Dr. 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 […]

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.

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.

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 […]

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.” […]

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 […]

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 […]

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/

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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  

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?” […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

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. […]

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 […]

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 […]

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. […]

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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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. […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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) […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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.  

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.  

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 […]

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 […]

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.   

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 […]

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 […]

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. […]

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 […]

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 […]

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

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

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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) […]

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 […]

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 […]

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.

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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. […]

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 […]

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 […]

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,

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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]