Frank Ovaitt | Institute for Public Relations

March 5, 2012[Blog][blog research]Frank Ovaitt

If you follow the work of crisis communications scholars such as Tim Coombs, perhaps you too have wondered about assumptions versus proof. How much of what we take for granted about effective crisis response is supported by empirical evidence? Is there more to go on than the war stories of crisis veterans, as important as … Continue reading Crisis Communications Research: Assumptions vs. Proof →

February 8, 2012[Blog][blog news]Frank Ovaitt

There is quite a lot of science in crisis response to go with the art. I was interviewed a few weeks ago (along with PRSA Chair Gerry Corbett and Council of Public Relations Firms’ Senior Vice President Matt Shaw) by The Business Journals for an article on “How to respond to bad publicity.” The three … Continue reading Three Things Research Teaches About Crisis Response →

December 13, 2011[Blog][blog news]Frank Ovaitt

Beijing’s 798 Art District, fashioned from military-industrial facilities built by East German engineers in the 1950s, is often compared to New York’s SoHo. But SoHo East it is not. China’s contemporary art scene defines a one-of-a-kind place and experience. So it is with the public relations profession in China. Several years after my last trip … Continue reading China and Public Relations Research →

October 20, 2011[Research Library], Education in PRFrank Ovaitt

While the number of public relations graduate programs in the United States nearly tripled since 2000, inconsistent curricula and degree requirements may be lowering the value of this education and creating confusion for students, educators and employers. Three studies by the Commission on Public Relations Education (co-chaired by IPR President & CEO Frank Ovaitt) include … Continue reading Setting Standards for Graduate Education in Public Relations →

September 9, 2011[Blog][blog news]Frank Ovaitt

Kudos to Barry Leggetter and AMEC for launching a collaborative effort to create global social media standards. “It is always the marketplace that drives the demand for standards, whether it is the standard format for DVDs or standards for public relations research,” says David Geddes, who chairs IPR’s Commission on Public Relations Measurement and Evaluation. … Continue reading The Thud IS Thoughtful →

August 3, 2011[Blog][blog news], [blog research], Measurement PublicationFrank Ovaitt

My previous post spoke about the Institute for Public Relations (IPR) redoubling its focus on research that matters to the practice. The IPR Board of Trustees, after debating dozens of research topics relevant to the practice of public relations, has identified its five highest priority topics. What drives choice and changes behavior? What can we … Continue reading Laying Down a Research Track, Part Two →

July 28, 2011[Blog][blog news], [blog research], Measurement PublicationFrank Ovaitt

The Institute for Public Relations (IPR) Board wants to redouble our focus on research, tracking even more toward topics that matter to the practice: providing timely insights and applied intelligence that leaders in our field can put to immediate use. In this post and another to follow, I want to share our research direction broadly … Continue reading Laying Down a Research Track, Part One →

June 1, 2011[Blog][blog news], [blog research], Measurement PublicationFrank Ovaitt

Last week I presented the Best Use of Research, Measurement and Evaluation Award at the PRSA New York chapter’s Big Apple Awards. Starbucks and Edelman took the prize for “Starbucks Coffee Company Earth Month.” When a customer substitutes a reusable mug for a paper cup, Starbucks says that can save seven trees per year. With … Continue reading Big Apple 2011 Best Use of Research Award →

August 30, 2010[Blog][blog research]Frank Ovaitt

The fall semester begins. Another cohort of strategic public relations master’s students at The George Washington University enters my applied research course, which focuses on integrating research into practice. One of the assignments they will endure involves developing a detailed RFP (request for proposal) for research services. Wanting to give them a useful guide, I … Continue reading Writing a Better Research RFP →

June 11, 2009[Blog][blog news]Frank Ovaitt

In less than 20 days, I will retire after five great years as President and CEO of the Institute for Public Relations. In several recent speaking engagements, I have taken the opportunity to reflect on the important ideas encountered and adopted. Thus the title, “Four Things That Only Took Me Five Years to Learn.” First, … Continue reading Four Things That Only Took Me Five Years to Learn →

April 10, 2009[Blog][blog news]Frank Ovaitt

Dr. David Michaelson chairs the Institute for Public Relations Research Fellows, a body established by the Board of Trustees to provide overall guidance for our research program. Michaelson, President of Echo Research, also keynoted the 2009 International Public Relations Research Conference. His theme: “Setting Best Practices in Public Relations Research.” It’s my own view, based … Continue reading Making Smarter Research Decisions →

January 30, 2009[Blog], Investor Relations[blog news]Frank Ovaitt

From the Dutch East India Company to a highly respected (and perhaps highest paid) specialization in public relations, Alexander Laskin, Ph.D. explores the investor relations (IR) research base in his section of the Institute for Public Relations’ Essential Knowledge Project. As Laskin tracks the evolution of IR, he also offers his historical take. It may … Continue reading What CEOs Really Want: The Evolution of Investor Relations →

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