This abstract is summarized by IPR from the original journal article published in the International Journal of Business and Social Science.
Mohamed Kirat, Ph.D., researched the climate and conditions of women public relations practitioners in Qatar, addressing the issue of educational background, working conditions, and professional orientations of these women. Kirat addressed what roles PR departments play in the country’s development process and the relationship between women’s roles in society and their roles as public relations practitioners.
A survey was conducted. An 80-item questionnaire was administered to female PR practitioners in Qatar. In addition, the researcher collected 156 questionnaires from 48 organizations representing government departments, semi-private and private companies.
Key Findings:
· Job Satisfaction: 80% of the PR practitioners were fairly satisfied and very satisfied with their jobs
o 88.4% stated their working conditions were either good or very good
· Public Relations Roles: The majority (78.1%) of women practitioners in Qatar reported it is extremely important for public relations to “Provide information about the organization.”
o Whereas 75% reported public relations is to: “Respond to public complaints.”
· Professional Orientations: 84% of respondents found the opportunity to learn new skills and knowledge to be very important
o 88.4% of respondents valued job security, rating it as “very important”
· Research and outsourcing: 92% of respondents answered they have never conducted research and studies in their department
Conclusion:
The findings from this study suggests women PR practitioners in Qatar are mostly satisfied with their jobs and working conditions, have high ethical standards, value their education and value learning new skills and knowledge, but their practice of public relations is more tactical, focusing of publicity and media coverage rather than research, managerial roles, and counseling.
Implications for the industry:
Looking to the future of public relations in Qatar, these findings reveal the need for training and additional education with a focus on modern technology. The industry in Qatar would benefit from concentrating on professionalism and excellence through specialized education founded in research and theory.
Read the full study to explore more of its insights and findings on the state of the public relations industry in Qatar from the lens of women practitioners.
