Subjective well-being perceptions of Portuguese Public Relations practitioners

A gender and stages of life analysis

Bibliographic Data

ID21696055
AuthorsMaria João Cunha (0000-0002-0325-5709, Instituto Superior de Ciências Sociais e Políticas, Universidade de Lisboa Centro Interdisciplinar de Estudos de Género/Interdisciplinary Centre for Gender Studies), Carla Cruz (0000-0003-0523-0350, Instituto Superior de Ciências Sociais e Políticas, Universidade de Lisboa Centro Interdisciplinar de Estudos de Género/Interdisciplinary Centre for Gender Studies), Célia Belim (0000-0001-9927-8018, Instituto Superior de Ciências Sociais e Políticas, Universidade de Lisboa Centro de Administração e Políticas Públicas/Centre for Public Administration and Public Policies)
Year2025
Volume29
Issue3
Pages340-362
Publication date2025-08-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Communication Management (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1363-254X • E-ISSN: 1478-0852
PublisherEmerald (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1108/jcom-02-2024-0036
OpenAlexW4402802520
LanguageEN
References cited48

Purpose This research aims to explore perceptions of subjective well-being (SWB) in public relations (PR) practitioners, focusing on dimensions of job satisfaction, networking, relationships and work–life balance, while addressing the under-researched area of gender and age – related to stages of life – disparities in SWB within the PR industry. Design/methodology/approach Employing a mixed-methods sequential explanatory design, this study utilised a survey, followed by semi-structured interviews to investigate SWB among PR professionals in Portugal, considering gender and stages of life differences. Findings Using a gendered and stages of life lens, this study found nuanced perceptions of SWB among Portuguese PR professionals. Older women showed higher emotional well-being but lower work evaluations than men, while young professionals exhibited less gender disparities in SWB. Men reported greater job satisfaction, emphasising passion, while women faced challenges like work overload and valued recognition. Gender differences were seen in networking, with men favouring teamwork and women valuing friendships for career advancement. Work–life balance issues, especially among older women, related to mental health. Originality/value This study contributes to filling the research gap regarding SWB in the PR industry, particularly in Portugal, offering insights into gender and stages of life dynamics that influence SWB perceptions, thereby informing strategies for enhancing well-being and productivity in PR workplaces

Perception · Political science · Politics · Portuguese · Public life · Public relations · Sociology · Job Satisfaction and Organizational Behavior · Law · Psychology · Public Relations and Crisis Communication · Workaholism, burnout, and well-being

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