Defining Public Relations

Defining Public Relations (PR) is very difficult because there are so many different definitions of it. There has been many different definitions of Public Relations since it was established. One reason why there is so many different definitions of PR is because no two people can agree on what exactly PR is. PR is a wide field that covers many different things. Everyone has different perceptions of what exactly PR is. This paper will compare and contrast three different published definitions and include a personal definition of PR.

Three Definitions of Public RelationsThere are many different definitions of public relations. Fraser Seitel, the author of The Practice of Public Relations, defines PR as "Public relations is a planned process to influence public opinion, through sound character and proper performance, based on mutually satisfactory two-way communication" (Seitel, 2004, p. 10).

The second definition of PR is by The Foundation for Public Research.

English: Publicity, Public Relations and Paparazzi

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PR & Radio Relations Chart

In 1975, the Foundation for Public Research conducted a research on defining public relations. There were 65 public relations leaders that participated in this research study. During this study 475 definitions were developed. From the 475 definitions the Foundation of Public Research came up with one definition of PR.

Public relations is a distinctive management function which helps establish and maintain mutual lines of communications, understanding, acceptance, and cooperation between an organization and its publics; involves the management of problems or issues; helps management to keep informed on and responsive to public opinion; defines and emphasizes the responsibility of management to serve the public interest; helps management keep abreast of and effectively utilize change, serving as an early warning system to help anticipate trends; and uses research and sound and ethical communication techniques as its principal tools (Seitel, 2004, p. 11).

Knowthis.com defines PR as: “Public...