Evolution of the Manager Role in Public Relations Practice

We conducted a comparison of public relations manager role enactment in 1979 and 1991. Using independent systematic samples of Public Relations Society of America members in 1979 (N = 440) and 1991 (N = 203). variables related to role enactment were tested in a causal model and compared over time (12 years). Key elements of the causal model remained constant. Gender (male) is positively related to professional experience; professional experience is positively related to predominant manager role enactment. Predominant manager role enactment, in turn, is positively related to participation in management decision making. Decision-making participation is positively related to both salary and job satisfaction. Key changes over time involve reduction in indicators of gender role segregation and salary discrimination. Specifically, gender (male) is positively related to predominant manager role enactment in 1979, after controlling for professional experience. In 1991, this residual variance is reduced to an insignificant level. In 1979, significant salary differences between men and women remain, after controlling for professional experience. Manager role enactment and decision-making participation. Arguably, such residual difference in salaries indicates gender salary discrimination. In 1991, this residual difference in salary is reduced to an insignificant level.