O papel das relações públicas na reconstrução da confiança da sociedade em contexto de crise. análise do caso das acções da polícia da república de Moçambique nas manifestações pós-eleitorais em Maputo (2023- 2024)

Abstract

This academic study explores the role of Public Relations in rebuilding public trust in crisis contexts, using as its case study the actions of the Police of the Republic of Mozambique (PRM) during the post-election protests that followed the 2023 municipal elections and the 2024 presidential elections. The research seeks to understand how Public Relations can support the restoration of public trust in the PRM in Maputo after the post-electoral unrest of 2023 and 2024. The overall objective is to analyse the contribution of Public Relations to the rebuilding of public trust in the PRM. Specifically, the study aims to identify the Public Relations practices and strategies adopted by the institution during the period under review; to assess the effects of the communication channels and strategies used to engage with the public; and to interpret public perceptions of the Public Relations practices implemented by the PRM in Maputo in the aftermath of the crisis. The study is grounded in the Excellence Theory of Public Relations developed by James and Larissa Grunig. To gain a deeper understanding of the variables involved, a mixed-methods approach was employed, combining data from a non-structured interview with the PRM spokesperson in the City of Maputo and a survey conducted with 384 residents of the same city. The findings indicate that Public Relations can play a key role in rebuilding public trust through the design and implementation of communication strategies that emphasise transparency, acknowledgement of and a