Definition of Public Relations free essay sample

The Definition of Public Relations Public relations, what exactly does that mean? The term public relations seems straight forward, however, it has many different definitions. People see the term in different ways. Public relations is a very common term that is used in many different fields. Due to the different uses of public relations, there are many different definitions. Three definitions for public relations will be given to give a better understanding of the term. A personal definition of public relations will also be described. Finally an explanation as to why there are so many definitions to the term will be given.There is no exact definition for the term public relations there are many deferent definitions for the term. Fraser P. Selves defines public relations as, a planned process to Influence public opinion, through sound character and proper performance, based on a mutually satisfactory two-way communication, (Stile, 2004, Para. 5). This definition is stating that public relations is persuading a group of people to agree with an idea. We will write a custom essay sample on Definition of Public Relations or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page This persuasion Is done by following a predetermined plan. This definition explains what public relations is, however there are other definitions that explain public relations in a different way.Another definition of public relations explains the term as, a leadership and management function that helps achieve organizational objectives, define philosophy, and facilitate organizational change, (Basalt, He-man, Loiterer, Tooth Van Eleven, 2004, Para. 1 1 This definition states that someone in the public relations field will analyze the public, advise management on decisions, plan what the organization has to do to change the public views, and set goals for the organization. It is important to make sure the publics expectations are similar to the goals of the organization (Basalt, He-man, Loiterer, Tooth Van Eleven, 2004, Para. 1. This definition Is very salary to the previous definition in the fact that the underlying meaning is to get the organization and a group to agree on an issue. The following definition is similar to the previous two definitions. Allen Center and Patrick Jensen (2003) define public relations as, something everyone has, and (It) fosters the Improvement of public relationships through specific activities and policies and is the cornerstone of a democratic society. This definition goes further to explain that public relations are something everyone has and is part of a democratic society.This part of the function Is completely different than the previous two definitions. This statement provides a little more insight into what public relations really is and what its purpose is. A personal definition of public relations is working towards a goal of understanding between an organization and the public. This definition shows the Importance of the good relationship between the public and the organization to public relations. That is the main goal of public relations. Although there are many different ways of looking at public relations, the ultimate goal is a good relationship between an organization and the public.When there is a good relationship, organizations can persuade the public to agree on policies the organization needs. Public relations are used In many different fields. The needs of society constantly change the needs for public relations. For example someone who works in public 1 OFF relations for a different organization may deal with clients or other companies. The need for public relations is ever changing. Due to the nature of the field, there are many different definitions of public relations. These definitions will continue to change as the needs of society continue to change.To explain exactly what public elations is four different definitions have been given. These definitions have been analyzed to explain the meaning of the term. Public relations are used in many different ways in different fields, which explains why there are so many different definitions. There is not a right definition of the term. The definition of public policy will depend on the field it is used in. As for now these are all accurate definitions, however, in the future the definition will continue to change. Public relations is a term that may never have one exact definition, however, the meaning of the term is understood by most people. Definition of Public Relations free essay sample Due to its broad scope and any variables, arriving at a general, all-inclusive definition is rather complicated. In fact even those in the field that are familiar with its interlinings have difficulties defining exactly what is public relations. Today, although a generally accepted definition of public relations still eludes practitioners, there is a clearer understanding of the field (Stile, 2004, p. 3). So if it Is difficult for those in the profession It has to be rather complex for the layman to understand and define public relations. We will write a custom essay sample on Definition of Public Relations or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page In my opinion public relations Is a process of managing the legislations between an organization and Its publics. This process Is comprised of several steps that Involve research, action, communication. And evaluation or R-A-C-E. The R-A-C-E model was developed by Communications professor John Marathons and provides a structure for effectively influencing public opinion (Stile, 2004, p. 4). Now that I have provided my thoughts, let us take a look at how some other sources define public relations.Public Relations Society of America Definition The Public Relations Society of America or APRS is an organization with the objective f uniting public relations professionals and providing them with resources and direction. According to the APRS, public relations helps an organization and its publics adapt mutually to each other. Often, It Is a term used to describe both, a way of looking at an organizations performance and a program of activities (APRS, 2006). Bearing the APRS definition In mind and contrasting It to my personal deflation one can easily see saltcellars.Although stated differently, both definitions are concerned with creating and maintaining rapport amongst an organization and its publics. The latter part of the APRS definition also has a resemblance to my personal definition in that it is concerned with how an organization plans and executes. These both coincide with the research and action steps of the R-A-C-E method. Now that weve seen how the APRS defines public relations, let us take a look at how someone in the field defines it.Thomas Roach Definition Thomas Roach Ph. D. Is a professor of communication with 25 years experience from both and academic and corporate perspective. Mr.. Roach defines public relations as: It is the maintaining of consensus and the avoidance of crisis. Practitioners who Ignore one public In favor of another are wrong. Textbooks that explain how public relations serves to fix problems are wrong. Companies that believe that the public relations staff Is nothing more than a group of writers are wrong.Public relations in principle is quite simple, and in practice infinitely complex. Although stated differently, the underlying meaning of Mr.. Roachs definition coincides with those previously discussed. The idea here is still about building and maintaining relationships with the organizations publics, whether it be through mutually adapting or building consensus the ultimate goal is still the same. Now that we have seen definitions from three sources, let us take a look at one final definition. Del Galloway Definition Del Galloway is the former President and CEO of the Public Relations Society of America and in his article Pros Quandary: Branding a Profession he discussed the definition of public relations. Mr.. Galloway begins the article reinforcing what has already been discussed; that public relations is hard to explain in clear and concise terms. The definition for public relations that Mr.. Galloway mentions in his article is: That we work to create harmony between all stakeholders of an institutionthe various publicsif you will. But that takes more explanation. Our Job is to nurture the relationships between a company, its customers, its stockholders, its community and its government. (2004) After reading that it is obvious that Mr.. Galloway definition has a similar theme to the others that have been discussed; public relations is about creating and maintaining a relationships between an organization and its publics. In conclusion, public relations is difficult to define because of its all-encompassing tauter and the fact that are many variables that must be considered.As we have seen in the various definitions of public relations simply stated it is all about formulating and maintaining relationships between a company and its publics. Understanding and knowing these publics or groups of people is what complicates matters relative to public relations. Moreover, each of these publics has their own personal opinions, beliefs, ethnicity, etc. , which make matters even more difficult for an organization. So not only are organizations having to deal with varied groups of people, but they must interact with the publics in many different manners and approaches.