Relationship Building in Public Relations

by Petra Theunissen, Helen Sissons

This book aims to provide an interdisciplinary approach to highlight the importance of relationships in public relations, delving not only into the organization-public relationships but also into interpersonal relationships within the industry in order to offer new, empirical insights into the impact and formation of such relationships. Theunissen and Sissons theorize that public relations cannot exist without interpersonal relationships and the ability to create and maintain such relationships. Taking a critical stance, the book will move beyond mere rhetoric and conjecture by providing solid evidence-based research results to inform their theories about the impact of relationships and dialogue on public relations thinking. Rather than following contemporary thinking, it aims to embrace current changes, look ahead and prepare a new generation for the challenges of 21st century public relations practice.

220 pages, Hardcover

Published September 25, 2017

About the author

Petra was born in the Netherlands, but spent her formative years in Germany and South Africa respectively. She now lives and works in Auckland, New Zealand (sometimes referred to as ‘Middle Earth’) where she teaches at AUT University. The unique backdrop provided by the ‘City of Sails’, with its volcanic cones and surrounding ocean, provides an inspirational and supportive setting for her science fiction and fantasy writing.