Are Middle Eastern PR Professionals Activists?
22 September 2026 · Goldcorporations
The provided academic text by Steven Carl Smith examines the emerging role of PR activism and critical public relations within the Middle East. Through a quantitative survey of 233 practitioners, the research explores how social media serves as a platform for managing organisation-public relationships amidst regional restrictions on free speech. The findings highlight key factors such as persuasion, advocacy, and cultural sensitivity, suggesting that professionals are increasingly navigating social issues like gender equality and youth employment.
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Download audio ↓While acknowledging that the Middle Eastern region's hierarchical structures often hinder dissent, Steven Smith argues that adopting an activist mindset allows practitioners to move beyond organisation-centric goals. Ultimately, the work contributes to understanding how ethical, interactive dialogue on digital platforms can address societal transformation in a complex political landscape.
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