STAY CONNECTED:
Tom Kelleher, Ph.D., University of Florida

As a scholar researching social media and teaching an introductory communication course at the University of Hawaii, Tom Kelleher found Henry Jenkins, "Convergence? I Diverge," to be a godsend. Jenkins wrote that convergence is not a single construct, but rather four types - technological, cultural, economic and professional. 

The importance of convergence is evident in the vast networks of conglomerates like Omnicom, Publicis, WPP and Interpublic. These giants own firms that integrate social media services across the functions of advertising, strategic media planning, digital marketing, direct marketing and PR. Read more.
Sarab Kochhar, Ph.D., Institute for Public Relations

PR is a business built on the basis of creativity, networking and the ability to communicate effectively through compelling content. Technology now enables PR leaders to act more quickly with greater intelligence. For global businesses, the driving force behind their strategies is known as big data. 

On November 13, Sarab Kochhar, Ph.D., Research Director of IPR, will discuss the evolving landscape of research in a free webinar about how communication professionals can utilize big data. Dr. Kochhar will outline the latest research methods to be shared in IPR's upcoming white paper on big data. Register here. 

Frank Ovaitt received the Arthur W. Page Society's 2015 Distinguished Service Award, given to an individual who has helped strengthen the role of PR in business and society. Ovaitt delivered, "What Cincinnatus Knew and Other Lessons of a Long Career," to share his appreciation and wisdom at the award ceremony.

"Throughout my career I have been guided by the knowledge that communications is a fundamental aspect of enterprise success, and as leaders in its practice we are obliged to demonstrate just how important and impactful it is," said Ovaitt. The full speech is available now. Read more. 
Roy Yong-Joo Chua, Ph.D., Paul Ingram, Ph.D., and Michael W. Morris, Ph.D., Columbia University

Levels of trust differ according to network ties between staff members. Good relations between an employee and their professional network increases a manager's trust in the person as a friend, but not trust in the person on the job.

Managers can instill trust within their employees by fostering a relationship with members who do not feel a bond to the organization. Leaders could provide a distant employee with advice, economic aid, or career guidance to establish a stronger relationship. Read more. 
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