Research Proposal on Public Relations and Protecting Confidential Online Information
CHAPTER ONE
Objective of the Study
The specific objectives of this study are as follows:
- To examine the current state of data protection laws in Nigeria.
- To assess the impact of online threats on organizations and individuals in Nigeria.
- To evaluate the role of public relations professionals in protecting confidential online information in Nigeria.
- To identify the challenges faced by public relations professionals in carrying out their responsibilities in Nigeria.
Literature Review
The Current State of Data Protection Laws In Nigeria
Nigeria has a framework for data protection laws in place, which is the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) enacted in 2019. However, enforcement of these laws has been challenging, and there are concerns about the effectiveness of the regulatory bodies responsible for their implementation. A study by Oladapo and Adeniji (2021) found that there are gaps in the implementation of the NDPR and inadequate awareness among Nigerians regarding their data protection rights. This highlights the need for more efforts towards the enforcement of data protection laws in Nigeria.
The Impact of Online Threats on Organizations and Individuals in Nigeria
In Nigeria, online threats such as hacking, phishing, and data breaches have become increasingly common, and their impact on organizations and individuals can be severe. A recent report by the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) revealed that cybercrime increased by 400% in the country between 2015 and 2020. The report also highlighted the financial losses incurred by individuals and organizations due to cybercrime. Additionally, online threats can lead to reputational damage, loss of confidential information, and legal consequences. Therefore, it is crucial to protect confidential online information from threats to avoid negative consequences for both individuals and organizations in Nigeria. (Sources: NCC, 2021)
The role of public relations professionals in protecting confidential online information
Public relations (PR) professionals play a crucial role in protecting confidential online information. They are responsible for managing and maintaining their organizations’ reputations and relationships with stakeholders, which includes safeguarding their confidential data from online threats. PR professionals must have a comprehensive understanding of data protection laws, the types of online threats that exist, and how to effectively manage communication during a crisis. According to a recent study by Almeida and Galindo (2022), PR professionals must be proactive in their approach to data protection and take measures to prevent data breaches before they occur. Effective communication, transparency, and collaboration with other stakeholders are key to protecting confidential online information.
Methodology
Research Design
Research design is a framework that outlines the methodology and procedures to be followed in conducting a research study. It provides a systematic approach to collecting and analyzing data to answer the research questions or hypotheses. According to Polit and Beck (2021), a research design is “a plan or blueprint for conducting a study that maximizes control over factors that could interfere with the validity of the findings”.
There are several types of research designs, including experimental, quasi-experimental, non-experimental, descriptive, and exploratory. In this study, a descriptive survey research design will be used. A descriptive survey design involves collecting data from a sample of participants using a standardized questionnaire or survey instrument (Polit & Beck, 2021). The aim is to describe the characteristics of a population or phenomenon of interest.
The use of a descriptive survey design is justified in this study because it allows for the collection of quantitative data that can be analyzed statistically to provide an accurate description of the population and their perceptions regarding protecting confidential online information. It is also an efficient and cost-effective method of data collection, especially when dealing with a large sample size (Hair et al., 2022).
Population of the Study
The population of this study will include public relations professionals in Nigeria and individuals and organizations that use the Internet and social media. A target population size of 800 respondents will be adopted for this study.
References
- Akter, S., & D’Ambra, J. (2021). Data collection methods in information systems research. In Handbook of Research Methods in Information Systems (pp. 321-341). Springer.
- Almeida, A. F., & Galindo, B. (2022). The Role of Public Relations Professionals in Data Protection: A Literature Review. Corporate Communications: An International Journal, 27(1), 81-91.
- Arunachalam, D., Kumar, R., & Moorthy, R. (2021). The impact of social media on business and privacy. In Handbook of Research on the Impact of Digital Media on Business, Society, and Culture (pp. 1-14). IGI Global.\
- Chen, Y., Zhao, Y., Cai, X., & Huang, L. (2020). Crisis communication strategy based on situational crisis communication theory: An exploratory study of public emergency management on social media. Journal of Contingencies and Crisis Management, 28(4), 355-365.
- Coombs, W. T. (2021). Ongoing Crisis Communication: Planning, Managing, and Responding. Sage Publications.
- Fawcett, T., Houde, S. C., & Woods, D. (2021). Evaluating research for evidence-based nursing practice. FA Davis.
- Garg, R., Ali, S. S., & Dhar, R. L. (n.d.). Research methodology in social sciences. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-41195-0_10
- Gupta, S., & Kumar, R. (2022). Research methodology: A step-by-step guide for beginners (5th ed.). SAGE Publications India.
- Hair, J. F., Black, W. C., Babin, B. J., & Anderson, R. E. (2022). Multivariate data analysis (9th ed.). Cengage Learning.
- Ibietan, J., & Igun, S. E. (2021). Understanding Nigeria’s data protection regulation: An empirical investigation. Telematics and Informatics, 63, 101581.
- Kothari, C. R. (2021). Research methodology: Methods and techniques (3rd ed.). New Age International Publishers.
- Lawal, A. A., & Ajayi, O. O. (2021). Challenges faced by public relations professionals in protecting confidential online information in Nigeria. Journal of Communication and Media Research, 13(1), 24-39.
- Mabuza, M. N., & Mathebula, N. (2020). Public relations and information security management: A literature review. Journal of Communication Management, 24(2), 130-144.
