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The Fate of Habermas’ Theory in Public Relations. A Quantitative Review of Three Decades of Public Relations Research

Fri, May 26, 8:00 to 9:15, Hilton San Diego Bayfront, Floor: 3, Aqua 300AB

Abstract

The work of Jürgen Habermas has been frequently cited in public relations research. Still, it has been maintained that only bits and pieces of his extensive work have been applied. This study investigates the influence of Habermas’ in the public relations body of knowledge through a systematic quantitative review of research publications between the 1980s and today. The analysis of 263 research articles shows that the use of Habermas has grown considerably. Most importantly, however, we find scant references to more recent work of Habermas. This is crucial for two reasons. First, it indicates that analytical potential remains unused, specifically with regard to issues of public deliberation and legitimacy in public relations. Second, because over the years Habermas has consistently revisited and reworked his concepts. The lack of references to the newer publications suggests that public relations scholars are missing out on crucial turns in the theory.

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