Toward a caring government: Advancing ethical government public relations with a care-based relationship cultivation model. Issue 5 (3rd September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dong, Chuqing; Morehouse, Jordan
• Is Part Of: Journal of public relations research. Volume 34:Issue 5(2022)
• Page Start: 179
• Page End: 207
• Publication Date: 2022-09-03
• Subjects: Government public relations -- ethics of care -- government-public relationship (GPR) -- relationship management -- relationship cultivation strategies; Public relations -- Periodicals; Public relations -- Research -- Periodicals; 659.205
• DOI: 10.1080/1062726X.2022.2119978
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1062-726X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: In this study, we explore the potential contribution of care ethics to government-public relationship (GPR) management. Drawing on the ethics of care and relationship management theory, this study examined government communicators' conceptualizations of care and care-based relationship cultivation strategies by interviewing 32 public relations practitioners working at county government agencies in the United States. Findings suggest that care is a complex, multidimensional construct that involves relational, emotional, humanistic, and personal components in the context of government public relations. The study advances public relations scholarship by proposing a Care-Based Relationship Cultivation Model and suggests measures for seven care-based relationship cultivation strategies highlighting care ethics. Our findings are useful for local government practitioners across countries to infuse care into their public relations efforts.