Journal Description
Public Relations Inquiry is an international, peer-reviewed journal for conceptual, reflexive and critical discussion on public relations, supporting debates on new ways of thinking about public relations in social, cultural and political contexts, in order to improve understanding of its work and effects beyond the purely organisational realm. We interpret public relations in a broad sense, recognising the influence of public relations practices on the many forms of contemporary strategic, promotional communication initiated by organisations, institutions and individuals.
The practice of public relations arises at points of societal and organisational change and transformation, affecting many aspects of political, economic, social and cultural life. Reflecting this, we aim to mobilize research that speaks to a scholars in diverse fields and welcome submissions from any area that speak to the purpose of the journal, including (but not only) public relations, organizational communication, media and journalism studies, cultural studies, anthropology, political communication, sociology, organizational studies, development communication, migration studies, visual communication, management and marketing, digital media and data studies.
We actively seek contributions that can extend the range of perspectives used to understand public relations, its role in societal change and continuity, and its impact on cultural and political life. We particularly welcome multi-disciplinary debate about the communication practices that shape major human concerns, including:
- globalisation, politics, and public relations in international communication
- migration, refugees, displaced populations
- terrorism, public diplomacy
- public and corporate governance
- diversity and cultural impacts of PR
- the natural and built environments
- Communication, space and place
- The development and practices of major industries such as health, food, sport, tourism, technology
- The cultural industries (theatre, film, music, and the arts
- the history and politics of public relations as a discipline, promotional occupation and professional field
Public Relations Inquiry provides a unified space to facilitate reflection on such topics and others of global concern and local relevance. Submissions should be conceptually innovative and theoretically robust. They must be rigorous in their approach, detailed and precise in their argument. Theoretical and empirical papers are equally welcome. Interdisciplinary work is especially important to the journal, particularly if it extends the relevance of public relations theory and practice to new contexts and academic fields.
In line with our desire to encourage innovative and creative research in the field, a wide range of methodologies are acceptable to Public Relations Inquiry. Traditional qualitative methods, critical applications of quantitative methods, and marginalised empirical and analytical approaches, are all welcomed.
This journal is a member of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).