| This study is to explore the status of public relations in China. It examines if J. Grunig and Hunt's (1994) four models of public relations---press agentry, public information, two-way asymmetrical, and two-way symmetrical---are practiced by Chinese public relations practitioners and if there are additional patterns of practicing public relations in China. It is a qualitative study. Long interviews with 10 participants were conducted to learn about the phenomenon of public relations in China. The interviews were based on one-to-one chat via the Microsoft Messenger software online. The data were collected using open-end questions that allowed the participants to provide in-depth reflections about their experiences and opinions. This research can provide western public relations firms with useful information and guidance to make strategic business plans and implement them in China effectively. |
