Public relations has many different definitions because PR is so diverse in terms of what it does for organizations and is often incorporated as part of some other department, for instance, marketing. PR performs many organizational and societal functions. Both organizational and societal functions are very distinct but at the same time, some functions can cross over to both organizational and societal categories.
Organizational functions of PR are defined as activities done by an organization to benefit the organization only. On the other hand, societal functions of PR are activities done by an organization to benefit society only. However, it is usually hard to find something a company does that only falls into one category, and most activities ultimately fall into both categories. For example, if an organization participates in fundraising to benefit a charity, then obviously the fundraising benefits society but also benefits the organization indirectly because of the good press associated with aiding the charity. Some organizational functions includes media relations, counseling, publicity, consumer and employee relations, marketing communications, researching, planning, and government affairs (Seitel, 2004). However, researching, planning, and government affairs can also belong to societal functions.
Some organizations use research, planning, and marketing to benefit themselves but also the society where they live in. A great example of this duality is with the auto maker Saab. In the past, known as a manufacturer of cars that pollute the environment and for using un-ecological methods, Saab had many challenges to overcome in organizational and societal PR functions. The problem at hand was to try to change this negative image and the company’s mission while still doing being profitable at car manufacturing. In the hopes of promoting a new, more earth friendly image, Saab introduced a new line of eco-clothing made from organic fabrics and materials to reflect its current views on global warming or climate changes issues. Furthermore, Saab implemented a fair trade approach to the manufacturing of the cloths which eliminates the conflicts of third world countries manufacturing issues. (Gawker, 2008) However, the most innovative and research intensive venture on Saab’s part was the development of bio-power and bio-hybrid vehicle such as the concept car 9-X. The diverse approach to updating its image to be more environmentally friendly and socially sensitive gives Saab a boost on societal and organization functions of PR. Societally, Saab gets a new ecologist image, and organizationally, it gets publicity and a boost in sales of its products and cars.
If effectiveness and productivity is the main goal, ultimately it is vital for organizations and corporations to collectively employ both marketing and public relations initiatives. Sells and relationships go hand and hand.
Although Maniates labels the “A” in IWAC as “meaningful consumption Alternatives,” his thoughts on the matter refer more to the institutional influences on product development. In Woodhouse’s words, “The public’s failure to embrace sustainable technologies has more to do with institutional structures that restrict the aggressive development and wide dissemination of sustainable technologies than with errant consumer choice” (48). Instead of attributing the lack of environmentally friendly products to happenstance, Maniates claims that there are production-side structural aspects which hinder the development of green products. Woodhouse mirrors Maniates in this aspect by recognizing the influences on engineers to overlook environmental concerns. “Neither law nor professional norms make [sustainable] design tasks a required aspect of most engineers’ responsibilities, and most employers place substantial obstacles in the way of engineers taking those design elements farther than law and market competition require” (27). By and large, companies are driven by the desire to maximize profit above all else, and from the perspective of employers, adding in environmental concerns is merely an additional constraint on potential profit margins. If engineering ethics and government regulations are sufficiently detailed on sustainability, then employers
Second, we want to create innovative and sustainable products. We live to innovate -- it’s who we are. When our corporate responsibility initiatives begin leading us to new product development, it brings a new energy to our efforts. Whole divisions in our company open up to the prospects. Eyebrows are raised. There are results already: We’re finding ways to eliminate the toxic chemicals commonly used in making products and materials and teams are creating business models for generating revenue from ground-up old shoes; designers are developing products made of recycled polyester or organic cotton.
The discipline of public relations is a modern profession which has been in existence for only close to a century; however, it has already taken an important role in the fields of business, government, entertainment and non-profit organizations including educational institutions and healthcare organizations. Public relations professionals are required to have excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills and have the ability to persuade the public. It is imperative for PR professionals to effectively communicate with its public in order to establish and maintain a positive relationship. Furthermore, public relations professionals must have the ability to work under pressure and effectively manage crisis which may have detrimental effect on the company and the public it serves. State purpose of paper and an overview of what will be covered in the introduction
In the beginning of mankind history communications were interpersonal. Then they transformed into public communications in Antiquity and Middle Ages. The next step was functional PR - the communications of the organisations. In 19th century PR became an occupation. Nowadays PR is a social system. So that we can analyse it from a position of a social phenomenon.
(pg. 9.) He defines public relations as a positive process spanning internal and external communication. The process is intended to produce and maintain positive relations and organizational image as well as foster communication and organizational effectiveness. (Kowalski, pg. 13) Alternately, researcher Kenneth S. Trump offers this summary in his work Crisis Communications in a Digital Word: “Strong school public relations can be defined as good behavior, well-communicated.” (pg. 75) This is a succinct way of describing the purpose of a well-rounded public relations
Q1. Grunig and Repper (1992) proposed a model of strategic management of public relations. Sung (2004) commented that the model emphasizes Public relations has a significant role in the process of an organization’s strategic management by identifying stakeholders, publics, and issues around the consequences facing the organization.
According to the Institute of Public Relations in 1987 “Public Relations is the planned and sustained effort to establish and maintain goodwill and understanding between an organization and it public.” (Theaker, 5) This is one of the countless definitions about what really is Public Relations. Another effective description comes from our handbook, which states that Public Relations is “The occupation responsible for the management of organizational relationships and reputation. It encompasses issues management, public affairs, corporate communications, stakeholder relations, risk communications, and corporate social responsibility.” (Theaker, 6). It’s a broad office that incorporates many offices and functions into its branches. These would
What is Public Relations (PR)? PR is difficult to define because it encompasses so many areas and today has developed into a multi-million dollar industry influencing all aspects of our lives (Adams et al, 1999). However, it is important to be able to compare and contrast the various definitions in order to have a complete understanding of what public relations is and how it is used. The public is a large population to consider, making it easier to understand why it is so difficult to define PR. Along with a large population come many perceptions, beliefs, ideas, and opinions, all influences on PR. I define public relations as the act/s used by individuals, corporations, and groups to influence ones opinions and/or decisions about a product, idea, person/s, company/s, etc. and the public. Robert L. Heath defines PR as functions of management/supervisors that foster an organization's ability to strategically listen to, appreciate, and respond to those persons who's mutually beneficial relationships with the organization are necessary if it is to achieve its missions and values (Health, 2007)'.
...uided towards organizations and consumers towards a common goal, which is to create a sustainable society, starting with fashion. “We quietly accept that people are important, and quickly move onto discussions of how to do things with, for and to people”[4]. Although changing the system it self will take enormous efforts and time, it is important to execute the process one by one by accepting the problems to creative solutions.
Furthermore, a public relations career is much more closely grouped with media relations these days than journalism. In the book, Making it in Public Relations: An Insider’s Guide, it is said that Media relations is the most dominant function of public relations. Its basic role is the origination of press information and the handling of requests from the media about a specialist’s subjects and activities. After all, the main goal of specialists is to present a positive public image of their client to the public (Mogel). The possible types of clients and fields vary wildly from each other. Some specialists can work in public relations consulting firms and hold campaigns for many clients. Other specialists can work in the advertising departments of major brands and w...
Corporate Social Responsibility programs aim to provide value to the society while at the same time improve an organization’s reputation and leading to success.
The main goal of PR is to affect individuals or groups to help organizations reach more successful by building relationships with them through the organization’s activities. PR people’s functions and key tasks can vary. In simple terms, the role of public relations in an organization is immense and wide scope and it can be divided into the following categories. Build the image and reputation of the organization.
It is the reputation of the firm with the various audiences that are important to it. These groups that have a stake in the company are known as stakeholders. Stakeholders are affected by the actions of the company and in turn, their actions can affect the company. Consequently, its image in the eyes of its stakeholders is important to the company.
"There is a fundamental difference between the functions of public relations and the functions of marketing and advertising. Marketing and advertising promote an individual product or service. Public relations promotes an entire organization" (Seitel, 2004). There are several functions of public relations and they can be categorized into organizational functions and societal functions. Some of the organizational functions of PR are: media relations; employee relations; and community relations. "PR specialists must understand the attitudes and concerns of community, consumer, employee, and public interest groups and establish and maintain cooperative relationships with them" (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2006).These functions are organizational because they maintain goodwill between the organization and consumer by providing information on how the organization contributes to the overall well-being of the community.