Bryan Reber | The University of Georgia (original) (raw)

Papers by Bryan Reber

Research paper thumbnail of Globalization effects or a growing cultural divide? a three-year comparative analysis of trust predictors in the US and China

Chinese Journal of Communication, Jun 22, 2017

In order to affirm the importance of trust building in public relations research, this study expl... more In order to affirm the importance of trust building in public relations research, this study explores the predictive role of demographics, political ideology, and related variables in building public trust in business, government, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). This work uses large-scale survey data from the top two countries based on GDP ranking: the United States (US) and China. The longitudinal comparison of the period 2011, 2012, and 2013 revealed both similar and dissimilar trust patterns between the two countries. NGO trust patterns became increasingly different over the three years analyzed, government trust patterns became increasingly similar, and business trust patterns remained relatively constant. The results of the aggregated regression analysis further identified the shifting predictive power of political ideology and the influence of several other factors on public trust in business, government, and NGOs. The implications of the findings for public relations theory and practice are discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of Identify excellent features and situational factors in public health communication

Public Relations Review, Jun 1, 2016

The study analyzes the award-winning campaigns from the National Public Health Information Coalit... more The study analyzes the award-winning campaigns from the National Public Health Information Coalition (NPHIC) from 2010 to 2012 and identifies excellent features that have been applied in promoting public health communication. By doing so, the research calls for an attention to integrate appropriate situational factors in message strategies to promote active health information seeking. The research advances our knowledge by adding public health to the theoretical foundation of the situational theory. Practical implications are discussed. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Research paper thumbnail of Political ideology, media-source preferences, and messaging strategies: A global perspective on trust building

Public Relations Review, Nov 1, 2016

Abstract Using global survey data based on the 2013 Edelman Trust Barometer annual survey, this p... more Abstract Using global survey data based on the 2013 Edelman Trust Barometer annual survey, this paper looks at predictors of business trust in the top five countries based on GDP ranking – the United States, China, Japan, Germany, and France. Demographics emerged as significant predictors of trust across countries, while political ideology was a key driver of trust in the U.S. Political ideology also interacted with preferred media choice in predicting trust. Theoretical and practical implications for effective public relations practice are discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of Bridging the Ideological Divide: A Three-Year Comparative Analysis of Public Trust Predictors Between the US and China

Research paper thumbnail of Social media as part of a crisis response strategy: The case of the BP Gulf oil spill

Research paper thumbnail of Changing Directions: Assessing Student Thoughts and Feelings about a New Program in Strategic Communication

Journal of Advertising Education, 2003

A number of recent studies have examined integration of advertising and public relations, but non... more A number of recent studies have examined integration of advertising and public relations, but none reports what students think. Over three semesters, students in an introduction to strategic communication course were asked to assess an integrated public relations and advertising curriculum. Students supported integration and viewed a focus on new technology, having a toolkit of integrated communication methods, and understanding the basics of relationship building as paramount. Public relations and advertising students differed regarding the value of relationships, new technologies and a toolkit approach. The importance placed on relationship building differed by race and gender. (Contains 39 references and 3 figures of data.) (Author/RS) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document.

Research paper thumbnail of The Cape Wind Debate: Framing by Energy Activist Groups and Frame Salience for Active Online Audiences

Research paper thumbnail of Strategies and Tactics Leaders Use to Manage Issues

Research paper thumbnail of Advancing Crisis Communication Effectiveness

Advancing Crisis Communication Effectiveness shows how crisis communication plans and efforts for... more Advancing Crisis Communication Effectiveness shows how crisis communication plans and efforts for complex and challenging issues benefit when academic perspectives are connected with practitioner experiences. The book brings crisis and public relations scholars together with practicing professionals to integrate academic theories and research with the knowledge and lessons learned on the frontlines of crisis communication and management. This book illustrates how having insights and observations from both leading crisis communication scholars and professionals strengthens crisis management and communication strategies, plans, and coordination. Chapters co-authored by leading scholars and professionals highlight how academic theories and research can inform crisis management and response-and how practitioners can utilize, inform, and strengthen academic theories and research. For each topic area covered, examples and applications are provided that show how integrating public relations scholarship with practice can advance crisis communication effectiveness. This book represents a unique and timely contribution to the field of crisis management and communication. It will be an important resource for public relations and crisis management and communication scholars, educators, professionals, consultants, and graduate students.

Research paper thumbnail of Examining Public Responses to Social Media Crisis Communication Strategies in the United States and China

Research paper thumbnail of Organizational Purpose, Culture, Crisis Leadership, and Social Media

Routledge eBooks, Jan 19, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of The Future of Collaborative Crisis Research

Routledge eBooks, Dec 28, 2020

Research paper thumbnail of Complex and Challenging Crises

Routledge eBooks, Dec 28, 2020

Research paper thumbnail of The Organization-Public Relationship and Crisis Communication: The Effect of the Organization-Public Relationship on Publics' Perceptions of Crisis and Attitudes Toward the Organization

International Journal of Strategic Communication, Oct 1, 2011

Lariscy, for their thoughtful feedback and warm support. I thank Dr. Tinkham for his valuable ins... more Lariscy, for their thoughtful feedback and warm support. I thank Dr. Tinkham for his valuable insights into my research proposal and his helpful suggestions regarding my data analysis. I thank Dr. Lariscy for her thoughtful comments on the framework of my thesis and for her constant encouragement. My thanks also go to Dr. Janice Hume and Dr. Tom Reichert for their assistance in data collection. I would like to thank Sangho, my fiancé and best friend, for his unconditional love and support. His words of love and encouragement kept me smiling and gave me the strength to complete this thesis. I am also thankful to my colleagues and friends at the University of Georgia for sharing their ideas, feedback, and ongoing support. Last, but not least, my warmest thanks go to my parents, who provided endless love, support, and encouragement. v

Research paper thumbnail of Gaining Influence in Public Relations

Routledge eBooks, Aug 15, 2006

Contents: Preface. Influence in Public Relations and Why It's Important. Public Relations Rol... more Contents: Preface. Influence in Public Relations and Why It's Important. Public Relations Roles, Responsibilities, and the "Right Thing." Resistance, Politics, and Power Relations. Identifying and Using Influence Resources in Public Relations. Alpha Approaches in Public Relations: The Use of Sanctioned Influence Tactics. The Communication Change Project at Whirlpool: Converting Power Into Performance. Omega Approaches in Public Relations: The Use of Unsanctioned Influence Tactics. The Use of Dissent in Public Relations. The Power of Political Will and Intelligence. Breaking Out of the "Iron Cage" of Practice. A Public Relations Manifesto. Appendix: The Dissent Survey.

Research paper thumbnail of Building Bridges Between Corporations and Their Publics: Does Perceived Corporate Social Responsibility Influence Organization-Public Relationships?

Research paper thumbnail of Gaining Influence in Public Relations: The Role of Resistance in Practice

Contents: Preface. Influence in Public Relations and Why It's Important. Public Relations Rol... more Contents: Preface. Influence in Public Relations and Why It's Important. Public Relations Roles, Responsibilities, and the "Right Thing." Resistance, Politics, and Power Relations. Identifying and Using Influence Resources in Public Relations. Alpha Approaches in Public Relations: The Use of Sanctioned Influence Tactics. The Communication Change Project at Whirlpool: Converting Power Into Performance. Omega Approaches in Public Relations: The Use of Unsanctioned Influence Tactics. The Use of Dissent in Public Relations. The Power of Political Will and Intelligence. Breaking Out of the "Iron Cage" of Practice. A Public Relations Manifesto. Appendix: The Dissent Survey.

Research paper thumbnail of Framing analysis of activist rhetoric: How the Sierra Club succeeds or fails at creating salient messages

Public Relations Review, Jun 1, 2005

... Hertog and McLeod, 2001 JK Hertog and DM McLeod, A multiperspectival approach to framing anal... more ... Hertog and McLeod, 2001 JK Hertog and DM McLeod, A multiperspectival approach to framing analysis: A field guide. In: SD Reese, OH Gandy Jr. ... In: SD Reese, OH Gandy Jr. and AE Grant, Editors, Framing public life, Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Mahwah, NJ (2001) pp. ...

Research paper thumbnail of Relationship building and the use of Web sites: How Fortune 500 corporations use their Web sites to build relationships

Public Relations Review, Nov 1, 2008

This study examines the dialogic features of corporate Web sites in order to determine the Web si... more This study examines the dialogic features of corporate Web sites in order to determine the Web site practices of the corporations for building relationships with their publics. Content analysis of 100 Fortune 500 companies' Web sites revealed that the corporations designed their Web sites to serve important publics and foster dialogic communication. The corporate Web sites appear to promote control mutuality, trust, satisfaction, openness, and intimacy. However, the corporations need to maintain repetitive interactions with their publics to enhance trust, commitment, and exchange relationship.

Research paper thumbnail of Tweeting as Health Communication: Health Organizations’ Use of Twitter for Health Promotion and Public Engagement

Journal of Health Communication, Dec 30, 2015

This study examined how major health organizations use Twitter for disseminating health informati... more This study examined how major health organizations use Twitter for disseminating health information, building relationships, and encouraging actions to improve health. The sampled organizations were the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, and American Diabetes Association. A content analysis was conducted on 1,583 tweets to examine these organizations' use of Twitter's interactive features and to understand the message functions and topics of their tweets. The numbers of retweets and favorites were also measured as engagement indicators and compared by different message functions. The results revealed that all of the organizations posted original tweets most, but they differed in the degree to which they used the retweet and reply functions. Hashtags and hyperlinks were the most frequently used interactive tools. The majority of the tweets were about organization-related topics, whereas personal health-related tweets represented a relatively small portion of the sample. Followers were most likely to like and retweet personal health action-based messages.

Research paper thumbnail of Globalization effects or a growing cultural divide? a three-year comparative analysis of trust predictors in the US and China

Chinese Journal of Communication, Jun 22, 2017

In order to affirm the importance of trust building in public relations research, this study expl... more In order to affirm the importance of trust building in public relations research, this study explores the predictive role of demographics, political ideology, and related variables in building public trust in business, government, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). This work uses large-scale survey data from the top two countries based on GDP ranking: the United States (US) and China. The longitudinal comparison of the period 2011, 2012, and 2013 revealed both similar and dissimilar trust patterns between the two countries. NGO trust patterns became increasingly different over the three years analyzed, government trust patterns became increasingly similar, and business trust patterns remained relatively constant. The results of the aggregated regression analysis further identified the shifting predictive power of political ideology and the influence of several other factors on public trust in business, government, and NGOs. The implications of the findings for public relations theory and practice are discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of Identify excellent features and situational factors in public health communication

Public Relations Review, Jun 1, 2016

The study analyzes the award-winning campaigns from the National Public Health Information Coalit... more The study analyzes the award-winning campaigns from the National Public Health Information Coalition (NPHIC) from 2010 to 2012 and identifies excellent features that have been applied in promoting public health communication. By doing so, the research calls for an attention to integrate appropriate situational factors in message strategies to promote active health information seeking. The research advances our knowledge by adding public health to the theoretical foundation of the situational theory. Practical implications are discussed. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Research paper thumbnail of Political ideology, media-source preferences, and messaging strategies: A global perspective on trust building

Public Relations Review, Nov 1, 2016

Abstract Using global survey data based on the 2013 Edelman Trust Barometer annual survey, this p... more Abstract Using global survey data based on the 2013 Edelman Trust Barometer annual survey, this paper looks at predictors of business trust in the top five countries based on GDP ranking – the United States, China, Japan, Germany, and France. Demographics emerged as significant predictors of trust across countries, while political ideology was a key driver of trust in the U.S. Political ideology also interacted with preferred media choice in predicting trust. Theoretical and practical implications for effective public relations practice are discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of Bridging the Ideological Divide: A Three-Year Comparative Analysis of Public Trust Predictors Between the US and China

Research paper thumbnail of Social media as part of a crisis response strategy: The case of the BP Gulf oil spill

Research paper thumbnail of Changing Directions: Assessing Student Thoughts and Feelings about a New Program in Strategic Communication

Journal of Advertising Education, 2003

A number of recent studies have examined integration of advertising and public relations, but non... more A number of recent studies have examined integration of advertising and public relations, but none reports what students think. Over three semesters, students in an introduction to strategic communication course were asked to assess an integrated public relations and advertising curriculum. Students supported integration and viewed a focus on new technology, having a toolkit of integrated communication methods, and understanding the basics of relationship building as paramount. Public relations and advertising students differed regarding the value of relationships, new technologies and a toolkit approach. The importance placed on relationship building differed by race and gender. (Contains 39 references and 3 figures of data.) (Author/RS) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document.

Research paper thumbnail of The Cape Wind Debate: Framing by Energy Activist Groups and Frame Salience for Active Online Audiences

Research paper thumbnail of Strategies and Tactics Leaders Use to Manage Issues

Research paper thumbnail of Advancing Crisis Communication Effectiveness

Advancing Crisis Communication Effectiveness shows how crisis communication plans and efforts for... more Advancing Crisis Communication Effectiveness shows how crisis communication plans and efforts for complex and challenging issues benefit when academic perspectives are connected with practitioner experiences. The book brings crisis and public relations scholars together with practicing professionals to integrate academic theories and research with the knowledge and lessons learned on the frontlines of crisis communication and management. This book illustrates how having insights and observations from both leading crisis communication scholars and professionals strengthens crisis management and communication strategies, plans, and coordination. Chapters co-authored by leading scholars and professionals highlight how academic theories and research can inform crisis management and response-and how practitioners can utilize, inform, and strengthen academic theories and research. For each topic area covered, examples and applications are provided that show how integrating public relations scholarship with practice can advance crisis communication effectiveness. This book represents a unique and timely contribution to the field of crisis management and communication. It will be an important resource for public relations and crisis management and communication scholars, educators, professionals, consultants, and graduate students.

Research paper thumbnail of Examining Public Responses to Social Media Crisis Communication Strategies in the United States and China

Research paper thumbnail of Organizational Purpose, Culture, Crisis Leadership, and Social Media

Routledge eBooks, Jan 19, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of The Future of Collaborative Crisis Research

Routledge eBooks, Dec 28, 2020

Research paper thumbnail of Complex and Challenging Crises

Routledge eBooks, Dec 28, 2020

Research paper thumbnail of The Organization-Public Relationship and Crisis Communication: The Effect of the Organization-Public Relationship on Publics' Perceptions of Crisis and Attitudes Toward the Organization

International Journal of Strategic Communication, Oct 1, 2011

Lariscy, for their thoughtful feedback and warm support. I thank Dr. Tinkham for his valuable ins... more Lariscy, for their thoughtful feedback and warm support. I thank Dr. Tinkham for his valuable insights into my research proposal and his helpful suggestions regarding my data analysis. I thank Dr. Lariscy for her thoughtful comments on the framework of my thesis and for her constant encouragement. My thanks also go to Dr. Janice Hume and Dr. Tom Reichert for their assistance in data collection. I would like to thank Sangho, my fiancé and best friend, for his unconditional love and support. His words of love and encouragement kept me smiling and gave me the strength to complete this thesis. I am also thankful to my colleagues and friends at the University of Georgia for sharing their ideas, feedback, and ongoing support. Last, but not least, my warmest thanks go to my parents, who provided endless love, support, and encouragement. v

Research paper thumbnail of Gaining Influence in Public Relations

Routledge eBooks, Aug 15, 2006

Contents: Preface. Influence in Public Relations and Why It's Important. Public Relations Rol... more Contents: Preface. Influence in Public Relations and Why It's Important. Public Relations Roles, Responsibilities, and the "Right Thing." Resistance, Politics, and Power Relations. Identifying and Using Influence Resources in Public Relations. Alpha Approaches in Public Relations: The Use of Sanctioned Influence Tactics. The Communication Change Project at Whirlpool: Converting Power Into Performance. Omega Approaches in Public Relations: The Use of Unsanctioned Influence Tactics. The Use of Dissent in Public Relations. The Power of Political Will and Intelligence. Breaking Out of the "Iron Cage" of Practice. A Public Relations Manifesto. Appendix: The Dissent Survey.

Research paper thumbnail of Building Bridges Between Corporations and Their Publics: Does Perceived Corporate Social Responsibility Influence Organization-Public Relationships?

Research paper thumbnail of Gaining Influence in Public Relations: The Role of Resistance in Practice

Contents: Preface. Influence in Public Relations and Why It's Important. Public Relations Rol... more Contents: Preface. Influence in Public Relations and Why It's Important. Public Relations Roles, Responsibilities, and the "Right Thing." Resistance, Politics, and Power Relations. Identifying and Using Influence Resources in Public Relations. Alpha Approaches in Public Relations: The Use of Sanctioned Influence Tactics. The Communication Change Project at Whirlpool: Converting Power Into Performance. Omega Approaches in Public Relations: The Use of Unsanctioned Influence Tactics. The Use of Dissent in Public Relations. The Power of Political Will and Intelligence. Breaking Out of the "Iron Cage" of Practice. A Public Relations Manifesto. Appendix: The Dissent Survey.

Research paper thumbnail of Framing analysis of activist rhetoric: How the Sierra Club succeeds or fails at creating salient messages

Public Relations Review, Jun 1, 2005

... Hertog and McLeod, 2001 JK Hertog and DM McLeod, A multiperspectival approach to framing anal... more ... Hertog and McLeod, 2001 JK Hertog and DM McLeod, A multiperspectival approach to framing analysis: A field guide. In: SD Reese, OH Gandy Jr. ... In: SD Reese, OH Gandy Jr. and AE Grant, Editors, Framing public life, Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Mahwah, NJ (2001) pp. ...

Research paper thumbnail of Relationship building and the use of Web sites: How Fortune 500 corporations use their Web sites to build relationships

Public Relations Review, Nov 1, 2008

This study examines the dialogic features of corporate Web sites in order to determine the Web si... more This study examines the dialogic features of corporate Web sites in order to determine the Web site practices of the corporations for building relationships with their publics. Content analysis of 100 Fortune 500 companies' Web sites revealed that the corporations designed their Web sites to serve important publics and foster dialogic communication. The corporate Web sites appear to promote control mutuality, trust, satisfaction, openness, and intimacy. However, the corporations need to maintain repetitive interactions with their publics to enhance trust, commitment, and exchange relationship.

Research paper thumbnail of Tweeting as Health Communication: Health Organizations’ Use of Twitter for Health Promotion and Public Engagement

Journal of Health Communication, Dec 30, 2015

This study examined how major health organizations use Twitter for disseminating health informati... more This study examined how major health organizations use Twitter for disseminating health information, building relationships, and encouraging actions to improve health. The sampled organizations were the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, and American Diabetes Association. A content analysis was conducted on 1,583 tweets to examine these organizations' use of Twitter's interactive features and to understand the message functions and topics of their tweets. The numbers of retweets and favorites were also measured as engagement indicators and compared by different message functions. The results revealed that all of the organizations posted original tweets most, but they differed in the degree to which they used the retweet and reply functions. Hashtags and hyperlinks were the most frequently used interactive tools. The majority of the tweets were about organization-related topics, whereas personal health-related tweets represented a relatively small portion of the sample. Followers were most likely to like and retweet personal health action-based messages.

Research paper thumbnail of New Edition of PR Textbook

Public Relations Strategies & Tactics, 2023

I and my co-authors are pleased to announce the 12th edition of our intro textbook, Public Relati... more I and my co-authors are pleased to announce the 12th edition of our intro textbook, Public Relations Strategies & Tactics published by Pearson Education. The new edition has been extensively revised and updated to include today's current issues, case studies, and stats. Instructor resources include PowerPoints of key concepts, an instructor's manual, and a computerized test bank. It's now available in paperback, and the Revel interactive edition featuring videos, embedded writing assignments, and a mobile app will be available in March. www.pearsonhighered.com