Public Relations 1

Public Relations 1
Public Relations (PSYC-379/579) Final Exam Due Monday, February 6, 2017 by 11:59 p.m. (5 points) Imagine you have just been hired as a public relations practitioner for McDonalds restaurants in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and in Mexico. In the space below, list as many publics as you can think of with whom you would need to be aware of in order to be effective in your job; consider publics in all three locations. After listing each public, explain why that public should be considered. In order to receive full credit for this question, you should list and explain a minimum of eight different publics. List the three of the five key elements of public relations. No need to describe/define, simply list them (3 pts). Name three settings where public relations practitioners would be employed. Then list tasks/duties that would likely be expected of the public relations practitioner in each of the three settings (6 pts). Public relations practitioners are responsible for various codes of ethics. List three different codes, and then briefly describe each code (6 pts). (8 points) One of the topics covered in Chapter 1 is crisis communication. Four things are outlined as basic causes of a business crisis. In the space below, please list the four basic causes of a business crisis; provide an explanation/definition for each, and provide a real-life example of each. (4 points) Name four key audiences who would likely be affected by a crisis and provide a real-life example of each: (6 points) The topic of social responsibility was addressed in the textbook as well as in class lectures. Provide three examples of when a company acted in a socially responsible manner. Then provide three examples of when a company acted in a way that was not socially responsible. You can use class examples, textbook examples, or do your own research to come up with examples. (2 points) Which gender currently dominates jobs in public relations and why? (6 points) In the space below, provide three examples of situations when companies acted in an ethical way, knowing the result of this ethical behavior could potentially have a negative impact on sales. Use real-life examples, not hypothetical ones. Next, provide three examples of times when companies acted in unethical ways due and explain each briefly. In the space below, please provide a general overview of a presentation other than your own. Provide the name of the product and then to the best of your knowledge, answer “who, what, why, where, when.” (4 pts).
Public Relations 1
PRSA Member Code of Ethics The PRSA Assembly adopted this Member Code of Ethics in 2000. It replaces the Code of Professional Standard (sometimes called the Code of Ethics) that was last revised in 1988. For further information on the Code, Please contact Judy Voss, Director, Professional Development, (212) 460-1480 or [email protected] Preamble Public Relations Society of America Member Code of Ethics 2000 · Professional Values · Principles of Conduct · Commitment and Compliance This Code applies to PRSA members. The Code is designed to be a useful guide for PRSA members as they carry out their ethical responsibilities. This document is designed to anticipate and accommodate, by precedent, ethical challenges that may arise. The scenarios outlined in the Code provision are actual examples of misconduct. More will be added as experience with the Code occurs. The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) is committed to ethical practices. The level of public trust PRSA members seek, as we serve the public good, means we have taken on a special obligation to operate ethically. The value of member reputation depends upon the ethical conduct of everyone affiliated with the Public Relations Society of America. Each of us sets an example for each other – as well as other professionals – by our pursuit of excellence with powerful standards of performance, professionalism, and ethical conduct. Emphasis on enforcement of the Code has been eliminated. But, the PRSA Board of Directors retains the right to bar from membership or expel from the Society any individual who has been or is sanctioned by a government agency or convicted in a court of law of an action that is in violation of this Code. Ethical practice is the most important obligation of a PRSA member. We view the Member Code of Ethics as a model for other professions, organizations, and professionals. PRSA Member Statement of Professional Values This statement presents the core values of PRSA members and, more broadly, of the public relations profession. These values provide the foundation for the Member Code of Ethics and set the industry standard for the professional practice of public relations. These values are the fundamental beliefs that guide our behaviors and decision-making process. We believe our professional values are vital to the integrity of the profession as a whole. ADVOCACY We serve the public interest by acting as responsible advocates for those we represent. We provide a voice in the marketplace of ideas, facts, and viewpoints to aid informed public debate. HONESTY We adhere to the highest standards of accuracy and truth in advancing the interests of those we represent and in communicating with the public. EXPERTISE We acquire and responsibly use specialized knowledge and experience. We advance the profession through continued professional development, research, and education. We build mutual understanding, credibility, and relationships among a wide array of institutions and audiences. INDEPENDENCE We provide objective counsel to those we represent. We are accountable for our actions. LOYALTY We are faithful to those we represent, while honoring our obligation to serve the public interest. FAIRNESS We deal fairly with clients, employers, competitors, peers, vendors, the media, and the general public. We respect all opinions and support the right of free expression. PRSA Code of Provisions FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION Core Principle Protecting and advancing the free flow of accurate and truthful information is essential to serving the public interest and contributing to informed decision making in a democratic society. Intent · To maintain the integrity of relationships with the media, government officials, and the public. · To aid informed decision-making. Guidelines A member shall: · Preserve the integrity of the process of communication. · Be honest and accurate in all communications. · Act promptly to correct erroneous communications for which the practitioner is responsible. · Preserve the free flow of unprejudiced information when giving or receiving gifts by ensuring that gifts are nominal, legal, and infrequent. Examples of Improper Conduct Under this Provision: · A member representing a ski manufacturer gives a pair of expensive racing skis to a sports magazine columnist, to influence the columnist to write favorable articles about the product. · A member entertains a government official beyond legal limits and/or in violation of government reporting requirements. COMPETITION Core Principle Promoting healthy and fair competition among professionals preserves an ethical climate while fostering a robust business environment. Intent · To promote respect and fair competition among public relations professionals. · To serve the public interest by providing the widest choice of practitioner options. Guidelines A member shall: · Follow ethical hiring practices designed to respect free and open competition without deliberately undermining a competitor. · Preserve intellectual property rights in the marketplace. Examples of Improper Conduct Under This Provision: · A member employed by a “client organization” shares helpful information with a counseling firm that is competing with others for the organization’s business. · A member spreads malicious and unfounded rumors about a competitor in order to alienate the competitor’s clients and employees in a ploy to recruit people and business. DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION Core Principle Open communication fosters informed decision making in a democratic society. Intent · To build trust with the public by revealing all information needed for responsible decision making. Guidelines A member shall: · Be honest and accurate in all communications. · Act promptly to correct erroneous communications for which the member is responsible. · Investigate the truthfulness and accuracy of information released on behalf of those represented. · Reveal the sponsors for causes and interests represented. · Disclose financial interest (such as stock ownership) in a client’s organization. · Avoid deceptive practices. Examples of Improper Conduct Under this Provision: · Front groups: A member implements “grass roots” campaigns or letter-writing campaigns to legislators on behalf of undisclosed interest groups. · Lying by omission: A practitioner for a corporation knowingly fails to release financial information, giving a misleading impression of the corporation’s performance. · A member discovers inaccurate information disseminated via a Web site or media kit and does not correct the information. · A member deceives the public by employing people to pose as volunteers to speak at public hearings and participate in “grass roots” campaigns. SAFEGUARDING CONFIDENCES Core Principle Client trust requires appropriate protection of confidential and private information. Intent · To protect the privacy rights of clients, organizations, and individuals by safeguarding confidential information. Guidelines A member shall: · Safeguard the confidences and privacy rights of present, former, and prospective clients and employees. · Protect privileged, confidential, or insider information gained from a client or organization. · Immediately advise an appropriate authority if a member discovers that confidential information is being divulged by an employee of a client company or organization. Examples of Improper Conduct Under This Provision: · A member changes jobs, takes confidential information, and uses that information in the new position to the detriment of the former employer. · A member intentionally leaks proprietary information to the detriment of some other party. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST Core Principle Avoiding real, potential or perceived conflicts of interest builds the trust of clients, employers, and the publics. Intent · To earn trust and mutual respect with clients or employers. · To build trust with the public by avoiding or ending situations that put one’s personal or professional interests in conflict with society’s interests. Guidelines A member shall: · Act in the best interests of the client or employer, even subordinating the member’s personal interests. · Avoid actions and circumstances that may appear to compromise good business judgment or create a conflict between personal and professional interests. · Disclose promptly any existing or potential conflict of interest to affected clients or organizations. · Encourage clients and customers to determine if a conflict exists after notifying all affected parties. Examples of Improper Conduct Under This Provision · The member fails to disclose that he or she has a strong financial interest in a client’s chief competitor. · The member represents a “competitor company” or a “conflicting interest” without informing a prospective client. ENHANCING THE PROFESSION Core Principle Public relations professionals work constantly to strengthen the public’s trust in the profession. Intent · To build respect and credibility with the public for the profession of public relations. · To improve, adapt and expand professional practices. Guidelines A member shall: · Acknowledge that there is an obligation to protect and enhance the profession. · Keep informed and educated about practices in the profession to ensure ethical conduct. · Actively pursue personal professional development. · Decline representation of clients or organizations that urge or require actions contrary to this Code. · Accurately define what public relations activities can accomplish. · Counsel subordinates in proper ethical decision making. · Require that subordinates adhere to the ethical requirements of the Code. · Report ethical violations, whether committed by PRSA members or not, to the appropriate authority. Examples of Improper Conduct Under This Provision: · A PRSA member declares publicly that a product the client sells is safe, without disclosing evidence to the contrary. · A member initially assigns some questionable client work to a non-member practitioner to avoid the ethical obligation of PRSA membership. RESOURCES Rules and Guidelines The following PRSA documents, available online at www.prsa.org provide detailed rules and guidelines to help guide your professional behavior. If, after reviewing them, you still have a question or issue, contact PRSA headquarters as noted below. · PRSA Bylaws · PRSA Administrative Rules · Member Code of Ethics QUESTIONS The PRSA is here to help. If you have a serious concern or simply need clarification, please contact Judy Voss at (212) 460-1480. Pledge I pledge: To conduct myself professionally, with truth, accuracy, fairness, and responsibility to the public; To improve my individual competence and advance the knowledge and proficiency of the profession through continuing research and education; And to adhere to the articles of the Member Code of Ethics 2000 for the practice of public relations as adopted by the governing Assembly of the Public Relations Society of America. I understand and accept that there is a consequence for misconduct, up to and including membership revocation. And, I understand that those who have been or are sanctioned by a government agency or convicted in a court of law of an action that is in violation of this Code may be barred from membership or expelled from the Society. _________________________________ Signature _________________________________ Date