Publication Date

1993

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Scantlen, Anthony J.

Degree Name

M.A. (Master of Arts)

Legacy Department

Department of Journalism

LCSH

Public relations--Accreditation; Public relations--Certification; Communication in organizations; Public relations

Abstract

This study concerns the value of accreditation in the communication profession. Licensing of communication professionals, although continually debated, is unlikely. Accreditation programs, though, exist to designate and recognize communication professionals. The literature, however, lacks evidence of accreditation's importance and value. In this study, communicators, accredited by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) share their views on the value of accreditation to tangible rewards such as position advancements and salary increases. They also express their views on accreditation's value to intangible benefits such as personal pride and recognition from their peers. The accredited business communicators (ABCs) suggest that accreditation is valuable to intangible rewards (professional values) and has limited value to tangible benefits (career values). By associating more professional values than career values with accreditation, the ABCs suggest the credential truly designates professionalism. Therefore, it is important to the communication/public relations profession. Furthermore, the data suggest ABCs have a clear understanding of the accreditation program's purpose, are proponents of its growth and development, and believe the process leading to accreditation of a portfolio review, written examination, and oral examination is effective. They express dissatisfaction with the visibility of the ABC credential outside the communication profession and are somewhat more satisfied with the visibility of the ABC credential inside the profession. ABCs employed by public relations firms or agencies are more likely than ABCs employed by corporations to value accreditation for tangible rewards. A number of recommendations are made for IABC, a worldwide association for more than 11,500 individuals employed in communication and public relations.

Comments

Includes bibliographical references (pages [120]-124)

Extent

138 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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