AbstractsCommunication

COORDINATION AND CONTROL OF GLOBAL PUBLIC RELATIONS IN MULTINATIONAL CORPORATIONS AFTER INTERNATIONAL MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS: A DELPHI PANEL INVESTIGATION By Rajul Jain August 2009 Chair: Juan-Carlos Molleda Major: Mass Communication The purpose of this study is to examine the coordination and control of global public relations in multinational corporations (MNCs) following international mergers and acquisitions (M & As). The exponential growth in international M & As presents unique challenges and opportunities for the management in terms of integrating various facets of an organization?s operations, including public relations. Based on a multidisciplinary review of academic research, this study constructs theoretical presuppositions about coordination and control of global public relations; and conducts an empirical investigation of these presuppositions using a Delphi panel composed of international public relations experts. Subsequently, a theoretical model indicating factors affecting roles, responsibilities, integration, and configuration of public relations department in the merged (or acquired) organization is developed. This novel study introduces international business management theories of coordination and control to public relations, and thus, sets path for future research to refine, enhance, and contribute to building a theory of coordination and control of global public relations.