Chapter Engaging Polarized Publics in Corporate Social Advocacy : IN Book: Sociopolitical Advocacy and the Role of Public Relations

Abstract

This volume explicates the role of sociopolitical advocacy and other related constructs as forms of prosocial communication. Bringing together a diverse group of scholars, this volume provides comprehensive conceptualizations and discussions of key constructs related to prosocial communication—including corporate social advocacy (CSA), corporate political advocacy (CPA), corporate racial responsibility (CRR), corporate social responsibility (CSR), and CEO activism—through perspectives grounded in public relations, marketing, and communication theory. The chapters examine theoretical underpinnings of sociopolitical advocacy to offer understanding of both normative and instrumental drivers of advocacy, relationship building, effective and ethical advocacy messaging, and how advocacy intersects with subdisciplines of public relations. With attention to current issues, the book also examines principles and concepts of advocacy and explains how they have been applied in research and practice in various organizational contexts to address how societal changes will impact sociopolitical advocacy research and practices in the future. Offering both a strong introduction to topics for novices as well as a more advanced interrogation of sociopolitical advocacy for more knowledgeable readers, this book will appeal to advanced students and researchers in public relations, strategic communication, organizational communication, and allied fields.