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
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:BSU/oai:cardinalscholar.bsu.edu:handle/188358 |
| Date | January 2007 |
| Creators | Schiffli, Alisha J. |
| Contributors | Sharpe, Melvin L. |
| Source Sets | Ball State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Format | 66 leaves : col. ill. ; 28 cm. |
| Source | Virtual Press |
| Coverage | n-us-in |
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