Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 PhD student in Communication Sciences, Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Islamic Azad University, Central Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor of Social Communication, University of Tehran.

3 Associate Professor Department of Communication and Media Studies, School of Communication and Media Studies, Islamic Azad University, Central Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

Objective
The significance of branding has grown significantly in today's corporate world. It has become essential for any organization to have a distinct brand identity. The impact of branding has expanded to encompass not only companies but also individuals seeking to create personal brands. There is a broad spectrum of strategies to develop a brand, ranging from extensive advertising campaigns in large institutions to the creation of content by citizens on social media platforms. A wide range of factors can contribute to branding, but it's important to note that modern branding has evolved into a complex and specialized discipline. Applying a brand name to a product or organization is not about confining its scope; on the contrary, it plays a crucial role in establishing a distinct identity in the market. Effective branding goes beyond mere titling and involves a multifaceted approach. The passage states that Keller has categorized the world as having entered the era of branding for several years, but given the current necessity and importance of branding, this era has not yet truly emerged in Iran. Many organizations are either unfamiliar with the term or, if they are aware of it, their understanding of it is still very limited. The study investigated branding through communication technologies, and the article is derived from a doctoral dissertation focused on developing a public relations strategy model for organizational branding in social media platforms.
Methods
This article focuses on examining the role of public relations as a tool for brand production and promotion. Interviews were conducted with communication professors and public relations experts from around the globe. The grounded theory method was employed to gather insights and information for this study. The article utilizes the purposeful sampling method to select a sample of individuals from various continents. Our total sample size consisted of 15 communication professors and public relations specialists. Through multi-stage interviews, we collected comprehensive data, which we subsequently analyzed using MacQDA software to extract relevant concepts and categories.
Results
The study yielded results indicating that public relations goes beyond just selling. Producing and promoting the brand, as well as its stabilization in the market, are also considered essential responsibilities of public relations. Based on the categories derived from the data, we identified crucial theories like glass aquarium, organizational identity, and community culture. These concepts significantly influence brand building within organizations, and public relations specialists should pay attention to their use, especially in the context of new communication media.
Conclusions
Adopting suitable strategies for brand production, promotion, and stabilization enables public relations to effectively develop organizational branding in the realm of social networks.

Keywords

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