Defining Public Relations
There are many different definitions of PR. There are PR firms that can influence the publics opinions on behalf of companies and organizations. In an effort to compare and contrast different definitions and evaluate why there are so many definitions this paper will look specifically at four varying definitions. Public Relations is a management function which tabulates public attitudes, defines the policies, procedures and interest of an organization followed by executing a program of action to earn public understanding and acceptance."(2007, Public Relation News) The main components of each definition are similar: influencing the publics attitudes and perception of a certain organization. It is a methodology used to influence opinions and create a good image. All four definitions are basically the same just worded differently. There are many different definitions of PR, most suggest that the term public relations was primarily used to suggest image building, reputation management, and persuasion efforts. Reliance on perception is a prescription for entrenching powerful groups and their interests. The powers-that-be have long recognized the benefits of PR for combating uncomfortable truths.
Communication and publicity comes to mind when we talk about defining Public Relations. Public Relations is allot more complex than one would assume, with all the different types of title names associated with PR. Each separate job title comes with a different job description. So in asking me to make my own definition known, I would have to conclude that Public Relations to me means; a job requiring excellent communication skills, with knowledgeable researched facts between ones management, the public and at the same time providing a strong relationship to motivate ones view
towards a particular organization or idea.
The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) has defined public relations as follows; "Public Relations helps an organization and...
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