European communication monitor 2009: trends in communication management and public relations; results of a survey in 34 countries

Throughout the last years, research into communication management, strategic communication and public relations (which are used as synonyms here) has evolved as a broad and strong discipline in Europe. Original theories and concepts have been developed - ranging from overall frameworks based on sociological theories to advanced theories of corporate communication and integrated communication, complemented by a range of research traditions linked to different cultures and regions. However, several barriers have limited the possibility to draw an overall empirical picture of the structure and developments of public relations in Europe. While national surveys, some of them based on Anglo-American frameworks such as the Excellence Study, provide a detailed insight into regional developments, the overall picture needs to be based both on a theoretical framework and interpretations that cross cultural boundaries.
The European Communication Monitor (ECM) has been designed to match these requirements. It was initiated in 2007 and repeated with the intention of becoming a permanent and annual snapshot of communication management in this part of the world.
The aim of the research is to identify current challenges and future developments of public relations in Europe by evaluating the experiences and perceptions of communication professionals working in communication departments and consultancies.