An anthology of writings by one of the ‘fathers’ of public relations published in Italy

 

A business is an organisation that interacts with the outside world.  An entity brought to life by its employees, it is inevitably also engaged in exchanges with the world outside its factories and offices.  This is a reciprocal relationship  which, over time, has become more complex and significant. To understand its evolution and its significance today, it is worth reading ‘My Journey in PR’, a collection of essays by James E. Grunig, one of the founding fathers of the discipline of public relations. Edited by Fabrizio Vignati, Grunig’s anthology is a useful guide to a field whose true nature is not easy to grasp and which, above all, is becoming increasingly important today (and not just for large companies).

The book is divided into three parts.  Firstly, there is a scholarly essay by the editor which critically reconstructs Grunig’s theoretical framework and its evolution over time.  Secondly, there is an original, previously unpublished interview in which Grunig himself recounts his personal, intellectual and professional journey.  Finally, there is an anthology of seven articles which address public relations as a strategic managerial function, the impact of digital media on the discipline, the strategic management model of the profession, ethical issues, the situational theory of audiences, and issues of social inclusion.

Together, Grunig’s writings and the accompanying essays present a diverse and challenging discipline. The field of a company’s public relations often verges on ‘communication aimed at selling something’ rather than presenting the company’s activities and purpose.  Very aptly, one of the introductory passages therefore poses the crucial question of the purpose of public relations: is it about being experts in visibility or in relationships?

While it is not always easy to read, this anthology of James E. Grunig’s writings is certainly useful, particularly for younger readers who are just beginning to explore one of the most important aspects of business organisation today.

My Journey in PR

James E. Grunig (edited by Fabrizio Vignati)

Franci Angeli, 2026