The Fundamentals of Public Relations: What it is and How to Do it Well

"The Fundamentals of Public Relations: What it is and How to Do it Well gives students a complete understanding of the essentials of the discipline and teaches them how to apply and practice them successfully. While many standard textbooks concentrate on explaining what public relations is, The Fundamentals of Public Relations also emphasizes how to conduct public relations and initiate successful public relations tactics.

After a brief introduction to the field the book moves to public relations research and the legal implications of public relations practice. Separate and distinct chapters are devoted to employee, media, community, consumer, and government relations.

Essential forms of communication are discussed in chapters on public relations writing and social media. The book concludes with an examination of the future of public relations and the role of tomorrow's practitioners.

The Fundamentals of Public Relations effectively combines an introduction to key concepts with a practical approach to successful implementation. The book is a foundational text for students new to the discipline. It can also serve as an ancillary reader for courses in marketing and advertising.

Dr. Joseph Harasta, APR, is an associate professor of communication studies at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. He earned his Ed.D. in innovation and leadership at Wilmington University, and his subsequent research and instruction have focused on integrated marketing communications, public relations planning, and public opinion. He has developed public relations campaigns for professional sports teams, colleges and universities, and for-profit and non-profit organizations. His most recent publications include, “Jersey Strong, Right?: A Communications Analysis of New Jersey’s Post-Hurricane Sandy Tourism Recovery,” from Case Studies in Strategic Communication, Volume 3 and “The Amish―A People of Preservation and Profitability: A Look at the Amish Industry in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania” from Journal of Amish and Plain Anabaptist Studies, Volume 2. He is accredited in public relations from the Public Relations Society of America."