Includes bibliographical references and index.

Contents: Getting oriented: What is public relations? -- Who are pr practitioners? -- Historical perspective -- Strategy in public relations -- Foundations of public relations: Understanding audiences -- Researching effectively -- Adhering to ethical practices and meeting professional standards -- Staying within legal bounds -- Understanding public relations theory -- The process of strategic public relations: Discovery and analysis -- Program planning -- Campaign implementation -- Program evaluation and campaign follow-up -- Guide to public relations tactics: Written tactics -- Spoken tactics -- Visual media and interactive media tactics -- Public relations practice in context: Corporate sector -- Nonprofit sector -- Politics and government -- International public relations