The generation gap and the salary gap in public relations were the topics on a recent “MTSU On the Record” radio program.

Dr. Cary Greenwood

Host Gina Logue’s interview with Dr. Cary Greenwood, an assistant professor of journalism, first aired April 4 on WMOT-FM Roots Radio 89.5 and www.wmot.org. You can listen to their conversation below.

Greenwood’s research, which was published in Communication Research Reports in 2016, compares the differences between the way public relations professionals making $100,000 or more annually in Fortune 1000 companies view their relationships with their firms and the way millennials in public relations feel.

The report surveys degrees of trust, control mutuality, commitment and satisfaction among both groups. It asks whether they agree or disagree with statements such as “This organization believes my opinions are legitimate” and “This organization can be relied upon to keep its promises.”

Greenwood refers to the more highly paid PR professionals’ corporate compensation as “golden handcuffs,” a way of describing bonuses or privileges added to keep highly skilled personnel from obtaining employment elsewhere.

“That term has been used both in business and in public relations to mean the benefits that accrue to someone at the higher echelons of primarily business,” said Greenwood. “In other words, the salaries, the other compensation, perks they might achieve, the power.”

To hear previous “MTSU On the Record” programs, visit the searchable “Audio Clips” archives at www.mtsunews.com.

For more information about “MTSU On the Record,” contact Logue at 615-898-5081 or WMOT-FM at 615-898-2800.