What type of power influences target publics behind the scenes?

The concept of "covert power" refers to the ability to influence situations or outcomes without overt display or acknowledgment of that influence. This type of power operates behind the scenes, shaping decisions and guiding behaviors in ways that may not be immediately transparent to the target public.

In the context of public relations, covert power can involve strategies such as using data analytics to inform campaigns, subtly influencing perceptions through media narratives, or leveraging relationships that affect stakeholders' views without their conscious awareness. This technique is effective in shaping public opinion or organizational behavior while maintaining a façade of neutrality or spontaneity.

The other types of power mentioned do not encapsulate this behind-the-scenes influence in the same way. Public power might refer to influence exercised openly by entities with a public mandate, social power indicates influence that arises from social relationships and networks, and measured power involves quantifiable influence based on metrics and data. However, none of these specifically highlight the clandestine methods employed in influencing target publics, making covert power the most fitting choice for this question.