Introduction
A theory refers to a prediction of the relationship between actions or events. Public relations officer should be aware of different theories to help them make correct decisions on the public relations programs and plans (Aldoory, 2007). An example of a theory in public relations is the situational theory. The theory states the publics are identified and categorized in a context to which they know and understand a problem and the extent to which the act about the problem.
Concepts of the theory.
Problem recognition
One concept of the situational theory is problem recognitions. This refers to how an individual recognizes a problem that they are facing. People will always think about a situation unless they feel that there is …show more content…
It is also referred to as active communication behaviors. Members of the public will look for information actively and when they obtain it they will try to understand it (Grunig, 1997). Members who seek information more become more aware than those who do not seek for it.
Information Processing
Information processing refers to passive communication behavior. Members of the public who communicate passively do not look for information. They will process information that they obtain randomly without any effort.
Key individuals involved in the development or dissemination of the theory
The situational theory was developed by a professor at the University of Maryland known as James Grunig. Grunig stated that publics are classified depending on how they are aware of a situation or a problem and how they react to the problem (Grunig, 1997). He was trying to explain that when people communicate and the communication aims at the people, it is likely to be the most effective.
Primary influences on the industry both historically and currently.
The theory by Grunig influence the industry by segmenting the different types of publics and to explain the effect the communication is likely to have for different types of publics (Aldoory, 2007). The theory is used in professional research, practice and also in academic …show more content…
The situational theory outlines how to identify and classify an audience on the bases on how they are aware of a problem. An example of the theory in practice is a fictional scenario whereby a manufacturer produces harmful products that can harm the publics who buy them. One type of public is unaware that it is harmful, the second is aware while the third is aware and actionable.
Communicating with the different publics will be different. All the three categories own the products, but the level of awareness is different. Choosing how once communicates to the different public is important in order to avoid creating greater alarm. According to the situation theory, the first public that is not aware of the problem have no negative opinion about the product and telling them about the news is a good idea. The manufacturer will give their side of the story and ensure the message is under control to mitigate misunderstanding. For the public that are aware of the information, they already have negative perception of the company. The company should communicate through channels that the audience trust and try to alter this
A theory refers to a prediction of the relationship between actions or events. Public relations officer should be aware of different theories to help them make correct decisions on the public relations programs and plans (Aldoory, 2007). An example of a theory in public relations is the situational theory. The theory states the publics are identified and categorized in a context to which they know and understand a problem and the extent to which the act about the problem.
Concepts of the theory.
Problem recognition
One concept of the situational theory is problem recognitions. This refers to how an individual recognizes a problem that they are facing. People will always think about a situation unless they feel that there is …show more content…
It is also referred to as active communication behaviors. Members of the public will look for information actively and when they obtain it they will try to understand it (Grunig, 1997). Members who seek information more become more aware than those who do not seek for it.
Information Processing
Information processing refers to passive communication behavior. Members of the public who communicate passively do not look for information. They will process information that they obtain randomly without any effort.
Key individuals involved in the development or dissemination of the theory
The situational theory was developed by a professor at the University of Maryland known as James Grunig. Grunig stated that publics are classified depending on how they are aware of a situation or a problem and how they react to the problem (Grunig, 1997). He was trying to explain that when people communicate and the communication aims at the people, it is likely to be the most effective.
Primary influences on the industry both historically and currently.
The theory by Grunig influence the industry by segmenting the different types of publics and to explain the effect the communication is likely to have for different types of publics (Aldoory, 2007). The theory is used in professional research, practice and also in academic …show more content…
The situational theory outlines how to identify and classify an audience on the bases on how they are aware of a problem. An example of the theory in practice is a fictional scenario whereby a manufacturer produces harmful products that can harm the publics who buy them. One type of public is unaware that it is harmful, the second is aware while the third is aware and actionable.
Communicating with the different publics will be different. All the three categories own the products, but the level of awareness is different. Choosing how once communicates to the different public is important in order to avoid creating greater alarm. According to the situation theory, the first public that is not aware of the problem have no negative opinion about the product and telling them about the news is a good idea. The manufacturer will give their side of the story and ensure the message is under control to mitigate misunderstanding. For the public that are aware of the information, they already have negative perception of the company. The company should communicate through channels that the audience trust and try to alter this