Browning co-edits ‘Sociopolitical Advocacy and the Role of Public Relations’
Associate professor Nicholas Browning co-edited the first edition of “Sociopolitical Advocacy and the Role of Public Relations: Theoretical Developments and Emerging Perspectives on Corporate Social Advocacy and Related Constructs,” alongside Holly K. Overton of Penn State University.
Published by Routledge, the book combines the work of diverse scholars analyzing how organizations speak up about social and political issues and explores why that communication matters. It focuses on sociopolitical advocacy as a form of prosocial communication — including corporate social advocacy, corporate political advocacy, corporate racial responsibility, corporate social responsibility, and CEO activism — through perspectives grounded in public relations, marketing, and communications.
The book examines both the ethical motivations (i.e., normative drivers) and the strategic or business motivations (i.e., instrumental drivers) behind advocacy. It also explores how organizations build relationships through advocacy, how to craft effective and ethical messages, and how advocacy fits within different areas of public relations.
Overall, the book serves two audiences: it provides a strong foundation for readers new to the topic, while also offering deeper analysis for advanced students and researchers in public relations, strategic communication, organizational communication, and related fields.
Preorders are now being accepted, and copies will begin shipping after Feb. 20.