pr theory and plan writing
DESCRIPTION
PR Theory and Strategic Plan WritingTRANSCRIPT
J4/554 – Theory & Writing the Plan
January 28, 2010©Margy Parker
Theory = “So that…”
• Theory = Prediction (of how actions/events are related
• Theory = Explains why (you think the plan will work)
• Theory and models are usually tested
• No single theory covers all -- a group of theories helpful
Relationship Theories
• Systems Theory
Examines, assesses, monitors relationships
PR staff = boundary spanners
Relationship Theories
• Situational theory - predicts level of involvement
A. Problem Recognition- level of awareness?
B. Constraint Recognition – perception of obstacles?
C. Involvement – how much do they care?
• A – B + C = Active Engagement.
Influential Theories
• Social Exchange Theory - People are influenced by perceived “rewards” (low costs, high benefits)
Reward: low costs (time, resources) high benefits
Reward: effort recognition
Reward: change avoid disaster
Influential Theories
• Social Learning Theory – People are influenced by observing others Through individual examples Through mass media
Influential Theories
• Elaborated Likelihood Theory -- People are influenced by sources outside of the organization
peripheral endorsement supports positive perceptions
repetition (outside the environment)
tangible rewards.
Media Theories
• Uses and Gratifications Theory – people use different types of media for different reasons. Entertainment
Scan the environment
As a diversion
As a measure against
personal identity and values.
Media Theories
• Agenda Setting Theory* Provides topics/info.
to think about
Creates information sources/resources
*Can’t tell a person how to think, but can tell a person what to think about
PR Models
• One way asymmetrical: Dominant, top down, no compromise. One way persuasion, information.
• Two way asymmetrical: Influence takes into account both self interest and interests of others
• Two way symmetrical: Others’ input formulates communication strategies and tactics. All stakeholders participate.
PR Plan - Basic Components
Opportunity or Challenge Statement
PR Plan - Basic Components
• Situation Analysis In-depth
understanding of situation
Conveys story of what’s-going-on
Argues a case for a PR plan
Includes research findings
Basic Components - PR Plan
Goal statement
• “To Be” statement
• The vision of plan success
• A target for objectives
Basic Components - PR Plan
• Primary focus (target audiences)
Who will be influenced
What are the details about the audience? –(Includes findings from primary research)
Why a focus/target?
Basic Components - PR Plan
• Objectives (for each target/focus)
An ACTION statement
To-do-what-to-whom-for-what-purpose
Must be measurable
Forming an Objective
• ExampleTarget Independent Physicians
Action To establish opportunities to feel involved in and respected by Wilcox Health
Purpose So that physicians develop a stronger sense of identity with the organization and have a more positive speaking of Wilcox Hospital.
OBJECTIVE To establish opportunities for independent physicians to feel involved in and respected by Wilcox Health so that physicians develop a stronger sense of identity with the organization and have a more positive speaking of Wilcox Health.
Measure Number of opportunities; number of physicians who respond
Theory: Supports Plan Objectives
Target Independent Physicians Action To establish opportunities to feel involved in and respected by
Wilcox Health Purpose So that physicians develop a stronger sense of identity with the
organization and have a more positive speaking of Wilcox Hospital. OBJECTIVE To establish opportunities for independent physicians to feel
involved in and respected by Wilcox Health so that physicians develop a stronger sense of identity with the organization and have a more positive speaking of Wilcox Health.
Measure Number of opportunities; number of physicians who respond. Model/theory Two-way symmetrical model/identity theory (identifying with an
organization increases likelihood of affiliation with that organization).
Intended Result Independent physicians will improve their “speaking” of Wilcox and increase likelihood of referring patients to Wilcox Health
Basic Components - PR Plan
• Strategy Says how to
accomplish an objective.
Discusses key messages/themes.
Platform for action.
Concept leading to recommended action/tactic
Basic Components - PR Plan
• Tactics/Activities Puts strategy into
action. Typically makes use
of communication tools.
Explains why Not a chore list.
Basic Components - PR Plan
• Evaluation Measures Tracks progress toward objective
Includes achievement of activities
Is a tool for adjustment
Is a tool for follow-up
Goes beyond counting; it evaluates
Basic Components - PR Plan
• Time Line
Allocates time for tactics
Project management tool
Basic Components - PR Plan
• Budgets
Written for each tactic
Summarized per objective
Guideline for allocations
Ten Components - PR Plan
1. Opportunity/Challenge
2. Situation analysis
3. Goal statement - vision
4. Target audience description
5. Objectives – for each audience
6. Strategies - – key messages
7. Tactics
8. Evaluation measures
9. Timeline
10. Budget
11th Component - PR Plan
Follow up measures
with target audiences
-Notes requesting
input
-Surveys
-Interviews
-Updates
Assignments for Feb. 2
• Research – should be in “full on” mode
• Weekly update due Friday to Margy Jan. 29
• Read BB postings on presentations for Feb. 2
• Start thinking about draft plan, client “pitch.”
• Flex day – Feb. 4
R.A.C.E
• Research evaluate
• Action evaluate
• Communication evaluate
• Evaluation