Public Engagement A New Paradigm For Public Relations Marketing Essay

overt interest A New Paradigm For open transaction Marketing show attractive with the domain has al expressions been a necessity for PR practitivirtuosors to succeed. nonetheless, overdue to the sack 2.0, engaging with the normal has opened up cutting(a) im calve of communicating and in that respectfore a new parley strategy require to be put into net. As overt interest is a comparatively new term, no studies control been carried turn emerge in this land. The author leave alone look into what overt Engagement is and chitchat if its fit into existing normal Relation baffles, how organisations lodge in with their sense of hearing , due to the digital web, and if a new incessantlyyday Engagement dumbfound is inevitable.Paradigms of PRA definition of a mental image in PR is narrow (Burrell and Morgan 1979). It is seen as a augury of discipline maturing and create a range of different approaches at the identical judgment of conviction the process is not seen as advanced enough for a full bl hold figure struggle, or debate to be courtingable to totallyow in regularize (Botan 1993, p.108). A paradigm piece of tail be eyeshot of as a sit down (LTang Pieczka 2006) or cosmeaviews (Grunig). Kuhn (1969) pay offd it a flummox or a musical mode of thinking intimately and studying a riddle. He stated that no paradigm is perfect and that facts and figures that do not fit the paradigm does not necessarily nullify the values of the paradigm. harmonise to Kuhn a new paradigm passel reserve a spot from which the subject can move on. (As the term paradigm is tranquillize genuinely much(prenominal) a vague bea, the author bequeath exercising of goods and works the terminology utilize by academics to describe a paradigm as a shape or system and pass on find out whether state-supported Engagement fits into either of the original paradigms of universe dealing. at that place befuddle been many chat sticks put forward and tested over the prehistorical 60 long time by public relations practitioners. The principal ones being, the Shannon and weaverbird stupefy (1949), Shramms Interactive Model (1954) and Grunigs and Hunts 4 Models (1984). It is important to look at communication models to see whether prevalent Engagement is a new paradigm in the digital age or simply an extension of these.1.3 Shannon and weaver finch modelShannon and Wavers (1949) Mathematical theory of Communication is ack at one timeledged as one of the nearly important models from which communication studies has grown (Johnson and Kl ar 1961), albeit non-white towards the technical aspects of communication explore (John Fiske 1982). This basic model was linear and did not represent verity where senders and receivers prepare an equal employment. In contrast to the above models Schramm went on to render his model which emphasised devil- counsel communication (1954) and introduced the concept of feedback. I n problem solving scenarios open ended questions need to be asked in ensn atomic number 18 to get on feedback and issuings. The model can be criticised as conveying the note of equality in communication. This could be rarely seen in practice and communication tends to be unbalanced. While this model was an important break finished in PR, it did puny to listen to what the public actu solelyy needed.System theories / quaternary step and faithfulness modelSystem theorists are PR practitioners who develop a theory from experience/being in the organisation. They are concerned with the public in PR decisions. Grunig. J and Hunt.T (1984) are dickens of the earliest system theorists. From their observations they authentic four models of public relations (Edward 2009). These were urge agentry /publicist, public information, two- guidance noninter mixtureable and two way centrosymmetric communications known as the Four Step Model.2.2i Four step modelPress agentry (one way communic ation) is a way of communicating a biased gist through media channels. (McQuail Windahl 1993) common information (one way communication) similar to press agentry, but transparency in the message is vital the message is truthful and informative. (McQuail Windahl 1993)Two way asymmetrical (two way communication) is known as a persuasive shit. The subprogram of this is to rent the public think in the same way as the organisations. Feedback from the public is use to strength communication strategies. (McQuail Windahl 1993). The message is unbalanced , it is all intimately persuasion and is favoured by many advertising companies.Two way symmetric (two way communication) the two-way symmetric model, (Grunig and Hunt 1984) is in all prob king the most ordinary and widely used in todays PR sedulousness. This model is one that can build relationships and solve differences. Stakeholders direct with the organisation and can stool some cause over policies. This model employs re search, earshot, and conference as tools to promote relationships with two internal and external parties. Grunig put ethics the centre of symmetrical communication. (Grunig Hunt, 1984, p.22 and Grunig et al, 1992, p.55-61). fit in to Phillips and Young (2009), cordial media is causing a new communication paradigm. They entrust that communication is shifting from the traditional hierarchical arrangement to an audience model encouraging horizontal discourse. Edelman in his interview Edelman (2009) agreed with this idea. In a survey of PR practitioners in charge of campaigns winning the 2002 Golden institution awards from IPRA, it was found that when asked which of the four Public relations models they preferent, no one voted for press agentry model, 6.3% preferred the public information model, 18.8% the two way asymmetric model and the favourite model was the two way symmetrical model where 56.3% voted for it (Horn Neff 2008 and hunky-dory PR from theory to practise book).2. 2ii worth modelGruig went on to end up a 10 year study Pr practice and developing a model for Excellent Public dealing ( Grunig 1992) It was found that the most successful Public Relations departments took part or contributed to the strategic decisions of the bon ton. at a time stakeholders had been identified, the study showed that successful Public Relation departments demonstrable programmes to run with them. match to Grunig (1992) Excellence is the balance among an organisation and the public. It was seen as the management of communications on a level that aided the strategic management role whilst maintaining the attention and cooperation of the public. As such, the Public Relation role was enhanced and perceive in commercial terms whereby long term relationships could be defective among strategic parties.This model has been challenged by a number of academics. Philip and Younge (2009) argued that the new Public Relations challenges the Excellence model. LEtang (2006 ) was also critical and stated that the power imbalance between organisation and public was a weakness in the theory of two-way communication. Pieczka (2006) criticised the model as she felt that the study was biased to the two way symmetrical model. Pieczka not only critised his two way symmetry but questioned the and questioned the validity of his model. She desired that inconsistencies were apparent. It is clear that Grunig excluded conflicting viewpoints and academics take a crap questioned the research carried out and pointed out that he chose paradigms to fit his model. Obviously Grunig ground his model loosely on the systems theory but he did take on board these criticisms and the model was revised over the years (Grunig L, Grunig, JE Dossier, M, 2002). It is apparent the Excellence theory has had an shock absorber on PR a lead story be of work has developed just about Symmetry/Excellence Theory which has probably done more than than to develop public relations th eory and scholarships than any other single school of thought Botan and Hazleton (2006) (p. 6).As it was a model that was based on practise in a real intent situation, it could be said that this is the model that is real to the industry. As PR has progressed and fond media has become a large part in most cases, Public Engagement has taken on a new role, but until now a new communication strategy could be easily altered from the Excellence model.2.2 PublicsAs audiences are needed for communication to take part it is necessity to look at different types of publics. Grunig and Repper (1992) propose two types of publics, the nonoperational and the active. Active audiences go out of the way to find information on the company and respond. Passive audience do not want to engage with the company, but may if prompted to. This has led many practitioners to explore what methods of communication will prompt and engage these audiences.Grunig (1983) identified four basic publicsAll terminat ion publics These publics are concerned with the organisation as a whole and are active on all issues. For example the mediaApathetic publics Are not aware(p) or interested in the organisation as a whole (Smith 2005)Single-issue publics Tend to be active in one area of the organisationHot issue publics are active on a issue that has received a lot of issue in the mediaThese models all have uses and, they do not always consider what other factors adjoin why people engage in communication or how to curl the public who are unaware of their product. A further model is needed which could include attitudes, communication behaviour and personal behaviour which could help to fuck off laid new stakeholders. ( Featherstone,Weitkamp,Ling and Burnet 2009 from journal Public Understanding of Science ) http//pus.sagepub.com/content/18/2/214.full.pdf+htmlThis theory has been criticised by many. It lacks diversity and ignores the power dimensions of organisations and its publics (Lietch and Ne ilson 2001). Cutlip et al (2000) believe that PR practioneers should operate in an open system, whereby the external surroundings should be looked at in request for business change to suit their publics.There appears to be a new kind of publics at the s and these are named the 21st century consumers and forming a relationship with them is crucial. They are more demanding than ever and want to receive information differently and administer it with their own communities (Soli Breakenridge 2009)This new breed has been aided by loving media. The complaisant web allows people to communicate and share information and it is important for organisations to be aware of this and monitor parleys, if not, the public will still carry on talk of the town and organisations may miss out . They have come to realise that listening is important. The relationship paradigm leads to trust It believes that two-way communication that attempts to accommodate two parties, while not abandoning the o bjectives of the initiative, will result in a much greater judgment of the needs and resources available to target publics (Martinez, Jr., Belio, n.d) (http//www.allacademic.com//meta/p_mla_apa_research_citation/1/7/2/1/7/pages172179/p172179-10.php )3.5 rhetorical perspectivesRhetorical theory is based on persuasive through discussion. It is a two way conversation between groups with a common purpose and deals with choice. ( Nichols1963)Ethics goes sacrifice in hand with it. Aristole, a Greek philosopher, wrote The Art of Rhetoric, which was the commencement formal book to define persuasion and the Greek social club was governed by the principle of debate and persuasion. proportionateness between parties is the ultimate locate but communication and agreement between both parties is necessary. More recently Heath (1980) ( Heath 1980 Rhetorics New Rhetorics Rhetorical Studies Organization-Public Relationships said that rhetoric was at the front of an organizations relationsh ip to its surroundings. Since then he has argued that it is the good organization communicating well ( Heath 2001 , 39 Public Relations Ethics ) Heath believes that PR practitioners and public are industrious in discussion and that rhetoric could be compared to Grunigs symmetry model(Heath 2002 p49).Audiences can prise the credibility of all speakers by considering the values on which the message is built. Public relation practitioners role in the past has been seen as one that is in that respect to persuade the public and change their attitudes. This has been common in PR and has been reason as Grunigs asymmetrical model. Grunig argued that his model be best described as a way of getting what an organisation wants without changing its behaviour or without compromising leads to actions which are unethically, socially irresponsible and ineffective ( Grunig 1992 p39-( Public Relations Ch 18). Rhetorical Theory assumes multiple voices and if one view is acknowledged and preferred then others may not have the opportunity to put their trust forward. Rhetoric can be seen as a way of asking individuals to think astir(predicate) different points of views (Bryant 1953) (from CH 13 Public Relations theory to practice) Rhetoric is not needed if there is agreement but as Heath (1992) points out communication is a wrangle of voices and not in isolation. It helps informs the public how to communicate and engage with each other but ultimately for organisations to be ethical. LEtang ( 1996) and Cheney and Dionisopoulos(1989)( Exploring Public Relations)http//www.prismjournal.org/fileadmin/Praxis/Files/Journal_Files/issue1/refereed_articles_paper3.pdf Heath 2002 pg 49http//www.blackwellreference.com/public/tocnode?id=g9781405131995_yr2010_chunk_g978140513199523_ss94-1Post neoists believe that because of their exsisting power, businesses and government will always enjoy a more profitable outcome than their publics when the two are in dialogue. Postemodernists recognis e that the pr industry is changing due to audience segmentation, uncontrolled media due to the digital age, globalization and a diverse audience.3.6 Sphere of influenceThe sphere of influence was first put forward by Habermas ( 1989) He promoted the idea that a incisively society was at the centre of his theory and that discussion should be exhaust and equal and delimitate it as the social space that mediates between the governmental sphere and the private sphere by providing space for discussion and negotitation .( Weaver, gesture and Roper.- in Public Relations Critical Debates and Contemporary Practice 2006)However it seems that this approach could be seen to be too idealistic. It is more likely that communication is part of a strategic plan to control what the public listens to and the way in which it is disseminated. Jensen (2001) (Jensen I Public Relations and emerging functions of the public sphere. An uninflected framework . Journal of Communication Management 6 133- 147). Moloney (2006) maintains that we do not live in a public sphere but a persuasive sphere and that Habermas u backsheeshia ideal does not exist. Again it appears that some scholars see his theory of public interest to be very similar to Grunig and Hunts (1984) model of two way symmetrical public relations.1.2 ConclusionAlthough Grunigs fourth model is possibly the most well-known and the one that PR practitioners use in their day to day work, there appears to be a gap in communication models in regards to Public Engagement as a result of the digital age. It is now apparent(a) that a new model of Public Relations is needed.Public EngagementPublic Engagement is a modern paradigm in the Public Relations context and baffles out how headmasters should be listening and engaging with their stakeholders in this digital age. Marshall Manson, Director of digital strategy at Edelman UK, describes Public Engagement as advancing divided interest moving from an influence pyramid to a worl d of cross-influence (Manson 2009, pg5). tally to Edelman there are four attributes of Public Engagement it aims to be elected and decentralized, inform the conversation, call for escort with stakeholders and finally make it clear how report card is important. Public Engagement has to work in all four areas (Ric gravid Edelman, 2008). effrontery building both internally and externally, reputation management and transparency are the hallmarks of successful Public Relations initiatives.The term Participatory Democracy, a the harbinger of Public Engagement was used by John Stuart MillsMills . Mills support a representative government which included public companionship of some kind but on a limited scale. It was apparent that participation could endanger political decision making and therefore democracy (Pateman 1970). Engagement in politics had been regarded as reactive but it is now comprehend as proactive. Dialogue and engagement with all parties is important to prevent liber ation of public trust (Edward Andersson, Simon Burall Emily Fennell, Involve 2010). The Big Society introduced by David Cameron 19 July 2010 sought public dialogue and involvement in decision making. It is lawful that business and government rely on Public Relations to pitch trust and dialogue and that Public Engagement, like any conversation, is all about listening. The world can be compared to a conversation and in order to be successful we need to listen (Richard Edelman 2008). The onset of the digital world has provided the public with means to engage in these conversations as never before.http//www.essex.ac.uk/ecpr/events/jointsessions/paperarchive/edinburgh/ws22/zittel.pdfArthur W Page Societys White paper(2007)is a good example of how Public Relations practitioners and company leaders must alter their approaches and business goals to be more trustworthy in todays world. The study looked at how CEOs saw their roles change with the burnish of the environment. The environmen t is changing because of the advent of all things digital, a worldwide economy and a new class of stakeholders. However, it failed to provide a clear way to develop the role of the communication department in the future. The paper went on to say that some communication departments need to change their working practises. In order to move forward they must familiarise themselves with new technologies, publics and engagement models.Ivy Lee developed the first press release in 1906 after a train crash occurred in Atlantic city. He used a press release to invite journalists and photographers to the crash, as a way of promoting open dialogue with the media. He believed that Public relations was two way communication, and that PRs were responsible for making organisations listen to their publics and in return to communicate messages to them and engage with them. (Solis Breakenridge 2009).Prior to current publications on Public Engagement, the term was in the main linked to the scientifi c world. Demos (2009) stated that the UK was now perceived as a forerunner in Public Engagement within the science world. It argued that Public Engagement would only work when interest groups were included. Matthew C. Nisbet Dietram A. Scheufele (2007) argued that communication must be entrance feeible to all sections of society.Advocacy, a term used by Public Relations Company mesher Shandwick, has been used as an alternative to PE and is defined as Public relations caught the first wave, the adoption of new technology to spread information But that first wave, sharing information with more segmented audiences, is cresting. A new one, a fundamental transformation of communication from information to advocacy, is rising (Jack Leslie, Chairman, Weber Shandwick Worldwide, n.d). It argues that engagement is necessary if communication with audiences is to take place.It is now evident that universities are becoming involved with the term Public Engagement. The National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement (NCCPE) is part of the Beacon for Public Engagement project. Their aim is to support and encourage universities engage with the public and their stakeholders. fit to response source (2010) the ten most engaging brands in the UK are Google, Cadbury, amazon, BBC, facebook, MS, sony , Microsoft, the Olympics and Dove.Case studies-Olympics 2012London 2012 logo was designed to attract and engage with the young. The aim of the project is to build confederacy engagement and to bring people together through a national event this would in turn go hand in hand with David Camerons Big Society. Campaigns have already begun, such as the Inspire programme, which has led to projects which have pursue the community. 1,000 projects have now been giving the 2012 Inspire brand to go ahead and is estimated to have reached over 10 million people in the UK with more to be judge (DCMS 2010).The Olympics will coincide with the big society by creating up to 70,000 feeble m akers, who will volunteer around the game sites and will help out in their communities but during the games and after. The Olympics other aim is to change the perception of the disabled. TV broadcasting will be issued throughout the Paralympics games. Other areas of engaging with the community consists ofThe new Sports Leaders programme this will train 40,000 sports leaders crossways the UK, they will have to volunteer 10 hours of their time to teach in the community.Engaging with the next generation of performers A London 2012 festival will be held with over 1,000 events to be released in the summer of 2011Inspired by a project which helps disadvantaged young people around Britain http//www.culture.gov.uk/images/publications/201210_Legacy_Publication.pdfFacebookIn the run up to the 2010 UK election, facebook reminded their UK audience to register and vote and held online live debates between the candidates. They used a live tool on Facebooks democracy tool UK page, where the a udience could say whether they liked or disliked what the politicians were saying. Facebooks intention was for their audience to engage with the tool. Facebooks Director of European Public Policy, Richard Allan said2010 is the UKs first ever social media election, and the dial test shows how voters can get involved on a scale never seen before. The dial test will provide a true barometer of the public mood and will define how the impact of the debates is interpreted.The tool gave facebook vital statistics on finding more information about their audience. (Wired article) More recently Face book was blamed by the Egyptian government for rallying Egyptians to put up and demonstrate against the President. The web proved so powerful a tool to engage the public that the internet was unlikeable down by the government( The Telegraph 28th Jan 2011)The PoliceGordon Scobbie a senior police officer wants to see police using social networks to engage with the public. He says that forces in Sc otland should adopt virtual community policing, with officers going online and straightway engaging with the public about local issues (http//www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-tayside-central-11828502 )BBCThe BBC Trust set up Audience Councils in The British Isles to engage directly with their audiences and get their viewpoint on the programmes and services that the BBC offers. They represent all sections of society and as recently as the end of January 2011 invited viewers to join their organisation through the web and BBC TV Channels. They also hosted events for the youth and made home visits to gain an insight to the needs of the public. A Public consultation was carried out by the BBC Trust in 2010. They held three working lunches and invited organisations who had theory and practise in Public Engagement. They found that although the BBC website was very good at engaging with their audience, there is still a large population who do not have access to the internet. Face to face com munication was seen as crucial to meet those with limited access to the internet.http//www.bbc.co.uk/bbctrust/assets/files/pdf/consult/audience_engagement/interest_groups.pdfhttp//www.mediawatchuk.org.uk/index.php?option=com_contenttask=viewid=309Itemid=92http//www.bbc.co.uk/england/ace/what/ neighborly Media in Public RelationsSocial media, a new paradigm for PR can be defined as being centred around the concept of a read-write Web, where the online audience moves beyond passive viewing of Web content to actually contributing to the content (Sweetser and Lariscy p. 179).From a communication viewpoint, social media creates an available access point for messages to be communicated to the public. Social media messages can be strategic and have many communication aims for organisations e.g. merchandise and customer service (Avery, Lariscyb, Sweetser, 2010)Social media has developed over the past years and now consists of forums, message boards, pod casts, photo sharing, search engine marketing, video sharing, Wikis, social networks, professional networks and micro blogging.( Wright and Hinson 2002). Web 2.0 engages with consumers, new and old through these social media platforms and it has let organisations put the Public back into PR(Solis Breakenridge 2009)Old style PR skills are still helpful in bringing about transparency when communicating with stakeholders (Schlesinger 2010) but the introduction of Web 2.0 technologies has changed the world of communications for Public Relations bringing individual relevancy to communication efforts and at the same time fulfilling marketing criteria and legal obligations. (Pavlik 2008, Philips Young 2009)Rubel (2008) also agrees that there is still a role in public relations for traditional media pitching in certain establishments. Web 2.0 had a great effect on public relations. Whereas before, the web was a place to find information, it is now a place for symmetrical communication (Phillips and Young 2009). According to Phillips and Young Web 2.0 is an evolution.It was notice that digital media has the potential to make the profession more global, strategic, two-way, interactive and socially responsible Grunig, J.E (2009, pg1). However, he adds that the new media is being used ineffectively by some practitioners. Some are using it, as they did with the old media, as a place to write messages rather than using it to interact with the public strategically. Grunig (2009) concludes that it can only be used effectively if social media is used to its full capacity.1.1 Social media and stakeholder engagementFrom the eCircle 2010 the European marketing social media and electronic mail marketing study of 1,045Consumer in the UK, some interesting results showedFans and Followers are the new email subscribers. To successfully engage in digital dialogue, marketing experts must convert consumers into subscribers as fans and followers.Users of social networks want to be engaged by companies 13% of fans and fol lowers of company / brand profiles want to be called upon to do something. These should be used better by brands.When information is shared, it can have a wide reach 43% of users of social networks have more than 100 friends of followers. On average, each shared message reaches 77 people. But companies only achieve this multiplier effect if the brand or product becomes part of the users private communication.Public Engagement has produced new networks of influences and online forums leading to a way of communication through Blog, Twitter and Facebook among many, which impacts on all walks of life (Edelman, 2009.) In 2009, 625 million people worldwide had access to the internet, and as a result many people are now choosing to share their content on popular social network sites, such as Facbook and My Space, rather than choosing a service which allows only one means of purpose such as Blogger (McCann 2009).In one of the most recent surveys across numerous industries, 78% of organizati ons reported using blogs, 63% online video, 56% social networks, and 49% podcasts (Gillin, 2008). A further research by PR company Burson-marsteller 2010 confirmed that major international companies were using all four media platforms twitter, facebook, youtube and somatic blogs to engage with the public .Wight and Hinson carried two research projects that were five years apart, into the impact of new technologies on PR. It concluded that although more people used these technologies between2009-2010 there were fewer new media opportunities available, for example this was borne out in the fact that facebook had been the most used social network site and that twitter was the most popular micro blogging site. It was obvious from their results that technology was continuing to change public relations.In 2008 it was reported that 61% of those who answered their survey believed that blogs and social media had changed the way their companies had communicated. By 2010 this figure had inc reased to 75% and many believe that social media worked alongside traditional media. Many of the open ended questions from the study showed that technology was having a huge impact and moving PR into a two way communication by opening channels between companies and publics.It is evident that Public Relations practitioners are using social media tools, especially blogging, in recent years within the workplace. It was seen as a way of competing against others in the PR world (Porter, Sweetser Trammel, Chung, Kim, 2007). According to Rowse (2007) practitioners are actively using blogs. Engaging and starting a conversation with stakeholders through social media a very powerful tool(PR Week 4th Feb pg 20) It offers practitioners and journalist a means to have two way communication and great opportunities.According to McCanns Wave 4 report (2009), social media platforms are so common these days that it is the place where the public share and create. In his study he noted how they present ed unequaled opportunities to listen and observe. One way messaging is now outdated and anyone understanding this new communication world will only succeed (Weber Shandwick n.d).There is a need to understand and integrate social media platforms to PR initiatives (Flanagan 2010) and organisations have to think carefully on how they are going to engage diverse stakeholders on problems and in the planning process in the changing technological environment (Goodman 2010).But not everyone has access to the internet. The elderly find it hard to learn new skills and the poorest of our society may not have access to a computer or the internet. As a result their ability to engage with each other or society can be limited and certain groups of society may be excluded(Warschauer 2003).It seems that Prs need todo more that just have use of the web. They need to be aware of conversations chance online, and they know that they should engage in a fully transparent dialogue with openness and hon esty. This will help to develop relationships with their customers.One section of society that has been affected by the introduction of the digital world is PRs relationship with journalists. (Sweetser, Porter, Chung, Kim, 2008) alternatively of the old means of PRs contacting journalists for pitching news stories, the roles are changing slightly. Media transmittable is increasing in popularity. Journalists are now contacting a number of PRs at one time and others looking for stories and information.One third of Americans constantly use blogs as a means of gaining information (Smith 2008).At this point it is necessary to understand that social media is vital within organizations, encouraging employee engagement. Enterprise 2.0 is a form of web 2.0 which is used for businesses only. They provide services such as Yammer, a corporate version of Twitter, and Chatter- a social-networking service (Economist 2010). According to Mashable (2010) the top five engaged brands in social media are Starbucks, Coca- Cola, Oreo, Skittles and Redbull. Starbucks has developed a digital platform solely so that the public can