Research Handbook on Public Communication

This forward-thinking Handbook advances research and practice in public communication, bridging theory, methodology and application. Its interdisciplinary approach utilizes frameworks, tools and evidence-based insights to understand and evaluate communication processes across diverse societal contexts.

Jonathan Matusitz brings together expert authors to examine public communication’s theoretical foundations and research methods, discussing core frameworks such as the Transactional Model of Communication and outlining key strategies for addressing crises. Chapters consider crisis communication and technological advancements, with case studies covering topics including lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and decolonizing digital access in Sub-Saharan Africa. The Handbook introduces and advocates for new research, highlighting emerging digital trends and ethical imperatives in an age of misinformation, AI and algorithmic curation.

This Research Handbook on Public Communication provides a comprehensive overview of the field for students and scholars of communication studies, sociology, political science, psychology and media studies. Practitioners in organizational, governmental and nonprofit sectors will find the book useful for adapting to digital transformations.