Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Reputation Management: The Effect Of Ceo Behavior During A Crisis, Ellen J. Shockley

Theses and Dissertations

This purpose of this thesis was to study how CEO behavior during a crisis impacts the organization's lasting reputation.

A thorough review of relevant publications, as well as intercept surveys, content analyses and email surveys, was conducted to test the hypotheses.

Fifty intercept surveys were conducted over two weekends to discover opinions about the issue. Respondents appearing to be age 25 or older were randomly selected. A content analysis was conducted using articles from Newsweek and The Wall Street Journal to determine the media's tone on the CEOs of Odwalla, Jack in the Box, Dow Coming and Exxon. A total …

Airline Reputation: Customer Service In Crisis, Mary Catherine Demarco

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this study is to show that listening to customer concerns can improve the reputation of the airline industry. The results show through quantitative and qualitative research that the airlines are experiencing a decline in customer service and may be on the verge of a reputation crisis.

A content analysis of articles from The New York Times and USA Today was done to show the type of message the media is sending to the public. Results show that the media is reporting on the airline industry in a negative light. The media is warning that the decline in …

The Power Of One: The Effect Of One Athlete's Behavior On A Sport, Jennifer L. Field

Theses and Dissertations

This is a study of whether or not the effects of one athlete's behavior are broad enough to be felt throughout a sport. The researcher focused on three athletes whose behavior was thought to have left a permanent scar on the three sports involved. The athletes were: (1) Pete Rose, who was part of the Philadelphia Phillies 1980 World Series team and later became the manager of the Cincinnati Reds, who was accused of betting on baseball games, (2) Mike Tyson, former undisputed heavy weight champion of the world, who was convicted of rape and bit the ear of opponent …

The Efficacy And Application Of Cause-Related Marketing Techniques, Ralph S. De Simone

Theses and Dissertations

This study determined what was the attitude of the general public and public relations practitioners toward three distinctive cause-related marketing techniques (event sponsorship, product sale donations, and licensing). The study required 203 telephone surveys of the general public and 23 interviews via phone, electronic mail, and in-person with public relations and marketing practitioners involved with cause-related marketing. This researcher proved that both the general public and the causal marketing practitioners prefer or favor event sponsorship over licensing and product sale donations, and females favor the three techniques and causal marketing more than males.

A Case Study Of Three Cities: Revitalization Through Public Relations, Rebecca Acevedo

Theses and Dissertations

This study was conducted to determine if public relations played a vital role in revitalizing major cities. It also tested which tactics were implemented in public relations campaigns to create awareness and draw tourism to the revitalized area. The study used Baltimore, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh as its case studies.

The study involved a review of related secondary research of articles and interviews with public relations professionals who worked for various cities. Primary research involved a content analysis of random articles from 1989 through 2000 from the major papers in each city, in-depth interviews with public relations directors, and intercept surveys …

The Efficacy Of Public Affairs In The Federal Courts, Jacqueline Todd

Theses and Dissertations

The federal courts are undeniably one of the most important institutions in our society, yet we know little of this nebulous entity since the federal court system does not directly communicate to the public. The judiciary relies solely on the media to disseminate court decisions and information to the public.

The purpose of this study was to underscore the need for a public affairs office in the federal court system. This researcher held that a court public affairs office would serve to educate the public about the judiciary, as well as correct media accounts of court decisions that exhibit negative …

What Can't Public Relations Graduates Write? A Study And Evaluation Of Professional Writing Skills Lacked By Public Relations Graduates, Ginger Buganski

Theses and Dissertations

Through a survey of roughly 50 public relations practitioners, this study identified specific writing skills public relations graduates lack and compiled recommendations for improving public relations education.

The author sent double post-cards to 100 public relations professionals nationwide. The post-cards asked for participation in a public relations writing questionnaire. At the same time, the author posted the questionnaire to two professional listservs (e-mail groups). A total of 46 professionals completed the questionnaire.

Nearly 90 percent of respondents ranked writing as one of the top three skills essential for public relations success. However, 70 percent of the professionals rated recent graduates' …

Recognized Nonverbal Behaviors Of Leaders: Appearance Graphocentrism, Kinesics, Object Language And Proxemics, Carrie D. Hall

Theses and Dissertations

This study shows nonverbal behaviors adult students recognize as those leaders in classrooms use to convey their position of leadership.

The field of Public Relations is involved with clear, truthful two-way communication between senders and receivers of messages. It is desirable that all communication exchanges be complete with positive understanding of messages, especially those where one represents others with messages s/he delivers.

Existing research was reviewed to determine nonverbal behaviors leaders use in the five areas studied. A questionnaire was designed and administered to a non-probability quota sample. Semantic differential scales determined attitudes and beliefs students had about nonverbal communication …

Increasing Your Organization's Visibility: A Study Of Business And Financial Print Media, Sandra L. Mccollum

Theses and Dissertations

This study provides advice to investor or public relations professionals seeking increased national print media exposure for their organizations.

The author contacted 112 writers, editors and reporters from 16 business publications using postcards or e-mail. Twelve respondents participated in telephone or e-mail interviews.

The author found that reporters prefer to interview a chief executive officer for their stories. Participants also indicated they use outside sources, such as ex-employees, competitors and on-line databases, to learn more about an organization.

Participants were most interested in covering unexpected news, such as a fundamental change in the business, for hard news stories. The journalists …

Decreasing The Rate Of Turnover By Enhancing Employee Morale, Kyra De Blaker

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis studies the impact of morale on employee turnover. High employee satisfaction levels can reduce turnover. Eight in ten highly satisfied employees intend to stay with a company for more than two years, when compared to only two in ten dissatisfied employees.

To counter the disastrous effects of employee turnover, companies are establishing programs to boost employee morale. This thesis examines the morale programs of a New Jersey financial institution and the company's turnover rates. The author surveyed current employees to determine the level of employee morale and effective long-term motivators.

The financial institution recognizes the importance of employee …

Public Service Announcements For Broadcast Television: A Guide For Non-Profit Agencies, Karen Anne Jess

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of preparing this guide was to create a reference for non-profit agencies to assist in creating a public service announcement for broadcast television. The author assumed that non-profit agencies are often working with no budget and the quality of the prepared PSAs is unacceptable. Also, the techniques used to create and distribute the announcements are incorrect. Since public service announcements are key to reaching a large audience for little or no money, the author felt it essential to create a reference for non-profit agencies to guide them in the production of their public service announcements. The primary research …

Cybercrisis Management: Handling Crises At The Speed Of Light, Thomas Stanley Jason

Theses and Dissertations

This study's purpose was to compile information on how to handle different types of cybercrises and compile them into an easy to use guide for experienced public relations professionals. The data search included library and Internet searches for information on handling cybercrises. Additionally, an e-mail survey was sent out to on-line public relations personnel to determine their experience with cybercrises. From that survey, professionals who stated that they have handled cybercrises were interviewed via e-mail.

The study determined that 20 percent of those surveyed had faced a cybercrisis. The study determined that the most important parts of cybercrisis management were …

Understanding Students With Diabetes: A Communication Handbook For High Schools, Karen M. Ferguson

Theses and Dissertations

Effective communication between students with diabetes and school personnel is essential to the well-being of the student. The author conducted this study to identify the needs, feelings, and behaviors of students with diabetes.

The author performed literature searches and conducted informal, qualitative research techniques to obtain information for the handbook. The author conducted telephone interviews with seven nurses from selected counties in Southern New Jersey. The author asked the nurses questions about diabetes management in their schools. The author also questioned 15 students with diabetes regarding communication efforts with the school, signs and symptoms of high and low blood sugars, …

New Jersey Municipalities' Methods For Building Non-Emergency Community Relations, Lizabeth Miller Galantino

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of conducting this study was to record the various methods of community relations held in New Jersey municipalities between January 1 and December 31, 1999.

A literature search was conducted; an original mail survey distributed to 210 mayors statewide; data was analyzed and presented in a quantitative format.

The following major conclusions were drawn:

A. If given an unlimited amount of funding, direct mail is conceived as the most effective way to publicize events and projects.

B. Newspapers were reported as the most effective, measurable publicity tool to get exposure for events and projects.

C. Mayors play a …

Public Relations Efforts To Promote New Sports Teams, Nancy Urban

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis was to accumulate information relative to the various public relations practices, methods, and procedures utilized by the four NHL expansion teams during the two-year period June 25, 1997 to October 7, 1999. The thesis determined the extent of common public relations elements among the four NHL expansion teams. The study was approached from four perspectives: public relations, media relations, community relations and player perspective.

Eighteen questions were asked of each team: Nashville Predators, Atlanta Thrashers, Columbus Blue Jackets and Minnesota Wild to determine the extent of communication elements common among them.

Through in-depth interviews, it …

A Study To Determine How Casual Dress In The Workplace Affects Employee Morale And Productivity, Marisa Avallone Sharkey

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to provide managers and key decision makers insight into how casual dress work environments compare to traditional corporate cultures by assessing the impact of casual dress on employee morale and productivity, two vital influencers of the bottom line.

Using a survey, based on a literature review, the author surveyed 148 human resources and performance management professionals serving in a human resources capacity in American companies. Responses were hand-coded and double-checked for accuracy.

This study has indicated that, overall, employee morale does improve as dress codes become more casual. However, the percentage of those surveyed …

A Guide To Effective Public Relations For The High School Athletic Director, Joseph T. Cranston

Theses and Dissertations

The primary purpose of this research project was to develop a handbook for high school athletic directors so they can apply effective public relations practices to their athletic program on a daily basis. Fifteen high school athletic directors from different counties in New Jersey were interviewed to gain first-hand knowledge of the athletic public relations activities that are most effective. A review of several sources, including physical education and administration books, athletic journals and public relations books, supplemented the primary research by providing supporting research by some of the most well-respected public relations practitioners in the athletic arena.

The finished …

Employee Efficiency: A Case Study Of Former Welfare Mothers, Julie Kozempel

Theses and Dissertations

Welfare is a social phenomenon that comes with a variety of stigmas and stereotypes. Recipients are often categorized as lazy, uneducated and socially unacceptable.

Recently, corporations and whole regions are unable to find the qualified labor force they need. This researcher will discover whether ex-welfare recipients make worthy hires, thereby reversing stereotypes and furthering efficiency in the workplace.

A major component of employee relations involves retaining good employees who will extend the company's good image. Image and profits matter to CEO's who worry about the second bottom line. After reading this study, public relations practitioners can approach the CEO and …

Recruiting Minority Teachers: A Guide For Vocational School Administrators, Carole H. Thornton

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the severity of the minority teacher shortage in New Jersey's vocational schools and identify steps to be taken by administrators to attract and retain minority teachers.

A written survey was mailed to all 21 New Jersey county vocational school superintendents. Twelve surveys were returned.

The results of the study validate the need to hire more minority teachers to teach in our culturally diverse classrooms. Many vocational schools in the state reported difficulty in attracting minority candidates; however, weak or indifferent recruitment practices are partly to blame for the problem. Other causes of …

Strengthening A School-Community Relations Program Through Student Involvement, Karen Warner

Theses and Dissertations

This study's main purpose was to show the logic and benefits of involving students in school-community relations. The data collection consisted of online and library searches for information about schools that include students in their public relations efforts. Award-winning newsletters from 42 school districts were also examined to determine consistent qualities that lead to excellence in communications.

The study showed that while students are directly and indirectly involved in school-community relations on a continuing, daily basis, little has been documented about structured programs or formal involvement. Research supports the effectiveness of student involvement, yet few districts make a conscious effort …

Face-To-Face Communication Vs. E-Mail: When To Use Which Form Of Communication In Today's Technology-Focused Society, Wendy Jayne Lathrope

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine how employees in the publishing industry prefer to receive information from their managers and whether face-to-face communication is still valued in today's technology-focused society.

Using a mail survey, developed after a Lexis-Nexis literature review at Rowan University, the author polled 163 employees from three Philadelphia-area publishing companies regarding the channels through which they preferred to receive messages from their managers. The author hand-coded the survey results, analyzed the data and developed conclusions and recommendations.

The study found that employees (72.1%) preferred to receive messages through face-to-face communication. Men (8.3%) were more likely …

How To Use E-Mail Marketing To Build Customer Relationships, Joseph J. Delmar Sr.

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to identify popular techniques used to create successful e-mail marketing campaigns and how companies can use e-mail marketing to build customer relationships.

Related research indicated e-mail's popularity continues to grow and it is changing how companies market themselves. A content analysis of e-mail newsletters from the top 50 online advertisers was conducted. The research indicated many companies are still learning how to use e-mail marketing. Twenty-one companies failed to respond while others abused the customer relationship by sending unsolicited third party advertising and/or sponsorships with their e-mail.

Research findings also revealed that e-mail marketing …

Organizational And Individual Effects On The Reporting Of Wrongdoing In The Workplace, Brian M. Stumpe

Theses and Dissertations

The study focuses on the organizational context in which the act of whistle-blowing occurs within organizations. The study suggests that many aspects of the context in which whistle-blowing actually occurs may be within the span of control of managers. Thus, management can possibly take steps to after certain aspects of the organizational context and ensure that organizational members are willing to report wrongdoing observed within their organization. To fulfill this objective, the study analyzes survey responses taken from military members' and civilian employees' responses to a 1997 survey distributed throughout the Aeronautical Systems Center (ASC), Wright Patterson Air Force Base …

An Incentive Model For International Telecommunications, Jeffrey R. Del Vecchio

Theses and Dissertations

This study developed a new defensive model for global voice communications. It uses a n-person, zero-sum, cooperative and non-cooperative game to optimize the coalitions revenue after the possibility of a network service provider being tampered by an adversary. This research optimized two measures of effectiveness (coalition revenue and network provider revenue) of international telecommunications coalitions by hardening network service providers and improving their respective revenue with incentives. A multi-criteria optimization problem was developed to establish the strategic competition between the coalition defender and attacker. Irrespective of the amount of incentives, a applicable hardening and tampering strategy can be obtained. All …