Defining Public Relations

Essay by CYN2DAYCollege, UndergraduateA+, December 2006

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Defining what Public Relations (PR) seems to be a difficult task. Since Public Relations (PR) involves the public, how that pubic feels and perceives a company can and does lead to major issues on how to present a company in a favorable light to persuade consumers to buy products and service to make a profit for shareholders. In addition, the public relations person must be very good at his or her job to present the message he or she want and have that message received in the way they originally desired that message to be received. If a company watches and waits for the right moment to strike they can overcome the competition, when the competition suffers a time considered to either be mild or severe public relations nightmare. This is the opportune time to swoop in and take customers away from the competition.

Definition of Public Relations

Farlex defines public relations as "The art or science of establishing and promoting a favorable relationship with the public."

"The methods and activities employed to establish and promote a favorable relationship with the pubic." According to Merriam-Webster public relations is "the business of inducing the public to have understanding for and goodwill toward a person, firm or institution." "The degree of understanding and goodwill achieved." Seitel's definition is an 88 word sentence evaluated from no less than "472" different definitions. Is it any wonder the definition of public relations is hard for people to put their finger on? "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...