The role of relational antecedents in government and foreign public relationships

Purpose This study aims to identify potential relational antecedents, the initial stage of the three-stage model of OPRs, in the public diplomacy context by focusing on a government organization and foreign public relationships. Design/methodology/approach This study conducted in-depth interviews with Fulbright scholars and students from various countries to gain insights into the motivations underlying the initiation of relationships with the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) within the Fulbright program. Findings This study identified common expectations among foreign publics regarding their relationships with ECA within the Fulbright program. Moreover, this study reveals that the foreign publics are primarily motivated by their educational needs, laying the foundation for their emotional and financial requirements. These needs propel foreign publics to build relationships with government organizations. The fulfillment of these antecedents contributes to stronger government organizations and foreign public relationships, underscoring the importance of relational antecedents in theorizing about OPRs. Originality/value This study is one of the first empirical investigations to investigate the relational antecedents in the public diplomacy context.