Defining Public Relations

Essay by bassbunny83University, Bachelor'sB, July 2014

download word file, 3 pages 0.0

Running head: Defining Public Relations

Defining Public Relations

Jessica Van Matre

Defining Public Relations Paper

MKT/438

Mark Brady

The specialty of Public Relations has almost infinite definitions. The specific field usually deals with issues within the media involving people and corporations rather than products or services, and is used to build rapport with the public or an organization's employees. Public relations may include employee training, the support of charitable events, or even a press release concerning positive community involvement about an organization. The field of public relations influences the behavior of society and anyone who has an effect on the organization's performance. This includes customers, employees, shareholders, voters, government regulators, special interest groups, and so on. The intentions of this paper are to discuss the many descriptions of public relations and my individual idea on the subject.

Prior to this class, I had assumed public relations was defined as the career field in which someone spoke on the behalf of their client, usually in instances where damage control was necessary.

I was unaware that there was such a broad understanding of the profession. The class text defines "Public relations are a planned process to influence public opinion, through sound character and proper performance, based on mutually satisfactory two-way communication." The Public Relations Society of America states that "Public Relations is a strategic communication process that builds mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their publics" ("Public Relations Society Of America", 2014). Lastly, according to Entrepeneur.com, public relations is "using the news or business press to carry positive stories about your company or your products; cultivating a good relationship with local press representatives."

Of the four definitions of the field, I must admit mine may have been the most off track. The PRSA clearly outlines what they believe their field does...