The situational theory of publics (STP) proposed by James E. Grunig holds a unique position in the field of communication. It is not only one of the earliest and most popular theories in the subarea of public relations, but it also is a theory that continues to evolve over 40 years after it was first proposed.

This theory explains the communicative behaviors of an individual who recognizes a problem. Using information seeking and information attending as two communicative behaviors, the STP identifies three antecedents of these behaviors. The STP proposes that when an individual recognizes a problem, is involved in the problem, and believes that there are few barriers in his or her route to the solution, the individual will be more likely to engage in ...