Public opinion; Public relations; Publicity; Social psychology
The group leadership with which the public relations counsel may work
is limited only by the character of the groups he desires to reach.
After an analysis of his problem the subdivisions must be made. His
action depends upon his selective capacity, and the possibility of
approach to the leaders. These leaders may represent therefore a wide
variety of interests--society leaders or leaders of political groups,
leaders of women or leaders of sportsmen, leaders of divisions by
geography, or divisions by age, divisions by language or by education.
These subdivisions are so numerous that there are large companies in
the United States whose business it is to supply lists of groups and
group leaders in different fields.
This same mechanism is carried out in many other cases. In looking for
group leaders, the public relations counsel must realize that some
leaders have more varied and more intensified authority than others.
One leader may represent the ideals and ideas of several or numerous
groups. His coöperation on one basis may bring into alignment and may
carry with it the other groups who are interested in him primarily for
other reasons.
The public relations counsel, let us say, enlists the support of a
man, president of two associations; (a) an economic association, (b)
a welfare association. The issue is an economic one, purely. But
because of his leadership, the membership of association (b), that
is, the welfare group, joins him in the movement as interestedly as
association (a) does, which has the more logical, direct reason for
entering the field.
I have given this in general terms rather than as a specific instance.
The principle which governs the interlapping and continually shifting
group formation of society also governs the gregariousness.
Individualism, another instinct, is a concomitant of gregariousness,
and naturally follows it. The desire for individual expression is
always a trait of the individuals who go to make up the group. The
appeal to individualism goes closely in hand with other instincts, such
as self-display.
The instincts of acquisition and construction are minor instincts as
far as the ordinary work of the public relations counsel is concerned.
Examples of this type of appeal come readily to mind in the “Own your
own home” and “Build your own home” campaigns.
The innate tendencies are susceptibility to suggestion, imitation,
habit and play. Susceptibility to suggestion and imitation might well
be classified under gregariousness, which we have already discussed.
Under habit would come one very important human trait of which the
public relations counsel avails himself continually. The mechanism
which habit produces and which makes it possible for the public
relations counsel to use habit is the stereotype we have already
touched upon.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account