ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses the gaps that remain in our understanding of the role power plays in the practice of public relations. Through that knowledge, a future generation of public relations practitioners may learn to spot organizations where their ability will be matched with a corresponding degree of power. Isolation of the public relations department from top administration, in their view, limits its practice to the role of “explaining and justifying” others’ decisions. Before attempting to answer the question, the chapter addresses what is known about the relationship between public relations and organizational power. The chapter deals with possible impacts of power on the individual practitioner, on the field of public relations, on the organizational system, and on society. The professional practice of public relations, more as a managerial than technical process, undoubtedly would have positive effects on the organizational system.
