The Public Relations Division encourages the submission of research papers and panel proposals that focus on key issues for public relations and with an emphasis on theory development. The latter includes studies that further a greater understanding of the theoretical basis for effective communication, but also submissions that focus on the role of public relations in society. We encourage submissions addressing the variety of organizational forms and international contexts. Submissions can use a range of theoretical approaches, including for instance social scientific, historical, rhetorical, critical, and philosophical theory. Both quantitative and qualitative methods are considered appropriate.

Members are also invited to submit proposals around emergent international research collaborations for which they seek international partners. These submissions should be in the form of an extended abstract (2,500 to 3000 words). These proposals will form a session to promote cross national research collaborations amongst public relations scholars around the world.

The Public Relations Division will consider only completed manuscripts and fully developed panel proposals. Those reflecting the conference theme will also receive special consideration. Authors should submit online at the ICA website (see www.icahdq.org then follow the links for the 2012 Conference and online submissions).

For all submissions, please indicate the status of each author (e.g., professor, researcher, master's, or doctoral student). Please note that the authorship status of the paper is determined by the authorship status of the first author. The Public Relations Division has two "Top Paper" panels for awards, one for faculty and one for students. Similarly, please indicate in your submission one of the three presentation options: paper, interactive poster, or virtual. All three options are peer-reviewed, have the same academic importance, and will be equally published in the program. Members are also reminded that high level papers directly addressing the overall theme of the Conference "Communication and Community" will be nominated for Top Theme Paper recognition within the Association.

In order to avoid compromising the integrity of the judging process, author identification must NOT appear on the paper itself. No more than two (2) papers authored by the same person submitted to this Division either as sole or coauthor will be considered. All submissions must be registered online no later than Tuesday, November 1, 2011. The Public Relations Division urges members to submit before this deadline in order to avoid overload on the paper submission site and upload documents in PDF to avoid formatting changes. If your submission is accepted for the ICA conference, you have a commitment to register and attend the conference and to present your work.

Full length completed research papers (8,000 - 9,000 words; maximum 25 pages, excluding references and tables) stripped of all identifiers. Submitted papers must NOT have been previously presented, scheduled for presentation, published, accepted for publication, and if under review, must NOT appear in print before the conference.

Panel proposals should focus on current issues and debates in the public relations field; that is, they should have a real discussion format. Proposals with clear discussion statements (pro or con, effect confirmed or not) are preferred. Panel proposals should include a 500-word rationale (overview) for the panel, a 200-word abstract of each participant's contribution, a description of each panelist's qualifications regarding the proposed topic, and complete contact information for each panelist. Additionally the panel proposal should include a statement from the organizer declaring: "I have received signed statements from all intended participants agreeing to register for the conference and participate in the panel." If any item of the above guidelines and formatting instructions is not met, the panel will NOT be reviewed.

International research proposals should provide a strong overview of the research project aims, methods, and existing collaborations with an emphasis on the contribution to public relations theory and opportunity for international collaboration. Proposals should not exceed 3000 words.

Questions? Contact:

Jennifer Bartlett
School of Advertising, Marketing & Public Relations
Queensland U Technology
GPO Box 2434
BRISBANE QLD 4000
Phone: +61 7 3138 1237
Fax: +61 7 3138 1811
E-mail: j.bartlett@qut.edu.au