Grunig and Hunt’s Situational Theory of Publics

Situational Theory of Publics ► Consequences and Linkages ► Nature of Publics

Consequence = Need for PR ► Organization has on public ► Public has on organization

Consequences Create Linkages Between Organization and Its Environment Environment McDonald’s Mad Cow Disease in Europe Leads to FDA Regulations in U.S.

Linkages 1.Enabling Linkages 2.Functional Linkages 3.Normative Linkages 4.Diffused Linkages Consequences on organization Consequence on public

Associations Political Groups Professional Societies Stockholders Congress State Legislators Government Regulators Boards of Directors Community Leaders Organization Employees Unions Suppliers Consumers Industrial Purchasers Users of Services Employers of Graduates Environmentalists Community Residents Students Minorities Voters Women Media Other Publics Enabling Linkages Diffused Linkages Normative Linkages Functional Linkages output input

Consequences Create Linkages Between Organization and Its Environment Environment McDonald’s Mad Cow Disease in Europe Leads to FDA Regulations in U.S.

Fast Food Producers Association Stockholders Congress State Legislators Government Regulators Local, State, Federal Board of Directors Community Leaders McDonald’s Employees Unions Suppliers Consumers Industrial Purchasers Franchisees Environmentalists Community Residents Students Minorities Voters Activist Groups Media Charitable Groups Enabling Linkages Diffused Linkages Normative Linkages Functional Linkages output input

Publics Dewey’s definition is used in this theory. Group of people who - Face a similar problem. - Recognize that the problem exists. - Organize to do something about the problem.