Learning PR, Methodological and legitimation-based learning in PR – A theoretical approach and empirical findings Cover Image

Learning PR, Methodological and legitimation-based learning in PR – A theoretical approach and empirical findings
Learning PR, Methodological and legitimation-based learning in PR – A theoretical approach and empirical findings

Author(s): Olaf Hofjann, Michael Lohse
Subject(s): Social Sciences, Media studies, Communication studies
Published by: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Wrocławskiego
Keywords: organizational learning;reflexivity of organizations;public relations;online survey

Summary/Abstract: PR increases the refl exivity of organizations, thereby providing a central opportunity or learning. While this consideration is implicitly contained in many definitions and theories relating to PR, organizational learning has until now remained a ?hidden topic? in international PR research. This is all the more surprising when we consider that learning is relevant to PR on two counts at least: first, the aforementioned role of PR as a central learning opportunity within an organization. PR identifies stakeholder demands and develops strategies to help ensure the legitimacy of the organization. This will be referred to as legitimation-based learning. Second, PR learns with respect to its own methods and skills. This will be referred to as method-based learning. This article will present a theoretical framework for legitimation-based and method-based learning. Then, the initial results of an online survey (N = 121) that examines selected issues relating to this approach will be presented.

  • Issue Year: 9/2016
  • Issue No: 17
  • Page Range: 247-265
  • Page Count: 19
  • Language: English
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