The professionalisation of British public relations in the twentieth century : a history
The thesis presents a first account of the development of British public relations in the twentieth century. The focus is on the whether British public relations has managed to 'professionalise'. To a large degree, the story is one of failure, despite the exponential growth of the field. The history of this puzzling contradiction is explored in detail, drawing on previously untapped archives and extensive oral history interviews. The thesis argues that this apparent paradox is explained by the inability of the would-be professional body to establish control over public relations practice. Thus, one of the key features of the thesis is its presentation of a counter-history of the Institute of Public Relations to that body's own selfunderstanding. Turning to the overall development and growth of the occupation, the thesis argues that one of the most significant features of British developments, especially in the first half of the twentieth century, was the large role played by local and central governments and the relatively small contribution of the private sector. Key aspects of British government propaganda in both wartime and peacetime are highlighted and also include activities focused on policies of de-colonisation
L'Etang, Jacqueline Yvonne
Propaganda, British History 20th century ; Public relations Great Britain History 20th century
The professionalisation of British public relations in the twentieth century : a history. The thesis presents a first account of the development of British public relations in the twentieth century. The focus is on the whether British public relations has managed to 'professionalise'. To a large degree, the story is one of failure, despite the exponential growth of the field. The history of this puzzling contradiction is explored in detail, drawing on previously untapped archives and extensive oral history interviews. The thesis argues that this apparent paradox is explained by the inability of the would-be professional body to establish control over public relations practice. Thus, one of the key features of the thesis is its presentation of a counter-history of the Institute of Public Relations to that body's own selfunderstanding. Turning to the overall development and growth of the occupation, the thesis argues that one of the most significant features of British developments, especially in the first half of the twentieth century, was the large role played by local and central governments and the relatively small contribution of the private sector. Key aspects of British government propaganda in both wartime and peacetime are highlighted and also include activities focused on policies of de-colonisation
professionalisation british_public relation history present first account development british_public relation focus whether british_public relation manage professionalise large degree story failure despite growth field history puzzle contradiction explore detail draw previously untapped archive extensive oral_history_interview argues apparent paradox explain inability would professional body establish control public relation practice thus one_key feature presentation counter history institute public relations body turning overall_development growth occupation argue significant_feature british development especially first_half large role_play local central_government relatively_small private_sector key_aspect british_government propaganda wartime peacetime highlight also_include activity focus policy colonisation