Conclusion
This chapter covered what public relations research can do for organizations and how
practitioners can use research to develop strategy and programs (including media relations and
publicity programs), monitor programs and evaluate results. It identified several types of public
relations research, and provided case studies of real-life research studies.
The ability to conduct public relations research can benefit the PR practitioner’s career. Several
studies found a link between PR research and PR participation in management decision-making.
Despite the recognized benefits of PR research, many practitioners conduct little or no research.
Common reasons for not conducting research include lack of funding, lack of training in
research, and fear that measurement research will show that they have not been successful with
their program. However, many sources of secondary research are available for little or no cost.
Public relations research helps determine what an enterprise's goals should be, identify possible
barriers to achieving goals, and provides knowledge about the environment and key publics so
the organization can achieve those goals. Various informal and formal methods exist to scan the
environment, including personal contacts and "water cooler" conversations, observation,
analyzing business information and structured surveys.
Evaluation research can be used to monitor programs under way and measure effectiveness at
completion. There are three possible objectives of a PR campaign: informational, motivational,
and behavioral. The PR practitioner must measure the appropriate objective for each campaign.
There are two types of PR research: qualitative and quantitative. Examples of qualitative
research are nominal group technique, in-depth interviews, focus groups, and field observations.
Quantitative research techniques include content analysis and surveys (such as face to face,
telephone, mail and Internet). Q methodology is a research method that lies between qualitative
and quantitative research, and provides a quantitative means to study a participant's view or
beliefs.
The seven case studies were developed as independent “stories” to illustrate how public relations
research is conducted in the real world. There was no dominant type of PR research methodology
conducted. In each case, PR practitioners used the research method that best suited their
requirements and budget. Cases included a communication audit using focus groups; use of Six
Sigma research methodology to build on results of a communications audit; focus groups of
influential Americans to gauge public opinion; an online survey of employees to measure
message retention after employee meetings; an anthropological research study of people
nationwide as part of a media relations campaign; a series of qualitative and quantitative research
methodologies as part of a university branding campaign; and an online survey of those who
attended a sporting event to measure awareness of and attitude toward the products of a major
sponsor.
In most cases research capabilities enhanced the perceived value of the PR department in the
eyes of the dominant coalition. Research provided information that those in the organization