Jacksonville, AL – Dr. Breann Murphy, Assistant Professor of Public Relations and the Endowed Scholar of Diversity and Leadership in Public Relations at Jacksonville State University (Jax State), has once again solidified her academic expertise with the publication of her latest study in the esteemed Journal of Public Relations Research. This prestigious journal, known as the top research outlet in the field of public relations, now features Dr. Murphy’s research on the impact of social comparisons on women leaders in executive strategic communication roles.
The study delves into the intricate dynamics of how women in leadership positions within the realm of public relations utilize social comparisons to gauge their effectiveness in the workplace. Specifically, Dr. Murphy’s research sheds light on how these women leverage upward social comparisons as informal self-observations, ultimately enhancing their own leadership capabilities.
“It explores how women serving as Chief Communication Officers are using comparisons to other executive leaders as informal self-observations to enhance their own leadership,” explained Dr. Murphy. “From these observations, these women are striving to balance managerial and relationship-building skills, meeting the dynamic demands of their profession.”
The significance of Dr. Murphy’s accomplishment is not lost on her colleagues within the field. Dr. Chris McCollough, Professor of Public Relations and Advertising and The Ayers Family Endowed Chair of Journalism and Mass Communication at Jax State, emphasized the importance of Dr. Murphy’s research in addressing a notable gap in the field’s scholarship.
“Dr. Murphy is addressing an area of research largely unexplored in the past 20 years in our field, and her findings offer support to help address a clear disparity between a predominantly female workforce in our field, and an overtly male executive suite,” stated Dr. McCollough.
Dr. Murphy’s work not only contributes to the academic discourse within the field of public relations but also sets a standard for quality scholarship within the discipline. With this latest publication marking her third in her primary area of study, Dr. Murphy’s research continues to garner attention and acclaim within academia and beyond.
“The growing profile of Dr. Murphy’s work is setting the standard for quality scholarship that informs our curriculum as one of only 119 ACEJMC-accredited journalism and mass communication programs in the world,” remarked Dr. McCollough. “We have to be active contributors to our disciplinary knowledge, as we educate industry-ready professionals.”
The Journal of Public Relations Research, serving as the banner journal for the public relations division of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication, proudly hosts Dr. Murphy’s groundbreaking study. This publication underscores Dr. Murphy’s dedication to advancing scholarly inquiry and providing valuable insights for both current and future women leaders in public relations.
