Abstract of Study

This study of Black and Hispanic public relations practitioners highlights their experiences in the workplace, issues related to job satisfaction, career advancement and membership in professional organizations. Using a national survey of 132 practitioners and pre-and post-discussion groups, the study reveals dissatisfaction with the PR profession’s commitment to diversity, perceived pervasive discrimination, and widespread concern that multicultural practitioners are relegated to a slow professional track. Findings also indicate that women-owned / managed firms have significantly greater commitment to and success in nurturing multicultural practitioners, compared to their male counterparts.