Veracity and Transparency as Myths. A Framework for the Analysis of Deception in Public Relations.

• In Event: Best Faculty Papers in Public Relations

Abstract

This article explores the limits of veracity and transparency as principles to support organizational legitimation by analyzing protective and malicious functions of deception in public relations. On the basis of organizational institutionalism and Goffman’s theory of impression management it can be shown that public relations relies on deception to maintain legitimation. Different motives and functions of deception are systemized and transferred to public relations. The analysis reveals, that deception in public relations does not only serve malicious functions, but also protective functions in cases of emergencies, of threats to privacy concerns and to social cohesion.

Author

• Kerstin Thummes, U of Muenster