The SCIENCE BENEATH the ART of PUBLIC RELATIONS ™
July 22, 2015
Paul M. Leonardi, Ph.D., University of California; Marleen Huysman, Ph.D., VU University Amsterdam; and Charles Steinfield, Ph.D., Michigan State University

Enterprise social media (ESM) is an online communication channel dedicated to employee interaction, content sharing and collaboration. ESM plays three roles inside an organization: ESM as a leaky pipe, ESM as an echo chamber and ESM as a social lubricant. 

The metaphor of ESM as a leaky pipe suggests there is a lack of communication between employees and managers. As an echo chamber, ESM illustrates the dangers of isolation and how without ESM, it reduces exposure to new ideas. Finally, by acting as a social lubricant, ESM contributes to the development of social capital within the organization. Read more.
Don Bates, APR, New York University 

Ninety-two percent of employers agree strong writing skills are the first priority in a new hire. Recent PR graduates need to be able to analyze current research and then provide a fresh perspective in their media pitches.

 

In the recent survey, "What PR Agencies Require of New-Hire Junior Account Executives," researchers found that employers want a diverse set of skills paired with knowledge of the latest trends. Hiring managers take into account whether a candidate can produce a news release but also create it in line with current trends. Read more. 
IPR's Measurement Commission invited six leaders to support its mission to advocate for research and evaluation that demonstrates the effectiveness of public relations. IPR welcomes the following new members:
  • Allan Dib, MSLGroup
  • Marcia DiStaso, Ph.D., Penn State University
  • Allyson Hugley, Weber Shandwick 
  • Elizabeth Rector, Cisco Systems
  • Sue Serna, Cargill
  • Stacey Smith, Jackson, Jackson & Wagner