Perception of Public Relations Practice Among Selected Chief Executive Officers (CEO's) in Ghana

Abstract

The aim of the study was to explore the perceptions held by some selected CEOs on public relations practice in Ghana. The objectives set included finding out from the CEOs knowledge of public relations, ascertain the CEOs’ view of public relations contribution to strategic management and to learn the constraints of public relations contribution to corporate strategy. Through a qualitative research approach, the study collected data from five (5) CEOs of selected agencies under the Ministry of Transport of Ghana through an in-depth interviews. This data was then analysed through thematic analysis where it was revealed that the perception held of public relations practice in Ghana is good thereby surmising well of the practice. On strategic management, public relations was found to be a critical function especially if it was part of top management. Also, due to diverse challenges such as budgetary constraints, lack of detailed knowledge of CEOs in public relations among others faced in the selected organizations, it hampered its contribution to corporate strategy. Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that CEOs and corporate leadership in Ghana should recognize and support public relations practice. The study also recommends that the Institute of Public Relations Ghana to speed up its efforts to pass a bill that will make public relations a regulated profession.