Thesis (M.A.)--Ball State University, 2009. / Title from PDF t.p. (viewed on Feb. 08, 2010). Includes bibliographical references (p. 51-58).

The study of leadership has been ongoing for many years. Although the characteristics of leaders seem to have remained somewhat similar over time, research has changed. Up until recently, researchers have based their research tools on a questionnaire developed by Stogdill in 1955. This study took a different approach, using Q-methodology. The objective of this study was to determine what characteristics top public relations professionals in Indiana believed were necessary to be a leader in the profession and whether education-level, experience-level, and gender played a role in their decisions.A total of 21 professionals volunteered to participate in the study. They were each asked to complete a demographic questionnaire and sort 60 leadership-based statements according to their level of agreement. The program, PQMethod was used to analyze the responses. Based on the outcomes, the respondents fell into one of two categories, Authoritarian Leaders or Democratic Leaders. After reviewing the questionnaires, it was noted that distinct demographic differences existed between the two categories. The analysis from PQMethod also revealed the most important characteristics the respondents felt are necessary to be a leader in the profession, as well as the least important characteristics.This study took a closer look at Indiana public relations professionals who held top positions within their organization. This study applied an attitudinal research approach to leadership-related concepts in the field. Although the results cannot be generalized to all leaders in the public relations industry, it does provide insight to the subject and a starting point for additional research. / Department of Journalism

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2008. / The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file. Title from title screen of research.pdf file (viewed on August 12, 2009) Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.A.)--Ball State University, 2008. / Title from PDF t.p. (viewed on Sept. 01, 2009). Research paper (M.A.), 3 hrs. Includes bibliographical references (p. 40-42).

Thesis (M.A.)--Rowan University, 2004. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 129-146).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1993. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 540-566).

This research utilized a 1994 study administered by Marilyn Kern-Foxworth, et al. that examined the roles and status of black women in public relations, using individual and organizational discriminates.A survey of 46 questions was administered to 58 women over a seven-week period. The results offered the current profile of a black female practitioner, and suggested that both her role and status are closer to that of communication technician (low-level management) than to expert prescriber (high-level management).The study offered data not included in the original research, such as practitioner salary, region of practice, and professional affiliation. / Department of Journalism

This study explored the attitudes of public relations professionals regarding crisis communication strategies and discerned patterns of preferred crisis communication strategies through the use of Q Methodology. Using the strategies proposed by Benoit, Fink, Coombs and Lukaszewski as the basis for the concourse, a group of public relations practitioners with crisis experience were asked which crisis response strategy they preferred. Respondents fell into three factors. “Speedsters” focused on achieving a speedy response and building/maintaining the organization’s reputation during a crisis. “Character Builders” use compassion to build/maintain a favorable image and reputation. “Reactors” are focused not just on speeding up the process of resolving the crisis, but on reacting within one hour of the emergency. Coomb’s compassion strategy was favored by all three groups, but was valued most highly by the “Character Builders.” Implications for future research are discussed. / Department of Journalism

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2008. / The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file. Title from title screen of research.pdf file (viewed on September 22, 2008) Includes bibliographical references.