Public Relations Activities and Organisational Image: A Study of Selected Manufacturing Firms in Owerri, Imo State

This study investigates the impact of public relations (PR) activities on the organisational image of selected manufacturing firms in Owerri, Imo State, South East Nigeria. Amid growing competition and increasing stakeholder expectations, organisations are under pressure to manage their public perception proactively. Manufacturing firms, which often face scrutiny related to environmental impact and community relations, represent a particularly relevant context for examining how PR activities shape corporate image. The research adopts a descriptive survey design, with data collected from 240 employees and community stakeholders of five manufacturing firms in Owerri. A validated questionnaire measures PR activities including press releases, community engagement programmes, sponsorships, and crisis communication, as well as respondents' perceptions of organisational image. Data are analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation. The study also examines whether internal PR directed at employees significantly contributes to external organisational image. Preliminary findings indicate that community engagement and sponsorship activities are the most impactful PR tools for shaping positive organisational image in this context. The study also reveals that firms with strong internal PR practices exhibit more consistent external image presentation. Findings are intended to guide PR officers, marketing managers, and corporate communications teams in Imo State's manufacturing sector. This research adds to the limited Nigerian literature on the measurement of PR effectiveness and contributes practically to image management strategy. Keywords: public relations, organisational image, manufacturing firms, Owerri, corporate communication