integrated Internet stake‐holder communication matrix (I2SCM), and explains its use for the identification of issues that need to be managed with regard to the Internet and2 PR.
Drowned out? Rethinking corporate reputation management for the Internet
Authors: Bunting Mark , Lipski Roy
Published: June 2007

The Internet has radically altered the dynamics of corporate reputation formation and management. In the growing hubbub of consumer, media and activist dissection of corporate behaviour, companies are finding it increasingly difficult to make their voices heard. By creating newly accessible channels of communication and organisation, the Internet has shifted the balance of power of “voice”. The result is that corporate reputations are increasingly defined not by what companies do or say, but by how others perceive and respond to their actions and words. This paper argues that the underlying challenge facing reputation managers is that traditional conceptions of corporate communications and corporate relations are unsuited to the developing online environment. Effective online corporate reputation management requires companies to develop new relationships with their online stakeholders, with very different characteristics from traditional top‐down communications models. The paper concludes with an attempt to describe a new conceptual framework for online reputation management.
The evaluation of PR on the Internet
Authors: Macleod Sandra
Published: June 2007

Reputation analysis is a well‐established practice applied to conventional news outlets (press, radio and television) through media evaluation, and to stakeholders direct through opinion and behavioural research. The media evaluation side of such integrated research permits organisations to measure and track issues, messages, media titles/programmes, third‐party sources and much else besides, and to illuminate and guide their communications programmes with key stakeholders. The Internet, effectively an immense and influential publishing forum based on new technology, is as amenable to similar intelligence‐gathering and evaluation procedures as the traditional media. This process has taken on extra importance now that the power to communicate widely has come into the hands of individuals and small groups, joined across geographical boundaries and time zones as virtual communities.
Electronic relationships: Interactivity, Internet branding and the public sphere
Authors: Motion Judy
Published: June 2007

This paper examines a New Zealand website, nzgirl.co.nz, in order to theorise the Internet as a communication tool, the Internet as a marketplace and the Internet as a public sphere. As a communication tool, the Internet serves to foster electronic relationships. A key concept discussed in the context of electronic relationships is interactivity. Within the second section of the paper, the role of public relations practitioners in identity and brand building form the discussion of the electronic marketplace. In particular, the importance of an integrated marketing communications approach to Internet branding is examined. One of the central issues of electronic public relations is the potential role of the Internet as a public arena of the public sphere. In this paper, the role of websites in discursive development, social and political identity formation and the evolution of a sense of community is considered.
Communication managers as strategists? Can they make the grade?
Authors: Simcic Brønn Peggy
Published: June 2007

When discussing the role of executives in public relations and their involvement in decision making, much research has focused on the dichotomous roles of technician and manager. From this it is concluded that an executive’s input into an organisation’s strategic decision making depends on how they enact the managerial role. This paper asserts that there is more to being an accepted member of the top management team than role enactment. Enacting the managerial role is, in fact, nothing more than performing high‐level technical activities. A new measurement of is managerial competency is strategic thinking. What this is and how it can be measured is then discussed.
Success in innovation implementation
Authors: Johnson J. David
Published: June 2007

Increasingly, how well organisations innovate is becoming the single most important issue in determining their ultimate success. Referencing a variety of cases primarily drawn from governmental organisations, this paper argues that the key to successful innovation implementation rests on the convergence of three different factors. First, an innovation must be properly framed in terms of stakeholders’ expectations. Secondly, a good internal innovation environment must be present. Finally, the pros of specific attributes of innovations must outweigh their cons. The Eight other conditions, in which one or more of these factors is not positive, result in differing degrees of success and failure, with different implications for organisational outcomes. These eight conditions, and their associated propositions, are discussed in terms of their heuristic value for bridging gaps in differing parties’ understanding of innovation processes and future directions for research, including the interaction of power and type of innovation.
Early warning of organisational crises: A research project from the international air express industry
Authors: Milenković Goran
Published: June 2007

International air express carriers, frequently referred to as international courier companies, operate integrated global networks consisting of aircraft, hubs, vehicles, data systems and tens of thousands of employees spread across all continents. The inherently global nature of such systems – the leading firm operates in 228 countries – makes them sensitive to a foray of risks and threats. This paper, which was presented at the Seventh International Public Relations Research Symposium (Lake Bled, Slovenia, 7th‐8th July, 2000), reports on an ongoing crisis management research project that started in 1997 and which investigates early markers of crises experienced by DHL Worldwide Express. After a concise literature overview, which maps the relationship between organisational crises and early warning signals, two research outputs are discussed. First, the production of a crisis register is described. Computer‐aided content analysis of an internal service bulletin identified 103 service crises which the company managed in 68 countries during a 15‐month period. Secondly, detailed case investigation generated a model of crisis gestation. Prior to conflagration, exacerbating conditions and precipitating events interact to produce a number of dynamic effects. Five types of gestation‐advancing effects are illustrated. The paper concludes by reflecting on some of the consequences globally dispersed operations can have on corporate crisis management processes.
Message to desired action: A communication effectiveness model
Authors: Therkelsen David J. , Fiebich Christina L.
Published: June 2007

This paper argues that communication is successful only if it overcomes each of six hurdles: reach, attention, understanding, belief, recall and action. The authors then map the saliency of ten academic disciplines: demographics and psychographics from marketing; persuasion and information processing from psychology; linguistics, writing and design from communication; and sociology, anthropology and economics from the social sciences. Effective practitioners must possess a basic understanding of the bodies of knowledge in all of these fields and be able to apply them in their everyday work. Thus, the intellectual breadth required of the public relations practitioner is extensive. Acquiring and maintaining sufficient knowledge of these and other fields should be the aim of a practitioner’s undergraduate and graduate education, and a career‐long programme of professional development. The “message to desired action” model updates and builds upon an earlier model, originally published in PR Reporter in 1992 and since cited in numerous public relations textbooks.
UK corporate reputation management: The role of public relations planning, research and evaluation in a new framework of company reporting
Authors: O’Connor Nigel
Published: June 2007

The permeation of the corporate social responsibility imperative and the proliferation of the Internet across the globe have begun to redistribute social influence. A wider spectrum of competing stakeholders now exists and as a result corporate strategies and governance structures are subject to greater demands for transparency and accountability. In this context, reputation, of which the public relations practitioner is custodian, is now a company’s most valuable and fragile asset. To help rationalise the accountability dynamic, proposed changes to UK company law could enable a more inclusive approach to corporate reputation management through a change in definition of directors’ duties and the introduction of a non‐mandatory operating and financial review (OFR) to include intangible assets within a company’s reporting framework. The proposals are likely to be the subject of a white paper and legislation in the this session of parliament. This paper argues that by demonstrating greater emphasis on planning, research and evaluation the public relations practitioner can more effectively inform the company reporting framework and exceed the demands of accountability necessary for successful strategic corporate reputation management.
From war stories to case studies
Authors: DeSanto Barbara
Published: June 2007

Practitioners provide valuable resource for students through sharing their workplace experiences with them as guest lecturers in classrooms. Practitioners often take advantage of these opportunities to share real‐life situations and problems with students. This scenario, often called telling “war stories”, contains the precious raw materials for effectively developing a case study. This paper provides a framework through which practitioners can structure their storytelling to involve students actively in the exchange while students can organise the practitioner’s lessons using a guide to illustrate and evaluate the lessons present in each practitioner’s experiences.
Public relations and emerging functions of the public sphere: An analytical framework
Authors: Jensen Inger
Published: June 2007

This paper presents a platform for analysing public relations in the future. The author suggests a reintroduction of concepts of the public sphere in public relations theory and calls attention to an emerging function of the public sphere. This function is called the public sphere of organisational legitimacy and identity. Further, the paper describes three different concepts of the company in society. These concepts are labelled “The economically successful but socially innocent company”, “The economically successful and legal company”, and “The economically successful, legal and responsible company”. Examples are provided to show that these three images represent a historical trend and that they logically exclude each other, but that they prevail simultaneously. The role of public relations is analysed in relation to each of the three concepts of the company. Combined with the analytical concepts of the emerging functions of public sphere they are suggested by the author as an analytical framework for reflecting potential viable or problematic aspects in the future.
Corporate trails: Relationship building and the BBC
Authors: Meech Peter
Published: June 2007

In recent years UK television broadcasting organisations have increasingly come to realise the importance of building relationships with their various stakeholders. In particular, substantial resources have been invested in a variety of activities to brand these stations, both on‐ and off‐air. As part of a continuing programme of research into the on‐air aspects of television’s self‐promotion, this paper considers what is probably the most salient of these activities: on‐air corporate trails or promos. These are to be distinguished from other, related forms which are seen on television sets, notably station idents and trails for individual programmes or series. By contrast corporate trails, like corporate advertising, attempt to foster a broader positive image of the organisation concerned among viewers, advertisers, shareholders (where appropriate), legislators, independent producers, the rest of the media, in‐house staff and other groups. The case of the BBC is especially interesting on two counts: now more than ever it has to struggle to justify itself as a public service broadcaster funded by a licence fee, and it has been responsible for producing some of the most creatively adventurous campaigns.
An investigation of relationships between communication style and leader‐member exchange
Authors: Yrle Augusta C. , Hartman Sandra , Galle William P.
Published: June 2007

In this research, the authors examine the relationships between findings from several potentially‐related literature streams including a prescriptive body of communication theory involving supervisor‐subordinate communication, contingency ideas involving use of coaching/directive vs counselling/participative leader communication styles, and leader‐member exchange (LMX) theory from the management literature. LMX suggests that supervisors may afford differing treatment, and thus possibly use different communications tactics, with subordinates in higherquality exchange relationships than with those in lower‐quality relationships. This literature, however, leaves unresolved whether supervisors should treat employees differently. In contrast, much of the communication literature has emphasised development of “best” practices which, presumably, should be used with all employees. In this research the authors consider whether there are consistencies between leader communication practices and the perceived quality of the leader‐member exchange. They report evidence that employees perceive differences, especially in the level of participation‐related communication, depending upon whether they believe they are in a higher‐ or lower‐quality LMX relationship. Moreover, they find weak evidence for congruence between supervisor and subordinate perceptions of the quality of the exchange and no significant evidence that similarity of the dyad influences the quality of the exchange.
Communication and power in early modern England: A new model
Authors: Norris Robert
Published: June 2007

Historical research suggests that English monarchs at the start of the early modern era (ca. 1500‐1800) followed a communication model this paper tentatively names “instructional”, characterised by one‐way communication intended to instruct the public in a correct worldview and to coach proper behaviour. There is evidence that this instructional model segued into recognisably modern models as the English Crown lost power between the reigns of Elizabeth I and George III, suggesting a link between the sender’s power and the communication techniques the sender employed.
Learning the lesson – Speaking up for communication as an academic discipline too important to be sidelined
Authors: Haslam Jonathan
Published: June 2007

Communication skills are essential business tools, as well as a prerequisite for management of global economic organisations and effective government in complex societies. Communication underpins Western values and ensures that, through feedback processes, organisations appreciate the different value sets that can impact upon the success or failure of policies and enterprises. In order to gain the greatest benefit from effective communication, greater emphasis needs to be placed on the academic teaching of the skill involved, as part of and together with greater efforts to promote the reputation of professional communicators.
Public relations education from an editor’s perspective
Authors: Elliott Geoff , Koper Eric
Published: June 2007

This paper discusses public relations (PR) practice from the perspective of a former editor and current senior editors in the UK to provoke a debate on PR education, particularly as it prepares intending practitioners for work in media relations and, more broadly, careers in PR. The main issues and concepts raised in the paper relate to trust, ethics and the development of PR as a strategic function. The paper discusses the PR programme in the department of journalism at the University of Central Lancashire in the UK. The discussion focuses on the need to shift the emphasis in PR education to become more ethical and strategic without discrediting the continued need for tactical career preparation and good press relations.
Implications of the IABC excellence study for PR education
Authors: Grunig James E. , Grunig Larissa A.
Published: June 2007

The 15‐year study of excellence in public relations and communication management in the USA, the UK and Canada produced an explanation of the value of PR to an organisation and a set of theoretical principles describing how the communication function should be organised, structured and practised in an organisation. These principles provide a theoretical benchmark for auditing the quality of a PR unit. This paper identifies the implications of these principles for PR education at the undergraduate, postgraduate and continuing education levels and for management education in MBA programmes. The excellence study suggests, first, that all PR education must instil in students the view that PR is a strategic managerial function rather than a technical support function for other managerial functions. Undergraduate programmes should continue to develop superior communication skills in their students, but they must frame these technical skills in principles of strategic management, research and ethics and social responsibility. Postgraduate and continuing education programmes should focus on strategic management and research skills and educate future managers to be ethics officers in the organisation. MBA programmes should include a unit on PR in a subject area such as strategic management, public affairs or corporate social responsibility to prepare them to work with PR professionals when they become senior executives. PR education at all of these levels and in both communication and MBA programmes should educate students to practise PR globally.
How far do professional associations influence the direction of public relations education?
Authors: Rawel Alan
Published: June 2007

This paper examines the way in which the Institute of Public Relations (IPR), the PR professional association in the UK, has sought to influence the content and direction of public relations education. It considers the fields in which intervention has been promoted and reflects on how meaningful this has proved. In particular, the paper considers the professional association’s interests in establishing a training framework; linking the framework to its approval of university degrees and diplomas in PR; the rationale behind and launch of a continuous professional development scheme; and the management of its own practitioner qualifications.
The emotionality of information and communication technology implementation
Authors: Zorn Theodore E.
Published: June 2007

While there is extensive research on emotion in the workplace and on information and communication technology (ICT) implementation, largely ignored is the emotionality of ICT implementation and change management more generally, even though the emotional experience of such processes is critical to their success. The current paper integrates insights from research on emotion at work and the social construction of technology to demonstrate the role of emotion in ICT‐based organisational change through a case study of a not‐for‐profit organisation’s implementation of a Webbased case management system. In particular, it is argued that emotions and new ICT systems are experienced as ambiguous phenomena, which makes people susceptible to influence through interaction. Furthermore, such interaction to negotiate meanings for the emotional experience of ICT implementation is critical to its success.
Managing organisational writing to enhance corporate credibility
Authors: Petelin Roslyn
Published: June 2007

Many employees neither trained as “career writers” nor defining themselves as writers spend a major part of their time writing because, undeniably, writing is a central activity in organisations. To produce the high quality required to create and maintain credibility, organisations need to have professionals who can efficiently produce documents with substance, structure and style. This paper discusses issues relating to the management of corporate writing and editing, and presents practices and processes that managers can implement in their organisations to produce flawless documents, thereby avoiding the credibility crises that occur when writing is not taken seriously.
Australia has matured from words to strategies to leadership
Authors: McLaughlin Liz
Published: June 2007

Practitioners need to see their future as being part of the leadership team within organisations, and therefore need to move beyond technical competencies and focus on developing leadership skills.
Towards a new terminology: Optimising the value of issue management
Authors: Jaques Tony
Published: June 2007

Most issue management practitioners and scholars accept that issue management has progressed substantially over 25 years, from primarily a reactive crisis prevention tool to a maturing strategic management discipline. But the terminology used within issue management to define the different management positions has not kept pace with that evolution. In fact some of the language used heavily influences responses to issues and limits the apparent framework of choice. This paper reviews some past efforts to develop appropriate terminology and proposes an alternative lexicon.
Grassroots energy: A case study of active citizenship and public communication in risk society
Authors: Demetrious Kristin
Published: June 2007

In 2001, the Victorian state government approved the construction of a 500‐megawatt power station at Stonehaven by US multinational corporation, AES Power One. In 2002 plans had stalled and the company had withdrawn from the process. By March, 2002 the state government flagged that the power station was no longer required to meet power supply demands. This paper applies Beck’s theories of risk society and reflexive modernisation to a case study. It asks to what extent is Australia a risk society? Is the Stonehaven case part of a larger‐scale cultural and political movement and if so what are the consequences for corporate and civil citizenship and public communication in Australia?
The broadcasting public sphere: Enduring issues, enduring relationships, enduring activists
Authors: Kovacs Rachel
Published: June 2007

This study compares the strategies and impact of six British activist groups, as documented in 1997, with data gathered on the same groups in 2000. These groups, Voice of the Listener and Viewer, Campaign for Quality Television, Deaf Broadcasting Council, Consumers Association, National Consumers Council and National Listeners and Viewers Association, attempted to build a public sphere for generating debate around and catalysing changes to broadcasting policies and programming. They were tracked in 2000 in order to identify those issues, relationships and groups that had endured. The research design provided a telescopic look at their interactions with their targets and with each other during a period of rapid technological and industry change. In a multichannel broadcasting environment where convergence and globalisation are buzzwords, activists used public relations to create a broader public forum for a wide range of significant issues with which to engage demographically, psychographically and geographically diverse publics. The ensuing media education, media advocacy and relationship building, although elite in origins, strengthened democratic discourse, thus reaffirming broadcasting’s invaluable role in civil society.