Research

IABC champions research that advances the communication profession, ensuring our members and the broader industry have access to timely, relevant insights that reflect real-world challenges. By supporting and elevating this work, we reinforce our role as a trusted global resource and help communicators stay informed, credible and impactful in a rapidly changing environment.

IABC Members, log in to your account for direct access to each report! Nonmembers, fill out the access forms when requested for reports to be sent to your inbox.

 

A Quiet Shift

Political and social polarization is reshaping how and when companies engage on societal issues, according to the 2026 Global Communication Report from the USC Annenberg Center for Public Relations, produced with support from IABC and Meltwater. The study finds a more cautious, defensive approach in corporate communications, with support for companies taking positions on unrelated social issues dropping 38 percent since 2020, and only 55% of PR professionals now believing companies have a responsibility to advocate on such issues. At the same time, polarization is negatively affecting mental health and employee morale while elevating the strategic importance of communications, with 91% saying it has increased PR’s role within organizations. Overall, the report points to a “quiet shift” away from broad, purpose-driven messaging toward a more situational, selective approach to public engagement.

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Mind the Gap

The 2025 Global Communication Report reviews four key trends impacting the public relations industry, and reveals gaps among the four working generations. It reveals generational differences in attitudes toward AI, corporate purpose, the workplace, and the future of media.

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A Post-Pandemic Study on the Impact of Remote Work on Companies and Their Internal Communications Functions

Check out the executive summary of the IABC and USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, USC Center for Public Relations (CPR) workplace study for insights on how employee morale is improving even as hybrid work challenges corporate culture. 

IABC Members, log in to your account for access to the executive summary and full report!

Nonmembers, take a look at this news release for highlights of the study, and consider joining IABC today!