Date of Graduation
2003
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
MS
Committee Chair
Terry Wimmer
Abstract
This research is an exploration of the public relations industry and its correlation between persuasive messages and ethical responsibility. The design tested public relation firms’ websites and the content of their persuasive messages to potential clients. It applies a qualitative analysis to the top 50 Public Relations corporation’s websites homepages and systematically breaks down their persuasive messages as they apply to the industry’s code of ethics. This research shows that the ethical principle of “expertise” is a significant factor when presenting persuasive messages on most Public Relations firms’ corporate websites and that the industry as a whole is partaking in ethical responsibility.
Recommended Citation
Hayes, Ryan L., "A qualitative examination of persuasive messages and ethical responsibility in the public relations industry." (2003). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD). 10764.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/10764