Suggests a relationship between organizational crisis experience and the placement of the public relations function. Notes a relationship between organization size and crisis experience. Uncovers an alarming absence of crisis planning and training in organizations. (SR)

This article provides organizational charts and brief descriptions of the public relations (PR) offices operated by Boston University, Webster University, and Austin Peay State University. The descriptions focus on staff size, staff titles, staff organization philosophy, strong and weak points, and advice for PR people in similar-size offices.…

Award-winning public relations specialists in vocational education share marketing ideas, including television, video, brochures, posters, and catalog design. (SK)

Advocates using systems theory and systems models for ethical decision making in public relations. Demonstrates how to apply systems theory (with its ability to delineate a complex process and wed it to a model of organizational decision making) to analyzing the ethical dimensions inherent in the public relations process. (SR)

The article summarizes responses of 30 alumni directors to a survey concerning creative ways to recognize alumni and volunteers for outstanding service. Examples are given of specialized award categories, innovative award mementos, and special ceremonies. (DB)

Argues that technical writers who develop broader writing skills prove to be more valuable to their employers during periods of economic downturn. Offers an overview of the basic skills needed to write marketing, advertising, and public relations documents. (PRA)

This study examined leadership in 16 research and 16 nonresearch teams in various manufacturing, aerospace, and health services companies. It concluded that research team leaders need to be able to fulfill a public relations or boundary management role. Engineering research teams, however, showed leadership patterns suggesting different needs for…

Discusses three techniques for packaging risk and manipulating public attitudes toward risk: subtleties of language, finessing numbers, and risk comparisons. Discusses implications for practice in the profession of public relations. Presents three classroom applications. (SR)

Reviews some of the legal responsibilities of public relations practitioners in the preparation of press releases. Discusses legal criteria for judging the fraudulence of press releases and discusses the timeframe for fraudulent action. Concludes with lessons that practitioners need to understand. (SR)

Planning for a successful transition to a new college administration is divided into four phases: (1) preparing for the announcement of a new leader; (2) making the formal presentation; (3) getting acquainted and introducing the president to others; and (4) creating regular opportunities for ongoing communication with all constituencies. (MSE)

Importance-performance analysis, a marketing research technique using analysis of consumer attitudes toward salient product or service attributes, is found useful for colleges and universities in developing marketing strategies, particularly when competition is considered as an important dimension. Data are drawn from a survey of 252 students at 1…

Examines ethical controversies around actions taken by the public relations firm Hill & Knowlton in relation to its acceptance of the Citizens for a Free Kuwait as a client. Presents answers to three questions in terms of entrepreneurship, professionalism, ethical codes, and guidelines. (SR)

One high school principal gained a new perspective on his small school by donning an outsider's hat and visiting school grounds, hallways, and classrooms and noting areas needing improvement. Ideas for helping principals of small schools improve school climate, physical plant attractiveness, and overall educational excellence are discussed. (MLH)

Because strategic planning can have a powerful effect on a district's future and its use of resources, district leaders must anticipate the need for extensive communication with all segments of the community at every planning stage. As the experience of Tacoma (Washington) Public Schools shows, regular communication is crucial to success. (MLH)

Describes a study investigating how attitudes of public relations students differ from those of other students. Finds that public relations students feel (1) more strongly than do nonmajors that being well rounded and intelligent are important qualities; and (2) that they prefer using communication skills more than do other majors. (SR)