Public Relations

The field of Public Relations is comprised of so many different functions, as well as conformable and applicable to a vast array of organizational settings and publics. Public Relations professionals cannot possibly commit to being proficient in all areas of required intellectual capacity, and so specialize according to their intrinsic skills. In the following essay, I will attempt to define Public Relations based on my own interpretation of the assigned reading, as well as other outside sources.

Robert I. Wakefield probably gives one of the best definitions of Public Relations when he stated, "All public relations should exist to preserve a consistent reputation and build relationships". This is a very broad and generic scope that does not necessarily infer any type of ethical behavior nor implies any sense of right or wrong with what is generally referred to as "spin. The bottom line for any company is to make a profit. Why else are they in business? The book, This is PR, written by Newsome, Turk and Kruckeberg states that the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) defines public relations as a management function which involves counseling at the highest level and being involved in strategic planning for the organization (Dean, 2004). This is a rather ambiguous statement that could mean a number of different things. Public Relations can be summed up in two words: Public Relations! No more needs to be said. PR can be anything that affects a company's, organizations, or individual's relative position within a market or society. Public Relations is a general term used to encompass the strategies involved in positively impacting an organization’s publics, which gives back by positively affecting the growth, maintenance, or support of the organization. The Public Relations field is comprised of multiple specialties, each with their own subsequent intellectually-skilled constituents. The role of the Public Relations professional varies, and is highly dependent upon the establishment he or she represents.

The study of Public Relations cannot be assigned to one particular category due to its complex nature. The study is the art of communication, literature, critical observation, reception, and interpretation. Publicity can make or break a business. Utilizing the right materials, a spokesperson, events, and good interviews, a business is bound to succeed. Of course, Paris Hilton is big these days, so the definition