Public Relations in the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries: An Arab Perspective (Routledge New Directions in PR & Communication Research)

The Arab world has engaged in public relations for thousands of years, and the public relations literature provides multiple examples extending from ancient times. However, modern public relations is much more vaguely defined. This is partly because the research surrounding public relations practice in the Middle East remains sparse, especially in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.This book presents a clear picture of contemporary PR practice in this region, providing a background on the evolution of public relations in each GCC country. It shows how environmental factors (historical, cultural, socio-political, and economic) influence practice in the region. It also contributes to public relations scholarship, education, and practice worldwide by providing new perspectives to those unfamiliar with its practice in this region. This book will benefit scholars and practitioners alike through its informed analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of practice in the GCC countries, as well as being of great benefit to the development of professional practice in the region. Cover Half Title Series Page Title Page Copyright Page Table of Contents List of figures List of tables List of contributors 1 Introduction Conclusion References 2 The status and new directions of public relations practice in Bahrain Introduction The historical development of public relations in Bahrain The evolution of public relations into a strategic communication process Sociocultural factors influencing public relations practice in Bahrain The current status, challenges, and prospects of public relations in Bahrain Conclusion References 3 Public relations in Kuwait: a historical, practical, and theoretical perspective Introduction Kuwait: an overview The Kuwaiti cultural context The public relations context in Kuwait A unique political context Conclusion References 4 Public relations units in the Omani civil service sector: historical background and current characteristics Introduction Overview of Oman Public relations in Oman Omani public relations: two developments Conclusion References 5 Qatar public relations: in focus Introduction Overview of Qatar Public relations in Qatar Generic principles in Qatar The unique context of Qatar Conclusion References 6 Public relations in Saudi Arabia: an Islamic perspective Overview of Saudi Arabia (its history, politics, and media) An analysis of the public relations revolution in Saudi Arabia Environmental factors relating to culture: religious influence and Islamic ethics Islamic influence on the lives of individuals in Saudi Arabia Clarification of the term ‘profession’ Culture, ethics, and religion in Saudi public relations practice Conclusion References 7 A critical snapshot of the practice of public relations in the United Arab Emirates Introduction The United Arab Emirates: an overview Evolution of public relations in the UAE Socio-cultural factors affecting the evolution of PR Status of public relations in the UAE Public relations in the UAE public sector Implications and future directions Conclusion References 8 Conclusion References Index The Arab world hasengaged in public relations for thousands of years, and the public relations literature provides multiple examples extending from ancient times. However, modern public relations is much more vaguely defined. This is partly because the research surrounding public relations practice in the Middle East remains sparse, especially in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. This book presents a clear picture of contemporary PR practice in this region, providing a background on the evolution of public relations in each GCC country. It shows how environmental factors (historical, cultural, socio-political, and economic) influence practice in the region. It also contributes to public relations scholarship, education, and practice worldwide by providing new perspectives to those unfamiliar with its practice in this region. This book will benefit scholars and practitioners alike through its informed analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of practice in the GCC countries, as well as being of great benefit to the development of professional practice in the region