The establishment of facts in public discourse: Actor-Network-Theory as a methodological approach in PR-research

Abstract

This article discusses actor-network theory (ANT) as an approach in empirical public relations research. It is foremost a methodological reflection, but uses a case study to illustrate key points. The case, published as a full study elsewhere, revolved around the plagiarisms in the PhD-dissertation of former German Defence Minister zu Guttenberg and places special emphasis on the work of anonymous ‘plagiarism hunters’ organized in a so-called ‘swarm’. Here, the events that led to the minister’s resignation are discussed with an explicit reference to ANT and especially Bruno Latour’s approach. This article discusses the research questions inspired by the approach as well as observations leading to a new understanding of publics as actor-networks. It thus contributes to rare theoretical discussions of ANT’s relevance for public relations research.