Visit PROpenMic

NCA 2008
PR Division Panels:
Detailed Descriptions and Participant List

Friday, Nov. 21

Paradox, Puzzle and Aporia: Unconventional Ethical Issues of Content, Control and Critique in Public Relations 
Scheduled Time: Fri, Nov 21 - 8:00am - 9:15am  Building/Room: Manchester Grand Hyatt / Oxford

Session Participants: 
The Logos of Logo: The Ethical Concerns of Branding - Erik Garrett
*Erik Garrett (Duquesne University)
Paradoxes in Public Relations: Survival Strategies
*Oyvind Ihlen (University of Oslo)
Public relations ethics: How to reach the impossible
*Katerina Tsetsura (University of Oklahoma)
Expecting too much? Stakeholder expectations on ethical behavior and different types of organizations
*Vilma Luoma-aho (University of Jyväskylä)
Aporia in public relations ethics: To advocate or to counsel?
*Shannon A Bowen (University of Maryland)
Chair: Dean A. Kruckeberg (Univ of Northern Iowa) kruckeberg@uni.edu
Respondent: Ronald C. Arnett (Duquesne University) arnett@duq.edu 
Abstract: 
What are the unconventional ways of thinking about ethics in public relations? Do the old conceptualizations of deontology, utilitarianism, and virtue theory apply to the actual praxis of public relations? How can new approaches to ethics help scholars and practitioners? The panel will bring the “unconventional” theories from Derrida among others to see if the “relentless pursuit of the impossible” has anything to offer to discussion of ethics in public relations.

Preparing Students for the “New” Public Relations Industry: A Discussion Circle of Innovative and unCONVENTIONal Ideas in Public Relations Curricula 
Scheduled Time: Fri, Nov 21 - 9:30am - 10:45am  Building/Room: Manchester Grand Hyatt / Oxford

Session Participants: 
Using Adobe Creative Suite 3 for Impressive Documents
*Susan Waters (Missouri State Univ)
Democratizing Access: The Social Media Release
*Tiffany Derville (Towson University)
Public Relations Writing By and Through Blogging
*Corey A Hickerson (James Madison Univ)
Introducing Blog Management into the Graduate Curriculum
*Richard D. Waters (North Carolina State University)
How can we incorporate active learning without killing ourselves?
*Michelle M O'Malley (University of South Dakota)
The Public Relations of Music
*Rise J. Samra (Barry University)
Teaching the International Public Relations Course
*Ashli Q Stokes (UNC Charlotte)
Examining Cross-Cultural Communication with the United Nations' Public Relations Council
*Danny Shipka (Louisiana State University)
The Real Deal: Developing a Public Relations Campaigns Course to Compete in State Competitions
*Terry L. Rentner (Bowling Green State Univ)
No Where to Hide: A Strategic Problem-Solving Approach to Managing Difficult Clients in a Student-Run PR Agency.
*Jane Elmes-Crahall (Wilkes University)
Engaging with Community Publics for the University’s “Green Day” Celebration
*Chris T Caldiero (Fairleigh Dickinson Univ)
In the shadow of giants: Shadow papers as an introduction to public relations
*Mary Frances Casper (Boise State University)

Abstract: 
As public relations industry trends expand to include more global and virtual campaigns, educators need to be prepared to incorporate new ideas strategies and tactics into coursework. Through this discussion circle, professors will discuss innovative and unCONVENTIONal classroom assignments such as graphic design software, blog management, and international public relations. Through conversations and summary handouts, this panel creates an environment where ideas can be exchanged to improve the state of public relations curricula.

Unconventional Promise: Top 4 Student Papers in Public Relations 
Scheduled Time: Fri, Nov 21 - 12:30pm - 1:45pm  Building/Room: Manchester Grand Hyatt / Oxford

Session Participants: 
An Examination of Michael Vick's Speech of Apologia: Implications for the Study of Sports Apologia and Image Repair
*Kevin R Meyer (Ohio University)
Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America: A framing analysis
*Amy Carwile (University of Alabama)
Women and Ethnic Diversity in Public Relations: The Unconventional Role of Public Relations in Advancing Diversity
*Jeanetta D Sims (Univ of Central Oklahoma), Atoya Sims (University of Central Oklahoma)
Attributions in crisis communication: A test of attribution model and situational crisis communication theory
*Se-Hoon Jeong (Univ of Pennsylvania)
Respondent: Bonita Dostal Neff (Valparaiso University) bonita.neff@valpo.edu

Top 3 Papers in Public Relations 
Scheduled Time: Fri, Nov 21 - 2:00pm - 3:15pm  Building/Room: Manchester Grand Hyatt / Oxford

Session Participants: 
Session Organizer: Michael Smith (La Salle University) MSMITH@LASALLE.EDU
Chair: Denise P Ferguson (Indiana Wesleyan Univ) denise.ferguson@indwes.edu
An extended rhetorical typology of crisis communication: Managing the Roman Catholic clergy sex abuse crisis
*Suzanne E. Boys (Univ of Cincinnati)
Classifying Publics: Communication Behaviors and Problem-Solving Characteristics in Controversial Issues
Lan Ni (University of Houston), *Jeong-Nam Kim (Purdue University), Eun-Ju Lee (Korea Press Foundation)
The Dialogic Turn in Public Relations: Toward a Theory of Dialogic Practice
*Michael L. Kent (University of Oklahoma)
Respondent: Carl Botan (George Mason Univ) cbotan@gmu.edu

Public Relations Division Business Meeting
Scheduled Time: Fri, Nov 21 - 3:30pm - 4:45pm  Building/Room: Manchester Grand Hyatt / Oxford

Saturday, Nov. 22

Corporate Social Responsibility: U.S. and International Investigations 
Scheduled Time: Sat, Nov 22 - 8:00am - 9:15am  Building/Room: Manchester Grand Hyatt / Oxford

Session Participants: 
Chair: Elizabeth Avery, University of Tennessee
Caring Corporations? The CSR Understandings of the World’s 30 Largest Corporations, *Oyvind Ihlen (University of Oslo)
Exploring Business-Society Relationship in Emerging Economies: An Examination of the Concept and Practice of Corporate Social Responsibility in India’s Information Technology Sector *Vidhi Chaudhri (Purdue University), *Jian Wang (Purdue University)
Community Right to Know and Environmental Justice: Public Relations Practitioners Are Neither Getting Nor Using the Message
*Michael J Palenchar (Univ of Tennessee, Knoxville), *Bernardo Motta (The University of Tennessee)
Reconsidering Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility: Public Relations and Effective Ethical Engagement of Employees in a Global Economy
*Steve May (University of North Carolina Chapel Hill)

Practicing What We've Preached: Experiential Approaches to Public Relations Education 
Scheduled Time: Sat, Nov 22 - 9:30am - 10:45am  Building/Room: Manchester Grand Hyatt / Cunningham A

Session Participants: 
Working to Learn and Learning to Work: A Profile of Service-Learning Courses in University Public Relations Programs
Diane F. Witmer (California State Univ Fullerton), *Deborah A Silverman (Buffalo State College), *Dennis John Gaschen (California State University, Fullerton)
Guidelines for Public Relations Student Electronic Portfolios
*Suzannah Annette Patterson PhD, APR (guest user)
Job Satisfaction in Public Relations Internships
Ashley Beebe (University of Georgia), Abby Blaylock (University of Georgia), *Kaye D Sweetser (University of Georgia)
Service Learning Projects in the PR Writing Course
*Deborah A Silverman (Buffalo State College)
Chair: Michael Smith (La Salle University) MSMITH@LASALLE.EDU

Unconventional Perspectives on Public Diplomacy and Public Relations 
Scheduled Time: Sat, Nov 22 - 9:30am - 10:45am  Building/Room: Manchester Grand Hyatt / Oxford

Session Participants: 
Session Organizer: Michael Smith (La Salle University) MSMITH@LASALLE.EDU
Chair: Rise J. Samra (Barry University) rsamra@mail.barry.edu
Toward a Relational Theory of Public Diplomacy
*Maureen Taylor (University of Oklahoma)
Exploring the role of rhetoric in hostile diplomatic situations: Implications for international relations
*Vidhi Chaudhri (Purdue University), *Jeremy Fyke (Purdue University)
Public Diplomacy and NGOs: Promising Constellations? The case 'Zoe's Arch'
*Claudia I Janssen (Purdue University)
Toward a model of NGO media diplomacy in the internet age:Case study of The Washington Profile
*Juyan Zhang (University of Texas at San Antonio)

Reparation, Renewal, Repair, Survival: unCONVENTIONal Approaches to unCONVENTIONal Crisis to (Re)establish Post-crisis Legitimacy 
Scheduled Time: Sat, Nov 22 - 2:00pm - 3:15pm  Building/Room: Manchester Grand Hyatt / Oxford

Session Participants: 
Disclosing Ties to Slavery: Corporate Renewal Efforts in Response to the Reparations Movement
*Jeffrey D. Brand (Millikin University)
Race, Gender and Image Repair: Exploring Race and Gender in Relation to Oprah Winfrey’s Multiple Image Repair Attempts
*Denise L Oles (Drake University)
Derived Messages from Katrina Survivors
*Jane Fitzgibbon (Wayne State Univ), Jennifer A Burke (Prairie View A&M Univ)
Framing Kwame Kilpatrick: Third-Party Response to the Detroit Mayor’s Text Message Scandal
*Donyale R. Griffin (Wayne State Univ)
Respondent: Robert R. Ulmer (University of Arkansas, Little Rock) rrulmer@ualr.edu
Chair: Denise L Oles (Drake University) dloles@yahoo.com

Abstract: 
Participations interrogate unconventional public relations strategies in regards to how a corporation maintains a favorable public image when forced by law to make reparations for past wrongdoings, the way race and gender influence individual image repair attempts, how shared group voice and consciousness emerge after a disaster, and finally why third-party reactions are a new, important avenue in crisis research. Existing apologia theories are pushed beyond traditional and conventional applications to present new ways to think about and respond to crisis situations.

The More Things Change: New Technology and Public Relations Theory and Technique 
Scheduled Time: Sat, Nov 22 - 3:30pm - 4:45pm  Building/Room: Manchester Grand Hyatt / Oxford
Session Participants: 
Session Organizer: Michael Smith (La Salle University) MSMITH@LASALLE.EDU
Chair: Paul Scovell (Salisbury University) pescovell@salisbury.edu
Conventional Texts in UnCONVENTIONal Places: Executive Speeches Available Online
*Joshua Boyd (Purdue University), Stephen D. Boyd (Northern Kentucky University)
Fulfilling the Dialogic Promise: A Ten-year Reflective Survey on Dialogic Internet Principles
*Sheila McAllister-Spooner (Monmouth University)
The Diffusion of Technology in Public Relations
*Christina R Hoggatt (Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication)
Respondent: Paul Scovell (Salisbury University) pescovell@salisbury.edu

Abstract: 
Discussions of the impact of new technology on public relations are not new. This panel, however, explores the ways that technology helps us understand emerging public relations theories and the use of traditional PR techniques in new contexts.

Exploring the Frontiers of International Public Relations 
 Scheduled Time: Sat, Nov 22 - 5:00pm - 6:15pm  Building/Room: Manchester Grand Hyatt / Oxford

Session Participants: 
Chair: Jae-Hwa Shin (Univ of Southern Mississippi) jaehwashin@yahoo.com
Making sense of changes to China’s communication-centered public diplomacy: Direction of information flow and rhetoric
*Juyan Zhang (University of Texas at San Antonio), *Brecken Chinn Swartz (University of Maryland)
Managerial Competence or Enacted Self Positioning: Interpreting Chinese Executives' Perceptions of Crisis Management
*Xi Liu (Tsinghua University, Beijing, China)
Public Relations in Ghana: Professionalism and Impacts of Globalization
*Ming-Yi Wu (Western Illinois Univ), Kwame Baah-boakye (Drexel University)
The Forked Tongue of Iran: An Exploration of Propaganda to Multiple Target Audiences
*Kaye D Sweetser (University of Georgia), Charles W Brown (U.S. Naval Air Forces)
UnCONVENTIONal Ways to Discuss Corporate Reputation: Corporate Reputation in Russian Media
*Katerina Tsetsura (University of Oklahoma), *Gennadiy Chernov (U of Regina)

Social Media and Practice: Implications for Public Relations, Advertising, Print Journalism, and Education 
Scheduled Time: Sat, Nov 22 - 6:30pm - 7:45pm  Building/Room: Manchester Grand Hyatt / Oxford

Session Participants: 
Chair: Brigitta R Brunner (Auburn University) brunnbr@auburn.edu
Blogs as a Means of Escape: How blogs are transforming travel and tourism media
*Naeemah Clark (University of Tennessee)
How has social media impacted the practice of public relations?
*Margaret Fitch-Hauser (Auburn University), *Jennifer Wood Adams (Auburn University), Brigitta R Brunner (Auburn University), Robert French (Auburn University)
Blogs matter: Personal, professional, and research implications of blog use in public relations
*Mihaela Vorvoreanu (Clemson University)
Is MySpace really your space?: Legal and ethical considerations in social media
*Bradford L. Yates (University of West Georgia)
Are Blogs the New Editorial Page?
*Troy Johnson (Columbus Ledger-Enquirer), *Jennifer Wood Adams (Auburn University)
Social Networking, Blogs, and You Tube: Getting your Message Heard
*Michelle M O'Malley (University of South Dakota), *Candace Walton (University of South Dakota), *Michelle Van Maanen (University of South Dakota)

Abstract: 
This panel will discuss some of the ways that public relations, advertising, and print journalism have been impacted by social media. Some topics that will be addressed by the panelists are public relationships, travel/tourism, law, research, ethics, news, entertainment, and editorials. Both practitioners and educators will make up the panel to give the discussion a more well-rounded perspective.

Sunday, Nov. 23

Contemporary Public Relations and the Demands of a Dynamic International Domain 
 Scheduled Time: Sun, Nov 23 - 8:00am - 9:15am  Building/Room: Manchester Grand Hyatt / Oxford

Session Participants: 
Level of Pluralism as a Determining Factor in the Practice of Public Relations
John D. Stone (James Madison Univ)
An International Approach to Public Relations Training
*Bonita Dostal Neff (Valparaiso University)
International Public Relations Instruction: Building from the Host Culture
*Lynne A. Texter (La Salle University)
Adaptation: A Key to Instruction in International Public Relations
*Dean A. Kruckeberg (Univ of Northern Iowa)
Respondent: Judy Van Slyke Turk (Virginia Commonwealth University) jvturk@vcu.edu
Respondent: Frank Oviatt (IPRRC) IPRCEO@jou.ufl.edu
Chair: John D. Stone (James Madison Univ) stonejd@jmu.edu

Abstract: 
The purpose of this panel is to discuss the ever-changing demands that globalization is placing upon the preparation (education) for and practice of public relations in a dynamic world.

unCONVENTIONal: Corporate Responsibility in Postcommunist Eastern Europe 
Scheduled Time: Sun, Nov 23 - 9:30am - 10:45am  Building/Room: Manchester Grand Hyatt / Oxford

Session Participants: 
Corporate Accountability and Social Responsibility in Poland
*Katerina Tsetsura (University of Oklahoma)
Corporate Accountability and Social Responsibility in Romania
*Sorin Nastasia (University of North Dakota)
Corporate Accountability and Social Responsibility in Former Yugoslavian Countries
*Marina Vujnovic (University of Iowa)
Corporate Accountability and Social Responsibility in the Russian Federation
*Alexander V Laskin (University of Florida)
Chair: Sorin Nastasia (University of North Dakota) sorin.nastasia@und.nodak.edu
Respondent: Dean A. Kruckeberg (Univ of Northern Iowa) kruckeberg@uni.edu

Abstract: 
This panel examines a series of case studies on corporate responsibility in postcommunist Eastern Europe. The panelists address the public relations strategies employed in constructing accountable corporations in the context of changes toward market economies and consumerist lifestyles. The panel will benefit from the contribution of young scholars who come from Eastern Europe and understand the cultures of this region, as well as from the dialogue between panel members and audience members.

Unconventional Influence: NGOs, Nonprofits, and Activism in Public Relations Practice 
Scheduled Time: Sun, Nov 23 - 12:30pm - 1:45pm  Building/Room: Manchester Grand Hyatt / Oxford

Session Participants: 
Session Organizer: Michael Smith (La Salle University) MSMITH@LASALLE.EDU
Chair: Ashli Q Stokes (UNC Charlotte) aqstokes@uncc.edu
Public Relations and the Nonprofit Sector: An Examination of Research Possibilities
*Ashley Jones-Bodie (Purdue University)
An Examination of the Linkages Among Communication Tactics, Relationship Outcomes, and Donor Behavior in a Nonprofit
*Julie Suzanne O'Neil (Texas Christian University), *Paul Schrodt (Texas Christian University), Stacy Landreth Grau (Texas Christian University)
Hard News, Soft News, and Tough Issues: The Symbiotic Relationships of NGO Public Relations Campaigns
*Nancy A Van Leuven (Bridgewater State College), Mairead Reinhard (University of Washington), Danielle Newton (Green River Community College)
Activism, Relationship Building, and the Internet: The Case of MoveOn.org
*Erich J Sommerfeldt (Western Michigan Univ)
Public Relations on the Peace Bridge
*Anna DH Kudak (North Dakota State Univ), Jennifer L Reierson (North Dakota State Univ)
Respondent: Ashli Q Stokes (UNC Charlotte) aqstokes@uncc.edu

Preparing for and Learning From the Worst: Pre-Crisis Communication Planning and Post-Crisis Evaluation 
Scheduled Time: Sun, Nov 23 - 2:00pm - 3:15pm  Building/Room: Manchester Grand Hyatt / Oxford

Session Participants: 
Session Organizer: Michael Smith (La Salle University) MSMITH@LASALLE.EDU
Chair: Michael Smith (La Salle University)
Michael F. Smith (La Salle University)   Chair
Assessing the Role of Public Communication in State Emergency Operations Plans
*Carl Botan (George Mason Univ), Paul Penchalapadu (George Mason University)
Hazard, Outrage, and Pre-Disaster Crisis Communication Messages
Patric R Spence (Western Kentucky Univ), *Kenneth A. Lachlan (Boston College)
The Writing on the Wall: A Rationale for the Inclusion of Race in Pre-Crisis Communication and Planning
*Damion M Waymer (Virginia Tech)
Who is Responsible for Internal Crisis? A Public-Oriented Approach to Effective Organizational Crisis Response Strategy in South Korea
*Seon-Kyoung An (University of Alabama), Dong-Jin Park (Hallym University), Seung Ho Cho (Mississippi State University)
Respondent: Michael Smith (La Salle University)  

Abstract: 
These competitive papers broaden our understanding of the complexity of pre-crisis planning and expand the notion of post-crisis evaluation.

The Rhetoric of Sport in Contemporary Society 
Scheduled Time: Sun, Nov 23 - 3:30pm - 4:45pm  Building/Room: Manchester Grand Hyatt / Oxford

Session Participants: 
In a vortex between cheating and winning: Florida State University and Coach Bobby Bowden respond to academic dishonesty
*Angela Jerome (Western Kentucky Univ)
Playing for the name on the front of the jersey: The rhetorical construction and ideological implications of the student-athlete
*Michael Milford (Tarleton State Univ)
The coach, the church, and the employer: An analysis of Rick Majerus’ pro-choice comments, and the response of the St. Louis Archbishop and Saint Louis University
*Jeffrey VanCleave (University of Kentucky)
Farewell to the Chief: Illiniwek, fan identification and the sports mascot as postmodern image
*Phillip Chidester (Illinois State University)
Chair: Angela Jerome (Western Kentucky Univ) angela.jerome@wku.edu
Respondent: Steven J. Venette (Univ of Southern Mississippi) Steven.Venette@usm.edu

Abstract: 
The papers on this panel examine the intersection of public relations and collegiate sports as forms of public communication. Using various theoretical perspectives, we will explore four rhetorical/public relations events in the collegiate athletic world. Each event selected for analysis by the panelists threatened to bring public shame to its respective collegiate institution, and thus presents opportunities to examine the various moments of public discourse that both emerged from and surrounded the event in question. We study these events not as a means of better understanding the events themselves, but rather as an opportunity to interrogate organizations’/individuals’ strategic responses to these events. It is our contention that the varied attempts by the organizations/individuals in question to deal effectively with “moments of public shame” reveal much about the relationship between public relations and collegiate sports, as well as about the ability of public messages to shape and reshape audience identifications with athletes and institutions.

<August 1, 2008e -->
National Communication Association
Public Relations Division
Webmaster: mihaela@clemson.edu