Public Relations Strategies and Employee Relations in The University of Uyo Teaching Hospital

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@article{1717038,
      author = {King, Ekenimeno Imo, Umoren, Philomena Effiong, Ikon, Aniekeme Okon},
      title = {Public Relations Strategies and Employee Relations in The University of Uyo Teaching Hospital},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2026},
      volume = {9},
      number = {10},
      pages = {3986-3996},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1717038.pdf},
      abstract = {This study examined Public Relations (PR) strategies and employee relations the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH). The research was anchored on the Two-Way Symmetrical Model of Public Relations and the Social Exchange Theory. The study sought to find out the PR strategies employed by the management of UUTH and to determine the extent to which PR practices mitigate industrial conflict and enhance staff commitment within the organization. Survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study comprised all administrative, medical, and ancillary staff of UUTH, which was put at 2172. Using a stratified sampling technique, a sample size of 338 respondents was drawn. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that UUTH employed a mix of strategies, including regular staff meetings (Mean = 4.30) and modern digital platforms. The PR strategies were perceived as effective, with 81.5% of respondents rating them as "Effective" or "Highly Effective." Empirical evidence revealed a strong, positive relationship between the PR practices and key organisational outcomes: clear communication positively influences staff commitment (Mean = 3.75) and significantly reduces the likelihood of strikes and industrial action (Mean = 3.79). The study concludes that the adoption of dialogic, two-way symmetrical PR strategies is an essential strategic management function for fostering a cooperative organizational climate. It was recommended that UUTH management immediately allocates adequate funding and staffing to the PR unit to sustain the positive employee relations achieved and ensure uninterrupted healthcare service delivery.},
      month = {April},
  }