The survey in 2011 captured topics like CEO reporting and decision making, the credibility of public relations, ROI of communication, social media governance as well as qualifications in communications. Furthermore, it demonstrates strategic issues relevant for the future of the communication profession. The European Communication Monitor 2011 is based on responses from 2,209 communication professionals in 43 countries. Detailed analyses for the largest study on strategic communication and public relations (PR) worldwide are available for 20 countries and different types of organisations (companies, non-profits, governmental, agencies).

Key insights

  • Communication departments: 60% report directly to the CEO
  • Decision making: European professionals are risk-averse, compared to the United States
  • Credibility of public relations: 42% say that the term ‘PR’ is discredited
  • ROI of communication: Many use the term, but basic knowledge is missing
  • Social Media Governance: structures and skills are underdeveloped
  • Qualifications: large gap between training needs and programmes offered
  • Salaries: More have entered the top ranks, low-paid cluster is also growing

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ECM 2011 Charts

Free full-colour, 139 pp. report (chart version) with results and insights from the European Communication Monitor 2011.

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ECM 2011 Booklet

The original report (print version), 139 pp., ISBN 978-3-942263-12-2. Available on request for 30 EUR, incl. shipping.

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More Resources

  • Dejan Vercic, Angeles Moreno & Ansgar Zerfass, Incomplete Power; Communication Director 3/2011 » PDF
See the full list of ECM publications


Background and credits


Research team


Ansgar Zerfass, University of Leipzig (GE) – Lead Researcher;

Piet Verhoeven, University of Amsterdam (NL); Ralph Tench, Leeds Metropolitan University (UK); Angeles Moreno, University Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid (ES); Dejan Vercic, University of Ljubljana (SI)

Assistant researcher: Katharina Simon, Ronny Fechner


Advisory Board


Emanuele Invernizzi, Milan (IT), Valerie Carayol, Bordeaux (FR), Francesco Lurati, Lugano (CH), Finn Frandsen, Aarhus (DK), Øyvind Ihlen, Oslo (NO), Ryszard Lawniczak, Poznan (PL)


Organisers and partners


The ECM 2011 was organised by the European Public Relations Education and Research Association (EUPRERA) and the European Association of Communication Directors (EACD), supported by sponsors Infopaq and Grayling and media partner Communication Director magazine.