Abstract
This study reports findings from a survey of members of the International Communication Association’s Organizational Division regarding the status of organizational communication and public relations programs in higher education. Data from seventy-nine respondents indicate that relatively few institutions offer full baccalaureate degrees in these areas, with most providing emphases or cognates within broader communication or journalism programs. Content analysis of definitions shows organizational communication conceived as encompassing all communication processes contributing to organizational functioning, while public relations is framed as boundary-spanning communication directed primarily toward external publics. Curricular patterns reveal overlap in courses such as public speaking, interpersonal, and small group communication, but differences emerge in specialized areas: organizational communication emphasizes training, decision making, and auditing systems, while public relations highlights media, writing, and campaign strategies. Skill expectations also diverge, with organizational communication stressing assessment and training design, and public relations emphasizing media production and writing. The study concludes that while the two fields share theoretical and pedagogical foundations, they remain differentiated in scope, competencies, and institutional location.
Recommended Citation
Ross, Robert
(1987)
"Programs in Organizational Communication and Public Relations,"
Association for Communication Administration Bulletin: Vol. 60, Article 25.
Available at:
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/aca/vol60/iss1/25
