Comparisons of role perceptions for male and female public school public relations directors

Abstract

The primary purpose of this study was to compare the responsibilities and role perceptions of male and female school public relations directors. The population of this study consisted of the public relations directors selected from the NSPRA membership roster and Supplement of 1977-78. The sample was made up of 200 systematically selected members of the population. Of the 200 individuals in the sample, 164 returned the questionnaire and 159 provided usable responses to the questionnaire. Data from the questionnaire were analyzed using the DISTA program and ANOVAR. The average male school public relations director in this study was between40-49 years of age with a Masters degree. The average female school public relations director was either in the age category of 50-59 years of age or 30-39 years of age with a Bachelors degree. The differences between the male and female directors were in the descriptive data. The male school public relations directors earned more money than the female school public relations directors. The male directors were on the administrative team more often than the female directors. Generally the male and female school public relations directors agreed in their perceptions regarding their responsibilities and role. Of the 35 statements of role perceptions, three statements were found to be significantly different by the male and female directors.