Defining Public Relations

Defining Public Relations Paper

In my opinion public relations means exactly as it sounds, relations with the public. I believe that public relations are the act of projecting an image to an audience for the purpose of gaining approval. If a fledgling company has a unique product that it desires to sell and it has not been promoted a lot yet, a public relations representative may be brought in to design and initiate a game plan to introduce the product to the public with a positive twist that will leave an impression on all who see it.

The American HeritageÐ'® Dictionary has three definitions for public relations. The first is the art or science of establishing and promoting a favorable relationship with the public. The second is the methods and activities employed to establish and promote a favorable relationship with the public. The degree of success obtained in achieving a favorable relationship with the public. All three definitions have the same common end result; the relationship with the public.

Public relations are a form of communication primarily directed toward gaining public understanding and acceptance. Public relations usually deal with issues rather than products or services, and are used to build goodwill with public or employees. Examples of public relations are employee training, support of charitable events, or a news release about some positive community participation (LearnThat, 2004). Public relations is a planned process to influence public opinion, through sound character and proper performance, based on mutually satisfactory two-way communication (Seitel, 2004).

There are many definitions for public relations. The understanding of the function of the field is clear. Public relations is the communication, understanding, cooperation and acceptance between and organization and the public. In my opinion public relations is not limited, it can go beyond certain media and does not have to focus on product promotion alone. It can use all media such as television or magazine advertising. It can also maintain goodwill between and organization making the product and the consumer buying the product. As with my company most of our customers are concerned