Abstract

This article sought to determine the status of Government Public Relations (GPR) and its Institutionalization in governance in Nigeria. Through survey research method, Government Public Relations in Nigeria was assessed using the three PR- approaches or the ‘tripod Model’ widely advocated in Public relations literature as a guide for determining GPR status in organizations. The elements of the three PR-approaches or ‘tripod model’ are PR policy approach, PR conscious approach, and PR practice approach. Findings show that GPR practices in Nigeria government circles, ministries, organs, etc do not deeply reflect the three PR approaches or ‘tripod mode’ which is the key index in determining the status of government public relations. Factors ranging from lack of transparency, poor understanding of PR role, non recognition of PR as a management function to adoption of pernicious propaganda militate against institutionalization of public relations in governance Effective government-citizenry relations, shared understanding on government viewpoints, issues and provision of accurate information about government policies, actions, etc are the direct impact/benefits of institutionalizing PR in governance. The article concludes that sustained adoption of the tripod approach that is rooted in the mixed grill or contemporary thinking/ practices can only ensure a sustained GPR status and its institutionalization in Nigeria and other emerging or nascent democracies.

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