Conference Themes (From Call for Papers)

Posted on 17. Dec, 2009 by Tom Watson in Conference

As this is the first international conference on the History of Public Relations, the range of conference themes is wide and those listed below are the starting point for consideration, rather than a finite list.

  •  Public relations in history before it became a named or defined discipline
  • Alternative approaches to the history of public relations, e.g. on the basis of culture (personal networks and influence) or via definitions of public relations
  • The evolving naming of the field from propaganda and press agentry to corporate communications
  • The history of public relations and its developing or diverging relationships with other disciplines like marketing, HR, legal and corporate governance
  • The evolution of public relations in nations or parts of government or industry
  • Seminal personalities or events that shaped the formation of public relations as a discipline (This can also include challenges to the “Great Man” or “Great Woman” approach)
  • Key books or articles (or series of both) that have influenced public relations
  • The history of political public relations and lobbying
  • The history of public relations education
  • The evolution of public relations theory(ies) over time – from propaganda to dialogue; the history of schools of thinking in public relations
  • Formative influences on public relations theory and practice, such as in or by government, industry or consultancy
  • The formation of industry and professional bodies and their impact, over time, on public relations practice and education
  • The evolution of public relations education, training and continuing professional development
  • The impact of technology, over time, upon public relations practice and theory
  • Archival sources for the history of public relations
  • The theories and processes of researching the history of public relations
  • Oral histories of public relations; the role of this methodology

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