Public Relations: From Theory to Practiceprovides a solid theoretical foundation for the public relations field through a unique theory-to-practice presentation and a variety of case study contexts.                                         This practical book examines a range of theories–from functional, cultural, rhetorical, and critical to feminist, postmodern, and alternative–in a variety of contexts compiled from the submissions of nearly thirty professors. As the only current "theory-focused" public relations book published for a U.S. globally connected audience, this book offers what has long been absent in the field–a comprehensive examination of public relations theory as practiced. Public Relations: From Theory to Practice presents theories in conjunction with case study applications that relate directly to the theory. These case studies, taken from diverse contexts, help the reader make connections between theories and their application in the real world. Reflective questions guide the reader through the nuances of this connection.

Table of Contents:
Section One:  Effectiveness Management–Engaging Systems of Power and Networks of Communication   Chapter 1: Power Resource Management: Pushing Buttons and Building Cases Case:  CPSC vs. Daisy (Consumer Produce Safety Commission vs. Daisy Manufacturing Co.) Questions for Application Robert L. Heath — University of Houston   Chapter 2: Weickian Approach to Public Relations and Crisis Management Case:  Crisis Communication and Anthrax Questions for Application Gary L. Kreps — George Mason University   Chapter 3: Strategic Issues Management:  Theoretical Underpinnings for Strategic Planning and Operations in the Public Policy Arena Case:  The WTO and G-8 (World Trade Organization and G-8) Questions for Application Robert L. Heath — University of Houston   Chapter 4: Organizational-Public Relations in Cyberspace Case:  Intel’s 1994 Pentium Chip Crisis Questions for Application Kirk Hallahan — Colorado State University   Section Two:  Fundamental Perspectives–Creating Action and Meaning Through Messaging   Chapter 5:  Working Innovators and Laggards: The Diffusion of Innovation Theory and Public Relations Case:  Nationwide Questions for Application Ann Carden — State University of New York College at Fredonia   Chapter 6:  Speech Act Theory:  An Approach to Public Relations Leadership Case:  AmeriFlora ‘92 Questions for Application Bonita Dostal Neff — Valparaiso University, Indiana   Chapter 7:  Social Constructionism and Public Relations Case:  OTPOR (1998 Serbian Resistance) Questions for Application Joye Gordon — Kansas State University Pete Pellegrin — Cloud County Community College   Chapter 8:  Sociodrama for Public Relations Practice Case:  Concord Hospital Questions for Application Thomas Mickey — Bridgewater State College   Chapter 9:  Contingency Theory:  Strategic Management of Conflict in Public Relations Case:  The SARS Crises Questions for Application Glen Cameron — University of Missouri, Columbia Augustine Pang — University of Missouri, Columbia Yan Jin — Virginia Commonwealth University   Section Three:  Normative Approaches–Leveraging Constraints and Opportunities   Chapter 10:  Foundations in Moral Philosophy for Public Relations Ethics Case:  Government Contractor Questions for Application Shannon Bowen — University of Maryland   Chapter 11:  Following Communication Rules:  A Communication-Centered Theory for Public Relations Case:  A Senator in Hot Water Questions for Application María E. Len-Ríos — University of Missouri, Columbia   Chapter 12:  Integrating Social Norms Theory in Public Relations Campaign Development Case:  Binge Drinking Questions for Application Terry L. Rentner — Bowling Green State University   Section Four:  Rhetorical Perspectives–Communication as Relationship   Chapter 13:  Rhetorical Theory, Public Relations and Meaning:  Giving Voice to Ideas Case:  The War in Iraq Questions for Application Robert L. Heath — University of Houston   Chapter 14:  Public Relations and the Rhetoric of Social Intervention Case:  Friends — Together Questions for Application Susan K. Opt — Salem College   Section Five:  Crisis Communication–Giving Voice in the Process   Chapter 15:  Crisis Communication and Image Repair Discourse Case:  VIOXX Questions for Application William L. Benoit — University of Missouri, Columbia Augustine Pang — University of Missouri, Columbia   Chapter 16:  The Development of the Situational Crisis Communication Theory Case:  The Plant Explosion Questions for Application W. Timothy Coombs — Eastern Illinois University   Section Six:  Contextual Parameters–Understanding and Creating the Big Picture   Chapter 17:  International Public Relations:  Toward an Integrated Theoretical Case Case:  Ivory Coast Questions for Application T. Kenn Gaither — University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Patricia A. Curtin — University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill   Chapter 18:  The Place of Theory in Public Relations Practice Case:  Award-Winning Practitioners Questions for Application Aydemir Okay — Istanbul University Alya Okay — Istanbul University   Chapter 19:  Working the System:  The Evolution of Feminist Perspectives in Public Relations Scholarship Case:  Working the System Questions for Application Theresa Russell-Loretz — Millersville University, Pennsylvania   Chapter 20: From Aardvark to Zebra Redux:  An Analysis of Theory Development in Public Relations Academic Journals into the 21st Century Questions for Application Lynne M. Sallot — University of Georgia Lisa J. Lyon CarolinaAcosta-Alzuru — University of Georgia Karyn Ogata Jones — Clemson University