The re-enchantment of social institutions: Max Weber and public relations

The German sociologist Max Weber is rarely referred to in public relations theory and research. In this article it is argued that his concepts of legitimacy and legitimation are relevant for understanding and analyzing public relations activities. Legitimacy, i.e. having sufficient external support to continue to exist, is seen as the ultimate purpose of public relations, and legitimation is seen as the efforts which are aimed at acquiring organizational legitimacy. The article discusses both theoretical and practical implications of these ideas for the field of public relations.     

The quest for legitimacy and the communication of strategic cross-sectoral partnership on Facebook: A big data study

Nowadays, many wicked problems such as environmental issues require organizations from multiple sectors to form cross-sectoral alliances. Cross-sectoral alliance networks can transfer resources and signal affiliations and value alignment between strategic partners. The communication of cross-sectoral alliances is a form of CSR communication that serves organizations’ strategic goals and objectives. Drawing on the literature on digital CSR communication and legitimacy theory, this article examines which legitimacy needs shape the formation of cross-sectoral ties on Facebook in addressing environmental and sustainable development issues in the United States. Combining data-mining, text-mining, social network analysis, and exponential graph modeling, this research investigates the structure of a network among 3071 organizations across multiple sectors. Findings show that organizations’ cross-sectoral tie formation is mainly driven by social legitimacy and alliance legitimacy needs.     

Institutionalizing public relations in China: A sociological analysis of the Chinese Premier's Press Conference

Unlike previous studies that focus on the problems of public relations management, this study tackles the institutionalization of PR in China from a sociological perspective. Through the process of social construction, public relations is institutionalized according to changes in the larger environment, making use of different sources of legitimation. Focusing on the evolution of the Chinese Premier's Press Conference (CPPC), this study finds that the institutionalization of PR in China, especially in the realm of governmental practices, has varied in its structure, settings and contents, which are mixed with informal features within the Chinese social–political context. The CPPC has become a venue for top-down publicity for the powers that be. Because the organizational structure of the CPPC is more centralized than that of other governmental institutions, the form and content of its PR communications are mostly predictable. However, it is the process of the institutionalization of the CPPC that is revealing of how the Chinese government rationalizes its authority and legitimacy.     

Statutory Bodies: How Distinctive and In What Ways?

This article sets the organizational scene for the symposium. It does this by addressing statutory bodies, first in terms of their distinctive statutory foundations, and thereafter with reference to arrangements which they have in common with other types of organizations. Their distinctiveness results from the required legislative action, coupled with forms of political maneuvering and policy analysis. Their other features include their structures, ownership, work, legal power and relationships. Overall, they are legitimate, purposeful and responsible entities with a need to respond to various integration and autonomy arenas in which they are located.     

村民自治：农村基层权力合法性基础的合理调整

任何政治权力系统都必须建立在权力合法性基础之上 ,方可得以稳定和巩固。我国国家行政权力合法性的本质是权力来源于对人民利益的实现能力和程度。我国农村基层权力合法性基础经历了稳定、危机显现、合理调整的发展历程。     

从“沉默权”看公权力在宪法上的“举证责任”

从＂沉默权＂的制度作用可以追踪到现代国家之中公权力所必须承担的宪法意义上的举证责任。以宪法内容的权力—权利两分法角度观察,该种举证责任在既定的宪法秩序之中产生,分为权力分配与设立中的＂肯定式举证＂和公民权利限制中的＂否定式举证＂。在当代国家,这两种举证责任的承担方式主要是通过立法（广义法律）进行,其结论的合法性主要来自于既定的立法程序。进而,公权力在宪法上的举证责任,于宪政秩序的建设中也就承担着合法性之证明的作用。     

摩洛哥阿拉维君主制统治合法性分析

本文从历史与传统、现代与理性、宗教以及国王个人魅力等四个方面分析了1956年独立后摩洛哥阿拉维君主制统治合法性的基础和来源。作者指出，摩洛哥阿拉维君主制的统治反映了韦伯关于合法统治的三种类型，即合理型、传统型和魅力型，其中，传统型占主导地位并与伊斯兰教紧密相连。迄今，宗教神圣的合法性体现了阿拉维君主制所有统治合法性学说的本质，然而其神圣性也遭到了质疑和挑战。     

高等学校学生管理合法性的基本原则

高等学校学生管理合法性的基本原则是指高等学校制定的规章制度和发生具体学生管理活动时所必须遵守的基本法则和行为标准。理解并遵守高等学校学生管理合法性的基本原则,是保证高校学生管理合法的重要前提。高等学校学生管理合法性的基本原则主要包括:主体合法、规章制度合法、程序合法、比例适度原则等。     

中国民间社团合法性获得的实证研究——以广州市C社团为例

通过对广州市残疾人社团——C社团的分析,可以看到,民间社团发展的最大困难不是资源(资金与人力)的缺乏,而是行政合法性的缺失进而导致难以获得法律合法性(在民政局登记注册,获得独立法人资格)。政府对行政资源的控制是影响民间社团在中国获得合法性的最大约束,同时,这种约束在1980年代末实现了制度化。     

论社会企业的合法性

社会企业的组织形态与现行法律体系格格不入,产品受到公众质疑,定位受限于一线城市,导致在法规合法性、道德合法性与认知合法性等方面面临难题,并进而影响社会企业的经济效益与社会效益。鉴于此,唯有通过主动地适应或选择、改变或创造环境才能化解这一难题。