Reliability and Validity of Organization-Public Relationship Measurement and Linkages among Relationship Indicators in a Membership Organization

Abstract

This research was designed to develop reliable and valid measures of the outcomes of quality relationships. Hon and J. E. Grunig's extended scales for four relationship dimensions were tested using multiple-item measurement procedures as suggested. The constructed measures were refined further using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Causal linkages among relationship quality indicators were also tested. The developed measures and the model can be used to better understand a public's perceptions of its relationship with an organization, thus helping organizations better understand how to cultivate and sustain these relationships.