Entrance Survey: What Are Public Relations? Give An Example

Entrance Survey1 What Are Public Relations2 Give An Example Of A G

1) What are public relations? 2) Give an example of a “good PR” move. 3) Give an example of a “bad PR” move. 4) What are some common tasks a public relations professional may do during the day at work? 5) What would you like to learn this quarter? (educational goals) 6) What specific areas of PR are you interested in having us cover? (Sports, entertainment, corporate, nonprofit, celebrities, etc.) 7) What is your career goal after graduation? 8) Any additional information that you'd like me to know about you? (Example: "I am currently living at home with my parents and siblings in a rural community where we don't always have the strongest Wi-Fi-please be patient with me if my Internet connection goes out." "I would love to work in Hollywood some day and am really interested in entertainment PR." "I am a fully online student currently based in Hong-Kong.")

Paper For Above instruction

Public relations (PR) is a strategic communication process that builds mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their publics. It involves managing how information about an organization is conveyed to its target audiences, with the aim of fostering a positive image and understanding. PR professionals employ a variety of tactics, such as media relations, content creation, event planning, and crisis management, to shape public perception and maintain good relationships with stakeholders.

An example of a "good PR" move would be a company proactively releasing transparency reports during a crisis, demonstrating accountability and commitment to ethical practices. For instance, when Johnson & Johnson promptly responded to the Tylenol tampering incidents in the 1980s by recalling products and communicating openly with customers, they restored public trust and ultimately strengthened their brand reputation. This transparency and swift action exemplify effective public relations strategy, turning a potential disaster into an opportunity for building credibility.

Conversely, a "bad PR" move could involve a company ignoring or dismissing public concerns, or worse, engaging in misleading communication. An example is the Volkswagen emissions scandal, where the company attempted to cover up cheating on emissions tests. Once revelations surfaced, Volkswagen faced massive backlash, legal penalties, and severe damage to its brand image. Such a failure to address issues transparently and honestly highlights the importance of integrity in public relations and the risks of neglecting ethical standards.

During a typical day, a public relations professional might perform a wide array of tasks. These can include drafting press releases, managing media inquiries, monitoring news coverage, planning events, overseeing social media channels, and preparing crisis communication strategies. They also regularly analyze public opinion and measure the impact of PR campaigns to refine messaging and tactics. Building relationships with journalists, influencers, and community stakeholders is also a key component of a PR professional’s daily activities. Essentially, PR professionals act as the bridge between their organization and its audiences, working tirelessly to foster positive perceptions.

In terms of educational goals, students interested in public relations may aim to learn more about strategic communication, media relations, digital media strategies, crisis management, and advocacy. Developing skills in writing, public speaking, and analytics are also essential. Gaining a thorough understanding of ethical standards and how to handle sensitive information responsibly is fundamental. Aspiring PR professionals also seek to learn about different sectors within public relations, such as entertainment, corporate, nonprofit, or sports PR, to identify where their interests and talents align.

Many students express a desire to specialize in particular areas within PR. For example, some may prefer to focus on entertainment public relations, working with celebrities or film studios, while others might be more interested in corporate communications, handling internal and external messaging for companies. Nonprofit PR is another appealing area, focusing on advocacy, fundraising campaigns, and community engagement. Sports PR involves managing the public image of teams and athletes. By exploring these niches, students can tailor their education and career paths to their passions and strengths.

Post-graduation career goals vary widely among students interested in public relations. Some aspire to work as media relations specialists, account executives, or communication directors within organizations. Others aim to become crisis communication consultants, social media managers, or public affairs officers. Some students may desire roles that combine PR with digital marketing or content creation, recognizing the evolving landscape of media and communication. Setting clear career objectives helps guide their educational pursuits and internships, equipping them with the necessary skills and experiences to succeed in the competitive PR industry.

Additional information students may share can provide instructors with better context and assist in accommodating their needs. For example, students living in rural areas with limited internet access might need flexible deadlines or alternative submission options. International students might require guidance on cultural nuances or language support. Some students may have specific interests, such as working in Hollywood or in entertainment PR, or may be juggling full-time jobs or family responsibilities. Sharing these details helps educators support students effectively and tailor the learning experience accordingly.

References

• Cutlip, S. M., Centre, A. H., & Broom, G. M. (2006). Effective Public Relations (9th ed.). Pearson Education.
• Grunig, J. E., & Hunt, T. (1984). Managing Public Relations. Holt, Rinehart & Winston.
• Lattimore, D., Baskin, O., Heiman, S., & Toth, E. (2012). Public Relations: The profession and the practice. McGraw-Hill Education.
• Newsom, D., VanSlyke Turk, J., & Krohler, J. (2012). This Is PR: The Transparent Choice. Pearson.
• Wilcox, D. L., & Reber, B. H. (2013). PR! A Strategic Approach. Pearson.
• Fawkes, J. (2018). Public Relations Ethics and Professionalism. Routledge.
• Hannay, M. (2016). The PR Styleguide: The Professional's Guide to Writing Clear, Concise, and Effective Communication. Routledge.
• Wilkins, L. (2014). Promoting the Public Good: A Critical Perspective on Public Relations. Routledge.
• Heath, R. L. (2005). Strategic Communication: Origins, Concepts, and Current Issues. Routledge.
• Seitel, F. P. (2017). The Practice of Public Relations. Pearson.