A survey of 160 top "Fortune" 500 companies was conducted in 1979 to determine the extent to which computers were being used in public affairs/government relations research and analysis. The survey instrument was divided into six sections, containing a total of 26 closed-end questions. The six sections elicited information on (1) public affairs and government relations use of computers, (2) use of in-house information storage and retrieval systems, (3) use of outside consultants and information systems, (4) use of computers to poll or monitor social and political trends, (5) use of trade association computer services, and (6) general information. A total of 82 (56%) responses was received. The results indicated that computer applications in public affairs/government relations had advanced from novelty to moderately accepted innovation since 1975. The survey also showed a marked increase in both the perceived usefulness and the actual use of computers. In addition, greater use was being made by some companies of both in-house computers and outside consultants with computer capability to manage the increasing volume of information on company policy, public statements, and voting record and to monitor social and political trends. (FL)