week 3

I think the key points to remember from this week’s readings were that study of the field of public relations is dealt with through a variety of different disciplines which as a result ultimately provides students and practitioners alike with often conflicting views of its purpose and conceptualisation within society.
It is apparent in both the readings that the most favoured approach to current public relations theory is that of Grunig and Hunt (1984), which builds on Edward Bernays media effects theory. This approach sets out the progression which public relations has made throughout its conceptual development and outlines where public relations practice is positioned today.
Regardless of the disciplinary approach to public relations theory some key themes emerged, such as the power to influence of media effects, the maintenance of relationships and the ever changing role of the public relations practitioner.

The readings made me think more about public relations theory/practice in that it is much more than just saying a few nice things about a company but that in practice public relations has a bigger impact on social conceptions and structures and that any decision made whilst in the profession must be made considering the bigger picture and the possible effects that may result due to that decision.