Midterm Exam Flashcards
Definition of PR
PR is the strategic communication management function through which organizations build and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with the publics on whom the organization’s success or failure depends.
RPIE
Research, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation
PR Process
Research and analysis –> Policy formation –> Programming –> Communication –> Feedback –> Program assessment and adjustment.
PR vs. Journalism
PR : Serve client organization. Advocates. More defined, specific, intentional publics. Many different channels/outlets
Journalism: Serve mass audience. Has only one channel/outlet.
PR vs. Advertising
PR: Earned media. Channel = owned media. More trusted and effective.
Advertising: Paid media. More about buyers and product. About selling. $$$$
PR vs. Marketing
PR: Build relationships to increase reputation, trust, etc. About opposition. Brand created through expression of values, actions, and effective PR.
Marketing: Sell through different tactics. Audience = consumers. About competition (lowering prices may not make people overlook big issues). Brand created through glitzy ads or a marketing campaign.
Essential Skills in PR (6)
- Writing skill - clear and concise
- Research ability- fact supported and current.
- Planning expertise- Good at planning and budgeting. Organized and detail oriented.
- Problem solving - New ideas and a fresh approach.
- Business/Economics competence- How it operates.
- Expertise in social media - social networking, blogging, tweeting, etc.
Integration
Using a variety of strategies and tactics to convey a CONSISTENT message in a variety of forms.
4 Model Typology of PR Practice
- Press Agentry / Publicity
- Public Information
- Two-Way Asymmetric
- Two-Way Symmetric
Press Agentry / Publicity
One way communication.
P.T. Barnum.
Information may be exaggerated, distorted, or incomplete.
“Hype”. Little to no research.
Sports, theatre, music, film, classic Hollywood publicist.
“Public be damned”.
Public Information
One way communication/distribution of information through media.
Ivy Lee. Grandfather of modern PR
Based on journalistic idea of accuracy and completeness.
Primary channel is mass media.
Fact-finding. No audience research.
“Public be informed”.
Two-Way Asymmetric
Scientific persuasion. Two-way communication.
Edward Bernays (nephew of Sigmund Froyd)
Has a feedback loop to know more about their wants.
Psychological research on people’s desires.
Systematic listening. The organization isn’t going to change. They want to align the people with them.
Marketing/Advertising departments and PR firms.
Two-Way Symmetric
Gaining mutual understanding. Two-way communication.
Arthur W. Page
Research used mainly to learn how the public perceives the organization.
Relationship building. Engagement. Mutually beneficial.
Both sides move in alignment. Mutual adjustment.
Issue identification, crisis/risk management, etc.
Examples of PR in History
Roots go back to Egypt, Greece, Rome, and India.
The Catholic Church and Martin Luther.
The settlement of the West (land promotions and American railroads)
Social movements - women’s rights, racial equality, prohibition, preservation of the wilderness.
“Spin”
Initially it’s meaning was restricted to what often was considered unethical and misleading activities and tactics of political campaign consultants.
Now the scope of the word has been expanded.
Key Words in Defining PR (6)
- Deliberate - intentional PR
- Planned - organized, systematic.
- Performance - effective PR = based on actual policies and performance.
- Public interest - should be mutually beneficial.
- Two-way communication - art of listening and engaging
- Management function - effective PR = when it is a part of top management.
Golden Age of Press Agentry
1800s
P.T. Barnum
Where was Presko (one of the leading PR firms) started?
Thailand
In what country did modern PR commence during WWI
India
Father of Modern PR
Edward L. Bernays
PRSA Professional Values (6)
HALF IE
Advocacy - Serve public interest by acting as responsible advocates for those we represent.
Honesty - Highest standards of accuracy and truth.
Expertise - Continued professional development, research, and education.
Independence - Provide objective counsel and accountable for our actions.
Loyalty - Faithful to those we represent while honoring out obligation to serve the public.
Fairness - With clients, employers, competitors, peers, vendors, the media, and the general public.
PRSA Code Provisions (6)
Free Flow of Information Competition Disclosure of Information Safeguarding Confidences Conflicts of Interest Enhancing the Profession
Free Flow of Information
Obligation to be transparent with their information in order to serve the public interest and in order to make informed decision making. Information should be accurate and respond quickly to correct false information. Avoid biased/prejudiced information by not accepting or giving gifts/bribes.
Competition
Create and foster an environment where healthy and fair competition between professionals/organizations can take place. This means respecting intellectual property and avoiding deliberate sabotage of a competitor.
Disclosure of Information
Being transparent with the public about what is going on; disclosing things like sponsors and financial interest in order to develop a trusted relationship.
Safeguarding Confidences
Not being too transparent. This means protecting the privacy of confidential information. This extends to former and current employers, employees, and potential future clients.
Conflicts of Interest
Avoiding any situation that is (or may be perceived as) a situation where you are gaining a personal benefit in order to be trustworthy to your employer, the public, and the clients.
Enhancing the Profession
Should be continuing their education, furthering their professional development, and keeping up with current research. This reflects on PR as a profession.
PRSA
Public Relations Society of America. Largest public relations professional organization in the world. 22,000 members in 110 chapters nationwide.
PRSSA
Public Relations Student Society of America. Partner organization of PRSA.
Primary Objective of Professional Organizations
The development of professionals through continuing education in terms of publications, conferences, short courses, seminars, and speakers. They set the professional standards by which the entire industry is judged.
5 Prerequisites for a Profession Like PR
- Education - A body of knowledge for learning skills.
- Training - Instruction, continuing education to improve and update skills.
- Literature - Textbooks, case studies, reference books, and academic journals.
- Research - Evaluation and measurement of programs and campaigns.
- Code of Ethics - Standards that generate trust and credibility.
Professional Accreditation
A step toward professionalism. Practitioners voluntarily go through a process in which they are recognized by a national organization, to be competent, qualified professionals.
Ethics
How one SHOULD BEHAVE based upon moral duties and virtues rising from principals of right and wrong.
Values
Central beliefs which determine how we WILL BEHAVE in certain situations.
Kant’s Absolutist Philosophy
Something is either completely right or completely wrong.
Aristotle’s Existential Approach
Calls for a balance between two extremes
Utilitarian Approach (John Stewart Mill)
The end could justify the means as long as the result caused the least harm and the most good/happiness for the greatest number of people.
4 Factors Taken Into Consideration for Ethical Decision Making
- Public Interest
- Employers self-interest
- Standards of the PR profession
- Your own personal values.
Job Levels in PR
Entry Level Technician Supervisor Manager Director Executive
Advisory Function
Lowest level. Line management. Management has no obligation to take/request recommendations. This type is ineffective.
Compulsory Function
Requires that line managers (top management) at least listen to the appropriate staff experts before deciding on a strategy.