1.0 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

The essence of public relations is to build and manage mutually beneficial relationships between an organization and its employees for a successful organization (Rahman, & Taniya 2017). In other words, Public Relations seeks to manage the relationship between an organization and its public. In so doing, public relations inevitably employ communication as a tool for reaching out to the public. According to Rahman, & Taniya (2017) for organizations, public relations are global and focused on achieving predetermined objectives. Public relations officers' planned efforts in Manufacturing institutions indicate how far such an entity has come. Activities related to public relations are often organized in an attempt to continuously sustain goodwill and understanding with the general public. Strong relationships between employers and employees, as well as between employees and those hired to work for an organization, can be cultivated through public relations. To develop positive and attainable relationships in any enterprise, public relations must be used to accomplish the organization's goals.

 The introduction of public relations strategy and employee relationship management in manufacturing firms in Ghana may be traced back to pre-colonial rural economies (Agbede 2017). Ghana's manufacturing industries depend on effective coordination of its human resource management system to operate efficiently due to its competitive nature, Manufacturing firms cannot function well without their employees (Agbede 2017). Any establishment's progress and success are determined by the levels of relationship between workers and their employees. According to Ngui (2016), the employment relationship between an employer and an employee marks the start of a business. In the Manufacturing industry such as Kasapreko Company Limited, improving employee relationships is essential to accomplishing the organization's goals.

 According to Worlu, Ogunnaike, Osibanjo, & Salau, (2016), the growth of employees’ relationships is crucial to the successful operation of any business and the position that an employee holds within it. However, teamwork and collaboration are necessary for progress, achievement, and advancement (Nwogwugwu 2017). Employees are the central point at which every organization will grow. Operating at manufacturing companies like Kasapreko might be challenging for personnel without coordination. In this technological age, the owners' and employees' amicable relationships are essential for the survival of an organization. Samiloco & Ogbuoshi (2016) characterize workers as one of the key determinants and influential elements that influence an organization's ability to succeed or fail in a cutthroat market. Therefore, Manufacturing firms such as Kasapreko must Maximize the use of public relations strategy in Managing their employee relationship in other to achieve organizational growth and objectives. It is to this the study will center on Public Relations Strategy in Employee Relations Management in A Case Study of Kasapreko Company Limited.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Public relations plays a crucial role in strengthening positive relationships between organizations and their stakeholders, but many Ghanaian organizations struggle to manage their employee relations, which results in low morale, high turnover rates, and negative publicity. In addition, poor communication,  lack of trust, and limited employee involvement in decision-making processes limit public relations' ability to effectively promote positive employee relations in Ghanaian organizations.

Furthermore Despite the acknowledged importance of effective Public Relation strategies in managing employee relations, there is a notable lack of comprehensive research or gap on how these strategies are applied and their impact within the context of Kasapreko Company Limited. Specifically, there is insufficient understanding of the effectiveness of Kasapreko's Public Relation strategies in addressing employee concerns, improving workplace morale, and fostering a productive work environment, Limited studies have explored how Public Relation strategies are tailored and implemented within the context of specific industries, such as the beverage manufacturing sector. Kasapreko's unique operational environment necessitates a deeper examination of industry-specific Public Relation approaches. It is on this backdrop the study seeks to explore Public Relations Strategy In Employee Relations Management In A Case Study Kasapreko Company Limited

1.2 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The general objective of this study was to investigate Public Relations Strategy in Employee Relations Management in A Case Study of Kasapreko Company Limited. Specifically, this study will be aimed at:

1) To examine the public relations strategies applied by Kasapreko Company Limited

2) To examine the impact of Proactive public relations on employee relation management in Kasapreko Company Limited

3) To Outline the challenges of public relations strategies in Kasapreko Company Limited

1.3 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1) What are the public relations strategies applied by Kasapreko Company Limited?

2) What is the impact of Proactive public relations on employee relation management in Kasapreko Company Limited?

3) What are the challenges in the application of public relations strategies in Kasapreko Company Limited?

1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The Study will be restricted to the variables of the study which is public relations strategy in employee relations management. Geographically the study will be delimited to Kasapreko Company Limited's Head office branch – Spintex Accra. The study will be carried out only among legitimate employees of Kasapreko Company Limited (KCL).

1.7 LIMITATION OF STUDY

Financial constraint- Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire, and interview).

Time constraint- The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted to the research work