"From the basic theory through program management at the departmental level up to the macro organizational level, the book is excellent....The insights should stimulate a whole new generation that will grapple with questions of effective planning, the characteristics of role models in organizational structures vs. in academe, as well as the conditions which make some public relations programs thrive while others fail."—Journalism Educator"...full of careful and thoughtful analysis of a vast array of research literature, management and communication theory, empirical research, and taxonomics which feature variables vital to public relations....Excellence pushes researchers and practitioners toward new horizons. It offers a coherent research agenda. The project's success rests on the quality of choices Grunig and his associates have made regarding key variables and principles. It should make a substantial, if not definitive, contribution to the profession."—Robert L. HeathUniversity of Houston"...does a superb job of defining concepts relevant to all practitioners....cites philosophical assumptions and describes basic theory....defines and describes in considerable detail the four models of public relations....easily understandable....There is much to learn from this volume. The book belongs on the office bookshelf of all public relations practitioners..."—Dean KruckebergUniversity of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls"...this well-researched book is a timely, significant contribution to the research and practice of public relations....will long remain an indispensable tool for the continuing development of the theory of and the research for excellence in public relations management. For a number of practitioners, educators and graduate students, the book's solid contribution to the field might evoke a strong sense of pride in the accomplishments of its editor and contributors. Such pride is meaningful; the book is intriguing to the end, both for what it says and for what it raises."—Cornelius B. PrattMichigan State University"A product of most of the brightest scholars in the public relations field....integrates a wide range of ideas concerning the practice of public relations and communications management in organizations. It should be required reading for anybody seriously interested in our field. The greatest strength this book has is its ability to develop and tie together the base theory of public relations and then explain it in the context of program, departmental, organizational and economic measures....Without doubt, this is the most massive undertaking in the history of public relations research. Public relations has waited a long, long time for this book. It makes a truly significant contribution to our body of knowledge. The authors, and the IABC Foundation, should be extremely proud. This is a good one."—Donald K. WrightUniversity of South Alabama
