Situational theory of problem solving (STOPS): A foundational theory of publics and its behavioral nature in problem solving

The situational theory of problem solving (STOPS) was first published as a generalized problem-solving theory. It inherited and re-explicated key elements of the situational theory of publics (STP), which conceptualized how and why people do and do not communicate. Both theories were founded on the same assumption: Instead of focusing on how communication can influence individuals’ beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors (i.e., what organizations do to people), public relations research and practice should seek to understand how and why individuals act for or against organizations (i.e., what people do to organizations). This chapter will summarize and synthesize STOPS research by: 1) reviewing the theoretical origins and conceptual development of STOPS, 2) synthesizing the theoretical differences and similarities between STP and STOPS, 3) discussing how STOPS has been applied in public relations research, and 4) discussing how STOPS could be further developed to advance public relations theory and practice.