Dr. Juan Meng

Department Head; Associate Professor; Founder & Director, UGA Choose China Study Abroad Program, Public Relations

About: Dr. Juan (pronounced as “Dren”) Meng is the Head of the Department of Advertising and Public Relations in the College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Georgia. Dr. Meng is an associate professor of public relations. She is the founder and director of UGA‘s Go Global Choose China study abroad program. She also founded the College’s Cooperative Education 3+1+1 programs with Shanghai Normal University and Shanghai International Studies University, and serves as the programs‘ academic advisor.  

View Curriculum Vitae

Education

Ph.D., University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
M.S., University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
M.A., Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH
B.S., Fudan University, Shanghai, China

Research Interests and Activities

Dr. Meng’s research specialization includes public relations leadership, leadership development, diversity and leadership in PR, measurement in PR, and global communication. She has published more than 70 refereed journal articles, scholarly book chapters and research reports on leadership-related topics. She is the co-editor of Public Relations Leaders as Sensemakers: A Global Study of Leadership in Public Relations and Communication Management (Routledge, 2014). Her most recent scholarly book, PR Women with Influence: Breaking through the Ethical and Leadership Challenges (Peter Lang International, 2021), is the Volume 6 of the AEJMC-Peter Lang Scholarsourcing Series. She has been invited to present at various panels, workshops, webinars, podcasts, and symposiums nationally and internationally.  

Meng serves on the national advisory board of The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations and leads several signature research projects funded by The Plank Center, including the largest global study of PR leadership, Millennial Communication Professionals in the Workplace, the biennial Leadership Report Cards, the biennial North American Communication Monitor, and Women and Leadership in PR. Meng also serves on the national advisory board of Ragan Communications and PR Daily. She was recently tapped to serve as an inaugural member of the Institute of Public Relations new initiative called IPR ELEVATE, a group of PR leaders dedicated to advancing the research-focused mission in the industry. She currently serves as the Research Vice Chair on the executive leadership committee of the Educators Academy at Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). 

Dr. Meng is an elected member of the Arthur W. Page Society since 2019, a member of the Page Up Society (2017-2019), the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (2006 to present), and the International Communication Association (2006 to present). She also serves on the editorial advisory board for six leading scholarly journals in the field, including Journal of Public Relations Research, Public Relations Review, International Journal of Strategic Communication, Corporate Communications: An International Journal, Journal of Promotion Management, and Journal of Public Relations Education. Dr. Meng has received multiple awards for teaching and research in public relations, including the International ABERJE Award, the Arthur W. Page Top Ethics Paper Award, the Wilcox Award for Best Teaching Paper, and other top research paper awards from PRSA, AEJMC, ICA and IPRRC.  

Chair’s Panel: Innovation in Strategic Communication Research and Education Juan Meng

Nothhaft, H., Goldberg, M., Juan Meng, Volk, S., & Kim, S. (2023). Chair’s Panel: Innovation in Strategic Communication Research and Education. Research panel accepted to present at the 73rd annual […]

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PR Women with Influence: Approaches to Develop Yourself Juan Meng

Juan Meng (Feb. 24, 2023). “PR Women with Influence: Approaches to Develop Yourself.” A professional leadership training session organized and sponsored by See.Spark.Go Athens Corporate Office.

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Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace Juan Meng

Taylor, D., Kim, S., Juan Meng, & McElroy, Q. (Feb. 21, 2023). “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace.” A DEI panel organized and sponsored by the PRSSA Drewry Chapter.

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IPR Master Class: Building Ethical Frameworks Juan Meng

Juan Meng & Neill, M. S. (Jan. 23, 2023). IPR Master Class: Building Ethical Frameworks. This session was part of the 2022-2023 IPR Master Class series. IPR Master Class: A […]

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The integrated role of adaptive leadership, sense of empathy, and communication transparency: A novel approach to trust building in public relations Michael Cacciatore and Juan Meng

Juan Meng, Pan, P., & Michael A. Cacciatore (2023). “The integrated role of adaptive leadership, sense of empathy, and communication transparency: A novel approach to trust building in public relations.” […]

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Examining the characteristics and virtues associated with servant leadership in public relations Juan Meng

Neill, M.S. & Juan Meng (accepted, 2023). “Examining the characteristics and virtues associated with servant leadership in public relations.” Public Relations Inquiry, forthcoming. Abstract: Are servant leadership and ethics of […]

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Diversifying gender equity in leadership in public relations: The role of mentoring and instrumental support at the organizational level Juan Meng

Juan Meng & Neill, M. S. (2023). “Diversifying gender equity in leadership in public relations: The role of mentoring and instrumental support at the organizational level.” Corporate Communications: An International […]

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Special Issue: Leadership, Mentorship and DEI in the Post-Pandemic Public Relations Classroom Juan Meng

Juan Meng & Bardhan, N. (co-editors) (2023). Special Issue: Leadership, Mentorship and DEI in the Post-Pandemic Public Relations Classroom, Journal of Public Relations Education, 8(4), https://journalofpreducation.com/2023/02/23/journal-of-public-relations-education-volume-8-issue-4/

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Bots, Misrepresentation and More: Navigating Ethical Dilemmas in Digital Communication Juan Meng, Solyee Kim & Bryan H. Reber

Juan Meng, Solyee Kim, Bryan Reber, Heidi Modarelli-Frank, and Karen Swim (Sept. 27, 2022). Bots, Misrepresentation and More: Navigating Ethical Dilemmas in Digital Communication, moderated by Michele E. Ewing. This webinar […]

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The impact of crucible experiences in developing public relations’ character and competencies as servant leaders Juan Meng

M.S. Neill & Juan Meng. (2022). The impact of crucible experiences in developing public relations’ character and competencies as servant leaders. Journal of Media Ethics, 37(3), 208-222. https://doi.org/10.1080/23736992.2022.2107526 Abstract: Crucible experiences are essential […]

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Promoting healthy eating: The intervening role of health and nutrition-related claims in food advertisements Juan Meng

P. Pan, M. Bhandari, & Juan Meng.(accepted, 2022). Promoting healthy eating: The intervening role of health and nutrition-related claims in food advertisements. Health Education Journal, forthcoming, OnlineFirst: https://doi.org/10.1177/00178969221132210 Abstract: This study aimed to […]

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Diversifying gender equity in leadership in public relations: The role of mentoring and instrumental support at the organizational level Juan Meng

Meng, J., & Neill, M. S. (accepted, 2022). Diversifying gender equity in leadership in public relations: The role of mentoring and instrumental support at the organizational level. Corporate Communications: An International […]

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Strategic Communication in a Global Crisis: National and International Responses to the COVID-19 Pandemic Juan Meng

Tench, R., Meng, J., & Moreno, A. (Eds.). (2023). Strategic Communication in a Global Crisis: National and International Responses to the COVID-19 Pandemic. London: Routledge. ISBN: 9781032026954. Website: https://www.routledge.com/Strategic-Communication-in-a-Global-Crisis-National-and-International-Responses/Tench-Meng-Moreno/p/book/9781032026954 Abstract: This edited volume […]

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Inaugural 2022 Ragan Research Award JeongHyun (Janice) Lee and Juan Meng

Jeonghyun “Janice” Lee (Doctoral candidate) received the Inaugural 2022 Ragan Research Award (faculty advisor: Juan Meng). The award is jointly sponsored by The Institute for Public Relations and Ragan Communications. The […]

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Making a great leader: Servant leadership and ethics of care Juan Meng

Juan Meng co-authored an invited blog (with M.S. Neill) on “Making a great leader: Servant leadership and ethics of care.” Published June 2, 2022, by the IPR Organizational Communication Research […]

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The role of ethical leadership in building influence Juan Meng

Juan Meng was an invited participant on a June 6, 2022, podcast on “The role of ethical leadership in building influence,” by Mark McClennan at Ethical Voices: Real Ethics Stories […]

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Wellbeing in public relations and communication industries Juan Meng

Juan Meng was an invited participant for a June 30, 2022, webinar on “Wellbeing in public relations and communication industries,” which was part of the new webinar series of EUPRERA […]

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European Public Relations Education and Research Association Juan Meng

Juan Meng was interviewed as part of a new series of invited interviews organized by the European Public Relations Education and Research Association, https://euprera.org/2022/07/29/euprerapeople-interview-to-juan-meng/, July 29, 2022. #EUPRERApeople  

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B-“ in the Plank Center’s Report Card 2021: Did the pandemic improve leadership in public relations? Juan Meng

B.K Berger, Juan Meng, and J Katz. (June, 2022). Public relations leaders earn a “B-“ in the Plank Center’s Report Card 2021: Did the pandemic improve leadership in public relations?” […]

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Barriers to leadership advancement in an age of turbulence: Perspectives from women in PR in the United States Juan Meng and Solyee Kim

Juan Meng, M.S. Neill, and Solyee Kim (2022, in print). “Barriers to leadership advancement in an age of turbulence: Perspectives from women in PR in the United States,” in Martina […]

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Ethical challenges in an evolving digital communication era: Coping resources and ethical trainings in corporate communications Juan Meng, Bryan H. Reber & Solyee Kim

Juan Meng, Solyee Kim, and Bryan H. Reber. “Ethical challenges in an evolving digital communication era: Coping resources and ethical trainings in corporate communications,” Corporate Communications: An International Journal, 2022, […]

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Strategic communication and the global pandemic: Leading through unprecedented times Juan Meng

Juan Meng and R. Tench. “Strategic communication and the global pandemic: Leading through unprecedented times,” International Journal of Strategic Communication, 2022, 16(3), 357-363. Abstract: This article serves as the introduction […]

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he impact of crucible experiences in developing public relations’ character and competencies as servant leaders Juan Meng

M.A. Neill and Juan Meng. “The impact of crucible experiences in developing public relations’ character and competencies as servant leaders.” Journal of Media Ethics, forthcoming, published online July 31, 2022. […]

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Strategic Communication and the Global Pandemic Juan Meng

Juan Meng and Ralph Tench were the co-editors of a special issue of International Journal of Strategic Communication titled “Strategic Communication and the Global Pandemic,” published in June [International Journal […]

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Top Reviewer Award 2022 Juan Meng

Juan Meng received the Top Reviewer Award 2022 (May 27, 2022), dedicated by the Public Relations Division at the International Communication Association. This award is to acknowledging Dr. Meng’s tremendous […]

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Looking at young millennials’ risk perception and purchase intention toward GM foods: Exploring the role of source credibility and risk attitude Juan Meng

Sun, Ruoyu (Grady alumna) and Juan Meng. (2022). “Looking at young millennials’ risk perception and purchase intention toward GM foods: Exploring the role of source credibility and risk attitude.” Health Marketing Quarterly, Vol. […]

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Gender equality in public relations and communication: A comprehensive study bridging the knowledge between North and South America Juan Meng

Abstract: our research endeavors to provide the current reality of gender equality in the profession of public relations in the geographic region of America (i.e., North America and South America). Specifically, […]

Read More
The impact of crucibles in developing public relations character and competencies as servant leaders Juan Meng

Abstract: Crucibles are essential in the development of leaders. Crucibles refer to trials and challenges that test and mold the character, values and behavior of leaders. Through in-depth interviews with […]

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VOICES: Meet the faculty and students of VOICES and learn how you can be involved Juan Meng

Meng, Juan. (March 2, 2022). VOICES: Meet the faculty and students of VOICES and learn how you can be involved. This webinar is organized and hosted by VOICES, the new national organization […]

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The role of ethical leadership in building influence Juan Meng

Meng, Juan and Neill, Marlene. (March 15, 2022). The role of ethical leadership in building influence, invited and interviewed by Mark McClennan, APR, Fellow PRSA and to be featured in EthicalVoices: Real Ethics […]

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Ethical challenges in an evolving digital communication era: Coping resources and ethical trainings in corporate communications Juan Meng, Solyee Kim & Bryan H. Reber

Abstract: This study investigated the ethical challenges facing public relations professionals in today’s digital communication environment. Our research found nearly 60% of surveyed professionals reported that they faced ethical challenges […]

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2022 ICA Rock Star Reviewer Juan Meng

Recognition: 2022 ICA Rock Star Reviewer  – Dr. Juan Meng was nominated by the Public Relations Division of the International Communication Association for her service and reviewing for the 2022 ICA […]

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Research Award: International ABERJE Award Juan Meng

Robayo-Sanchez, Karen Andrea (Grady MA student), Dr. Juan Meng, and Dr. Ana Maria Suarez (Universidad de Medellin in Colombia) received the International ABERJE Award for outstanding research conducted on South American […]

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Ethical challenges in an evolving digital communication era: Coping resources and ethical trainings in corporate communications Bryan H. Reber, Solyee Kim & Juan Meng

Abstract: This study is motivated to investigate the ethical challenges facing public relations professionals in today’s digital communication environment. Our research found nearly 60% of surveyed professionals reported that they faced […]

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Measuring the value of public relations: An international investigation at how communication practitioners view the challenges and suggest solutions Michael Cacciatore and Juan Meng

Abstract: This research is motivated to advance our understanding of measurement challenges in communication practice and coping strategies from a global perspective. To do so, we relied on data from a […]

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The role of ethical leadership in building influence: Perspectives from female public relations professionals Juan Meng

Abstract: Practices of ethical leadership in public relations can be context-specific and they can influence organizational effectiveness. By conducting a national survey, this study examines female public relations professionals’ perspectives on […]

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Chair of the Executive Leadership Committee at Public Relations Society of America Educators Academy Juan Meng

Juan Meng was nominated and appointed as co-research Chair of the Executive Leadership Committee at Public Relations Society of America Educators Academy. Dr. Meng will work with the other co-research chair […]

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Ragan Communications and PR Daily Juan Meng

Juan Meng was nominated and appointed to the 2022 national editorial advisory board at Ragan Communications and PR Daily. Dr. Meng will work with the editor-in-chief at PR Daily and other […]

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Leveraging the cybersecurity function to build influence and strategy: An empirical study of public relations professionals’ cybersecurity acumen Michael Cacciatore, Juan Meng & Bryan H. Reber

Abstract: This study investigated PR professionals’ attention to and perceptions of cybersecurity, and their involvement in handling cybersecurity incidents. Preliminary findings include that practitioners in the US and Canada did […]

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Toward an integrated model of healthy food choice: Examining the moderated mediation effects via online search for nutrition information Juan Meng

Abstract: When numerous reasons behind the obesity problem, such as eating junk food, consuming too many calories, sedentary lifestyle, and other individual-centric causes may not be easily erased, several factors were […]

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Ethical challenges of digital communication in public relations: A comparative study of individual, organizational, and national factors in 52 countries Juan Meng

Abstract: Digital communication enables PR professionals to analyze audiences using their personal data, or to distribute messages via paid channels. Although effective, these practices are often assessed critically from an ethical […]

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Examining the characteristics and virtues associated with servant leadership in public relations Juan Meng

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to understand the extent to which servant leadership and ethics of care are being practiced by public relations leaders. This study provides in-depth […]

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Understanding the competency spectrum for communication management: The need, the gap, and the continuous learning mindset Tong Xie, Juan Meng & JeongHyun (Janice) Lee

Abstract: Communication practitioners are expected to master a wide range of communication and non-communication skills to demonstrate efficiency and competency. Although the competency spectrum has been taken for granted in […]

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Measuring the value of public relations: An international investigation of how communication practitioners view the challenge and solutions Michael Cacciatore and Juan Meng

Abstract: This research is motivated to advance our understanding of measurement challenges in communication practice and coping strategies from a global perspective. To do so, we relied on data from […]

Read More
The role of ethical leadership in building influence: Perspectives from female public relations professionals Juan Meng

Abstract: Practices of ethical leadership in public relations can be context-specific and they can influence organizational effectiveness. By conducting a national survey, this study examines female public relations professionals’ perspectives on […]

Read More
Gender equality in public relations and communication: A comprehensive study bridging the knowledge between North and South America Juan Meng

Abstract: our research endeavors to provide the current reality of gender equality in the profession of public relations in the geographic region of America (i.e., North America and South America). Specifically, […]

Read More
The impact of crucibles in developing public relations character and competencies as servant leaders Juan Meng

Abstract: Crucibles are essential in the development of leaders. Crucibles refer to trials and challenges that test and mold the character, values, and behavior of leaders. Through in-depth interviews with […]

Read More
Leadership excellence in corporate communications: A multi-group test of measurement invariance Juan Meng

Abstract: This study aims at advancing leadership research in corporate communications by introducing a more rigorous statistical approach to test whether communication professionals of different hierarchical reporting levels, years of experience, […]

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Women in public relations: Ascribed and avowed leadership identities and expectations Juan Meng

Abstract: Women who aspire to leadership positions in public relations have to develop political astuteness when it comes to addressing ascribed identities and expectations associated with gender and race. Through […]

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Inclusive leadership and women in public relations: Defining the meaning, functions, and relationships Juan Meng

Abstract: The purpose of this research is to introduce inclusive leadership as a new theoretical framework to understand its meaning and functions in advancing gender equalities and empowerment in public […]

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The roles of instrumental support and mentoring in balancing professional and family responsibilities: Perspectives from women in PR in the United States Juan Meng

Abstract: The rise of a professional career presents women in today’s public relations profession an intense challenge in balancing professional and family responsibilities. Therefore, this study investigates female public relations […]

Read More
Ethical challenges in an evolving digital communication era: Coping resources and ethics trainings Juan Meng, Bryan H. Reber & Taeyeon Kim

Abstract: This study investigates the ethical challenges facing public relations professionals in today’s digital communication environment. Specifically, we focused our research on the new ethical challenges in digital practice, the […]

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Digital acumen and readiness for Industry 4.0: Why digital competency development is crucial for communication JeongHyun (Janice) Lee and Juan Meng

Juan Meng and Jeonghyun (Janice) Lee (doctoral student). (Sept. 23, 2021) Abstract:  Digital acumen is essential for communication management in today’s technology-driven communication environment. However, not every communication professional is […]

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Challenges for communication professionals: How communication professionals could address fake news and prevent corporations from suffering the attack of fake news Juan Meng

Invited talk by the Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China. Dr. Meng was invited to share research insights on communication practice […]

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Spotlight: Digital leadership communication: Leveraging an executive brand Juan Meng

Abstract: This research spotlight shares insights on how technology changes how leaders guide their teams and organizations and some of the greatest challenges for leaders to adapt in the digital […]

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Looking at young millennials’ risk perception and purchase intention toward GM foods: Exploring the role of source credibility and risk attitude Juan Meng

Abstract: This study investigated young millennials’ risk perception, benefit perception, and purchase intention toward GM foods by testing the effects of source credibility and risk attitude. By comparing two samples […]

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Three Rs: Resilience, Resourcefulness, and Reform Mindedness in Public Relations Education amid the COVID-19 Pandemic Juan Meng

Dr. Meng serves as an invited panelist to discuss how the double pandemic—the virus and racial reckoning—is continuing to shape resilience, resourcefulness and reform in our industry and how educators […]

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The role of institutional environment in building communication professionals’ trust and satisfaction: A moderated multiple-mediation analysis. Juan Meng

Abstract: As an important group of internal stakeholders, communication professionals carry the responsibilities to communicate with multiple groups of audience and foster trusted and satisfied relationships, both internally and externally. […]

Read More
Inclusive leadership and women in public relations: Defining the meaning, functions, and relationships. Juan Meng

Abstract: The purpose of this research is to introduce inclusive leadership as a new theoretical framework to understand its meaning and functions in advancing gender equalities and empowerment in public […]

Read More
Leading transitions in a traumatically changing working environment: Communication professionals adapt to COVID-19 impacts. Tong Xie, Bryan H. Reber, Juan Meng & JeongHyun (Janice) Lee

Abstract: The paper presents findings from an international survey of communication professionals on change leadership in communication during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the strong impact brought by the pandemic, communication […]

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Assessing COVID-19 pandemic communication in China: What we know about the communication channels, sources of information, and key message retention. Part of the research panel of Learnings from the COVID-19 pandemic: Cross-cultural differences in risk and crisis communication strategies Juan Meng and Tong Xie

Abstract: This research presents the findings from a large-scale national online survey of Chinese citizens (N = 1,713) about their general knowledge of COVID-19 and the key communication channels that […]

Read More
Better obesity knowledge, healthier food choice? Examining the moderating role of HNR claims in food advertisements. Juan Meng

Abstract: A conditional process model for the impact of obesity knowledge on healthy food choice was proposed to examine how consumers’ obesity knowledge and online search for nutritional information (OSNI) […]

Read More
Barriers to PR women’s leadership advancement: Current situation and anticipated changes. Juan Meng

Abstract: This study examines current critical situational issues and barriers that are likely to influence women’s leadership advancement along their career paths in public relations. A national online survey of […]

Read More
Women in communication: Assessing and advancing gender equality. Juan Meng and Solyee Kim

Abstract: This study addresses the persistent gender discrepancies in the communication profession at three levels (i.e., the micro level with individual communication professionals, the meso level with communication department and/or […]

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The roles of instrumental support and mentoring in balancing professional and family responsibilities: Perspectives from women in PR in the United States. Juan Meng

Abstract: The rise of a professional career presents women in today’s public relations profession an intense challenge in balancing professional and family responsibilities. Therefore, this study is motivated to investigate […]

Read More
Ethical challenges in an evolving digital communication era: Coping resources and ethics trainings. Juan Meng, Solyee Kim & Bryan H. Reber

Abstract: This study is motivated to investigate the ethical challenges facing public relations professionals in today’s digital communication environment. Specifically, we focused our research on the new ethical challenges in […]

Read More
Leadership in public relations: the state of research Juan Meng

Meng, J. (May 13, 2021). Leadership in public relations: the state of research. Invited talk at the School of Communication and International Relations, Blanquerna—Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain.  

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Building mentorship and networks: Insights from PR Women with Influence Juan Meng

Meng, J., & Neill, M. S. (May 19, 2021). Building mentorship and networks: Insights from PR Women with Influence. Invited live training session at the 2021 UGA AdPR Academy.  

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Exploring the 2020-2021 North American Communication Monitor Bryan H. Reber and Juan Meng

Meng, J., Reber, B. H., Gower, K., Zerfass, A. (June 9, 2021). Exploring the 2020-2021 North American Communication Monitor. Facebook Live Webinar, invited and hosted by the Plank Center for […]

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Risk/Crisis Communication Research Related to COVID-19 in Asia Juan Meng

Meng, J. (July 2, 2021). Trusted sources of information, perceived quality in communication, and health knowledge retention: A national study of COVID-19 pandemic in China. Invited presentation as part of […]

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Leadership Research Roundtable: Ethics of Care Juan Meng

Neill, M. S., & Meng, J. (July 27, 2021). Leadership Research Roundtable: Ethics of Care, invited and hosted by The Arthur W. Page Center and The Arthur W. Page Society.   

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AEJMC-Peter Lang Scholarsourcing Book Series Panel Karen Miller Russell and Juan Meng

Hopkins, K., Dahmen, N., Russell, Karen M., Meng, Juan, & Neill, M. S. (August 5, 2021). AEJMC-Peter Lang Scholarsourcing Book Series Panel, invited talk at the 2021 annual conference of […]

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Barriers to leadership advancement in an age of turbulence: Perspectives from Women in PR in the United States Juan Meng and Solyee Kim

Abstract  This chapter presents the research findings from a national research project on women and leadership in public relations in the United States (Meng & Neill, 2021). Through its 51 […]

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The role of institutional environment in building communication professionals’ trust and satisfaction: A moderated multiple mediation analysis. Juan Meng

Abstract As an important group of internal stakeholders, communication professionals carry the responsibilities to communicate with multiple groups of audience and foster trusted and satisfied relationships, both internally and externally. […]

Read More
Measuring the value of public relations: An international investigation at how communication practitioners view the challenges and suggest solutions Michael Cacciatore and Juan Meng

Abstract This research is motivated to advance our understanding of measurement challenges in communication practice and coping strategies from a global perspective. To do so, we relied on data from […]

Read More
Digital competencies in communication management: A conceptual framework of Readiness for Industry 4.0 for communication professionals in the workplace JeongHyun (Janice) Lee and Juan Meng

This research is motivated to explore communication professionals’ understanding of the digital changes brought by the Industry 4.0 revolution and how such changes may affect the strategies and skills expected […]

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Strategic Communication in a Global Crisis: National and International Responses to the COVID-19 Pandemic Juan Meng

Strategic Communication in a Global Crisis: National and International Responses to the COVID-19 Pandemic

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The impact of COVID-19 pandemic, ethical challenges, gender issues, cyber security, and competence gaps in strategic communication. Juan Meng and Bryan H. Reber

North American Communication Monitor 2020-2021. The impact of COVID-19 pandemic, ethical challenges, gender issues, cyber security, and competence gaps in strategic communication.

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The 2021/2022 Page/Johnson Legacy Scholar Award Juan Meng

Meng, Juan: The 2021/2022 Page/Johnson Legacy Scholar Award for research contributions to the ethics of care in public relations research and practice. Awarded by The Arthur W. Page Center for […]

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Ethics of Care and Servant Leadership  Juan Meng

Neill, M. S. (CO-PI) at Baylor University and Meng, Juan (CO-PI) at University of Georgia: $6,000 (funded) (July 1, 2021 to December 31, 2022)  Funder/Sponsor: The Arthur W. Page Center […]

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Ethical leadership and influence building: An examination of female public relations’ perceptions on preparedness, role modeling, and influence strategies Juan Meng

Abstract: Practices of ethical leadership in public relations can be context-specific but they can influence organizational effectiveness. By conducting a national survey, this study examines female public relations professionals’ perspectives […]

Read More
Leading transitions in a traumatically changing working environment: Communication professionals adapt to COVID-19 impacts Juan Meng, Bryan H. Reber, Tong Xie & JeongHyun (Janice) Lee

Abstract: The paper presents findings from an international survey of communication professionals on change leadership in communication during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the strong impact brought by the pandemic, communication […]

Read More
Assessing COVID-19 pandemic communication in China: What we know about the communication channels, sources of information, and key message retention Juan Meng and Tong Xie

Abstract: This research presents the findings from a large-scale national online survey of Chinese citizens (N = 1,713) about their general knowledge of COVID-19 and the key communication channels that […]

Read More
Better obesity knowledge, healthier food choice? Examining the moderating role of HNR claims in food advertisements Juan Meng

Abstract: A conditional process model for the impact of obesity knowledge on healthy food choice was proposed to examine how consumers’ obesity knowledge and online search for nutritional information (OSNI) […]

Read More
Barriers to PR women’s leadership advancement: Current situation and anticipated changes Juan Meng

Abstract: This study examines current critical situational issues and barriers that are likely to influence women’s leadership advancement along their career paths in public relations. A national online survey of […]

Read More
Trusted sources of information, perceived quality in communication, and health knowledge retention: A national study of COVID-19 pandemic in China Juan Meng

Abstract: This research presents the findings from a large-scale national online survey of citizens in Mainland China about the perceived impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, both in the time of […]

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Book Contract Juan Meng

Tench, R., Meng, J., & Moreno, A. (eds.) (2022). Strategic Communication in a Global Crisis: National and International Responses to the COVID-19 Pandemic. London: Routledge.

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PR Women with Influence: Breaking Through Ethical and Leadership Challenges Juan Meng

Meng, J., & Neill, M. S. (2021). PR Women with Influence: Breaking Through Ethical and Leadership Challenges. New York: Peter Lang International Academic Publishers. *This book is Volume 6 of […]

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The Arthur W. Page Center Top Ethics Paper Award Juan Meng

Juan Meng, University of Georgia, and Marlene S. Neill, Baylor University won The Arthur W. Page Center Top Ethics Paper Award in recognition for exceptional research that refines and expands […]

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2020 Best Master Thesis Award for Excellence on Theoretical Impact Juan Meng

Daniel Ziegele (Grady visiting graduate student), Master’s thesis title, “Work stress among communication professionals: A comparative study between Germany and the United States,” received the 2020 Best Master Thesis Award […]

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Empowering women in PR: Breaking through ethical and leadership challenges Juan Meng

Panel description: This joint panel between Media Ethics Division and Public Relations Division explores in depth the topic of women’s ethical and leadership challenges in public relations and communication management. […]

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The role of effective leadership performance in constructing an engaging institutional environment for communication professionals: Evidence from a global study Juan Meng

Abstract: Communication leaders can strategically use organizational resources to co-define functions (the constructionist approaches in leadership) and to establish interpersonal alliances within and beyond communication units (the relational approaches in […]

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Building trusting and committed relationships: The role of job cognition and face-and-favor in the context of Chinese organizations Tong Xie, Juan Meng & Solyee Kim

Abstract: This study tests how the cognitive component of work attitude, particularly the job cognition as tested by Williams and Anderson (1991), affects the dynamic relationships among trust, commitment, and […]

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Award: The Most Dedicated Reviewer Award – Meng, Juan (2019). Juan Meng

Meng, J. (2019). The Most Dedicated Reviewer Award, recognized by Public Relations Division at the 2019 International Communication Association annual conference in Washington, D.C., May 27, 2019,

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Research Report: Juan Meng and Bryan H. Reber

Meng, J., Berger, B. K., Heyman, W., & Reber, B. H. (2019). Public relations leaders earn a “C+” in The Plank Center’s Report Card 2019. Gender and hierarchy gaps widen, […]

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Book Contract: Communication Management Toolbox: Thinking tools and methods for managing corporate communications Juan Meng

Zerfass, A., Volk, S. C., Meng, Juan., & Chen, P. (2021, forthcoming). Communication Management Toolbox: Thinking tools and methods for managing corporate communications. New York: Springer. * This book will […]

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Book Published: North American Communication Monitor 2018-2019. Tracking trends in fake news, issues management, leadership performance, work stress, social media skills, job satisfaction and work environment. Juan Meng, Bryan H. Reber, Tong Xie & Solyee Kim

Meng, J., Reber, B. H., Berger, B. K., Gower, K. K., & Zerfass, A. (2019). North American Communication Monitor 2018-2019. Tracking trends in fake news, issues management, leadership performance, work […]

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Grant: Best practices and cases in communication management tools Juan Meng

This project is jointly funded by the National Social Science Fund of China (NSSFC) (Funded Project Series ID: 18BXW065) and the Academic Research Project Funds of Shanghai International Studies University, […]

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Can Google Analytics Certification Cultivate PR students’ competency in digital analytics? A longitudinal pedagogical research Yan Jin, Solyee Kim & Juan Meng

Abstract: This longitudinal pedagogical research investigates students’ perceptions and learning outcomes by integrating web and social analytics-based learning activities (i.e., Google Analytics courses and certification test) into Public Relations Research […]

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The impact of organizational culture and leadership performance on PR professionals’ job satisfaction: Testing the joint mediating effects of engagement and trust Juan Meng

Abstract: The study examines the impact of critical organizational factors (organizational culture and excellent leader performance) on public relations professionals’ overall job satisfaction by focusing on testing the joint mediating […]

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Maximizing the potential of millennial communication professionals in the workplace: A talent management approach in the field of strategic communication Juan Meng

Abstract: Although millennials have been extensively examined in the popular and academic literature, there have not been sufficient studies in strategic communication that help us fully understand this unique and […]

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Maximizing the potential of millennial communication professionals in the workplace: A talent management approach in the field of strategic communication Juan Meng

Abstract: Although millennials have been extensively examined in the popular and academic literature, there have not been sufficient studies in strategic communication that help us fully understand this unique and […]

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Teaching Specialties

Dr. Meng’s teaching areas include public relations campaigns, research, global PR, PR leadership and ethics. Dr. Meng founded and directs UGA’s ADPR Choose China study abroad program. She leads the program since 2014 and takes students to Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong to learning global advertising and public relations. To know more about the program, please visit the Choose China website.

Experience

Prior to moving to the United States, she practiced communication in Shanghai for a few years, including being a journalist and editor at the Shanghai TV Network, correspondent in Xinhua News Agency (Shanghai Bureau), media relations specialist in Shanghai Media Group (SMG), and other strategic communication & marketing consulting service for various organizations. Before joining the faculty at Georgia, she was faculty at the University of Dayton and Oklahoma State University.

Awards and Fellowships

Dr. Meng has received multiple awards for teaching and research in public relations, including the Wilcox Award for Best Teaching Paper from AEJMC, the Red Raider Award from the Institute for Public Relations (IPR), and several top research paper awards from AEJMC, ICA and IPR.

  • Member, The Page Society, since 2019
  • Women’s Leadership Fellow, 2019-2020
  • Board Member, The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations, since 2018
  • Member, The Page Up Society, since 2016
  • Fellow, 2015-2016 UGA Service-Learning Fellowship Program
  • Fellow, 2013-2014 UGA Teaching Academy Fellowship Program
Meng, Juan
In the News

AdPR Academy renamed, revamped after gift from Myra Blackmon

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PR leaders raise grade to B- in the Plank Center’s Report Card 2021

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Juan Meng named Department of Advertising and Public Relations Head

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The 2020-2021 North American Communication Monitor identifies trends and challenges in a year of continuous crisis

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Trends and challenges revealed in new book about women and leadership in public relations

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Millennial Communication Professionals Study Published in International Journal

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Public Relations Leaders Earn a “C+” in The Plank Center’s Report Card 2019

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Trends and challenges revealed in first North American Communication Monitor

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Grady College professors help lead research for largest worldwide communication study

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Focus on Faculty: Juan Meng

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"Study: Generation gap could advance PR industry" via UGA Columns

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"A talent management ecosystem that works: From personalizing to contextualizing" via Institute for Public Relations

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"Study: Why millennials should be taken seriously in the PR workforce" via PRWeek

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"New Plank Center and IPR study reveals sharp differences between millennial communication professionals and their managers in perceptions of workplace factors, values and attributes" via Institute for Public Relations

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"Millennial communication professionals in the workplace" via Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations

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"PR Leaders are Pretty Average | Plank Center Report Card 2017" via Institute for Public Relations

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"Report: New study highlights PR's deficiencies" via Ragan.com

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"PR leaders’ grades slide on Plank Center’s 2017 'Report Card' " via Agility PR Solutions

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"Planck Center: Male vs. female perception gap of PR is widening" via PR Week

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"Gender Differences Deepen, Leader-Employee Gap Remains and Grades Slide In Plank Center Report Card 2017 on PR Leaders" via The Planck Center

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