Rethinking constraints on public relations practice

Analysis of survey responses from 371 public relations professionals in four-year colleges and universities revealed two constraints on how public relations is practiced. In the communication technician role, disclosure of information about the organization is constrained. In the manager role, participation in the decision-making process is constrained. Implications of these constraints for what can be communicated outside and what can be done inside the organization are discussed. Strategies for practitioners and educators in addressing constraints are presented, particularly in light of the recent movement toward Total Quality Management (TQM) in U.S. organizations.Duane Sweep is a marketing officer for the First American Bank in Minot ND; Glen T. Cameron is an assistant professor and RuthAnn Weaver Lariscy is an associate professor, both in public relations at the Henry W. Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Georgia.     

Men's perceptions and knowledge of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and cervical cancer

The authors assessed young men's knowledge and perceptions of genital human papillomavirus (HPV) infection to identify factors that predict intention to make positive behavioral changes. Male university students aged 18 to 25 years completed a self-report instrument to assess knowledge and perceptions of genital HPV infection. If diagnosed with HPV, most men (95%) reported that they would use condoms with new partners. The intention to reduce number of sex partners was associated with an understanding that HPV may have severe consequences for women, whereas intention to encourage female sex partners to undergo Pap smear screening was associated with increased general knowledge of HPV infection. The authors concluded that it is important to include men in HPV education and prevention efforts, especially within the context that HPV may lead to cervical cancer in female partners.     

Validity Of Reported Date of Birth, Salary, and Seniority

This study reveals wide variations in actual vs. reported dateof birth, salary, and seniority. It suggests that invalidityis a specialized phenomenon, and that the direction and magnitudeof inaccurate responses are structurally related to characteristicsof the respondents.     

Predictors of the transition from experimental to daily smoking in late adolescence and young adulthood

Although smoking initiation is rare in young adulthood, the progression to a higher level of smoking still occurs at this developmental stage. Thus, this study was aimed at exploring predictors of the transition from experimental to daily smoking in late teens and young adults using the 2nd and 3rd waves from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Predictors were chosen based on Problem Behavior Theory and others that have been found to be influential in the literature. Of the variables studied, age, racial-ethnic identity (Black and Hispanic as compared to White youth), risk-taking tendency, and marijuana use predicted daily smoking 5 years later. Only one predictor, GPA, was protective for reducing the likelihood for the transition to daily smoking. The results are discussed in regard to implications for prevention of the progression to persistent daily smoking.     

Carnivalesque activism as a public relations genre: A case study of the New Zealand group Mothers Against Genetic Engineering

This paper argues that carnivalesque protest comprises a particular genre of activist public relations which articulates conflict with, and resistance to, dominant discourses on controversial issues. A case study of the New Zealand group Mothers Against Genetic Engineering illustrates how the carnivalesque, by promoting community relationships and influencing public opinion through values of affect, can open up new spaces for public dialogue about social issues. It is argued that carnivalesque protest challenges the notion that collaboration should be a core professional value of public relations practice.     

Analyzing the Impact of Bonding and Bridging Social Capital on Economic Well-Being: Results from Canada's General Social Survey

In this study we analyze nationally representative data from Canada's General Social Survey to investigate how various indicators of bonding and bridging social capital are associated with economic well-being and how the magnitude of their associations compare with each other. Our findings suggest that several dimensions of bonding social capital, including knowing neighbors well enough to ask favors of them and providing assistance to others, are positively associated with economic well-being. The study's indicators of bridging social capital were also linked to increases in the participants’ economic well-being. When comparing the associations of bonding and bridging social capital we ascertained that bridging social capital in the form of group membership, including Internet group membership and participation in groups, had a more robust association than any of the indicators of bonding social capital. We consider the implications of the study's findings in light of a technologically-advanced yet volatile economy.     

The distribution of mortality in the United States: the effects of income (inequality), social capital, and race

This article examines how absolute and relative income levels, social capital, and racial/ethnic composition interact to explain variation in age-adjusted mortality rates across the 48 contiguous U.S. states. Our data showed that social capital had a powerful, negative effect on age-adjusted mortality rates--higher social capital states had lower age-adjusted mortality rates. After controlling for other variables, median income moderately related to mortality, but unexpectedly three measures of inequality did not. Finally, states' percent African American positively related to mortality, though indirectly and mediated entirely by social capital. In contrast, the strong negative effect of percent Hispanic/Latino on mortality was partially suppressed by its negative association with social capital. Our understanding of the substantial impact of social conditions on mortality can help inform public policies and actions that may foster healthier and longer lives.