Definition of Public Relations

Defining Public Relations

The ability to adhere to one worldwide definition of public relations is a challenging and one might say impossible task, and has concerned many public relations specials and scholars alike. They seem to agree that while individuals’ actual definition of public relations might vary in strategy and technique, the end goal is always the same, to influence public opinion favorably for one’s organization.

Public Relations in My Own Words

Public Relations deals with a broad range of strategies and methods, therefore, it is not easily defined. In my opinion, a good definition of public relations would include to communicate not only an institutions main purpose and mission, but to keep the institution involved in the public opinions reaction to the institutions strategy in doing do. This paper examines several experts’ definitions of public relations to see what the differences are among them while identifying what the constant theme among them is.

Edward Bernays Defining Public Relations

Edward Bernays defined Public Relations as “information given to the public, persuasion directed at the public to modify attitudes and actions, and efforts to integrate attitudes and actions of an institution with its publics and of publics with those of that institution” (1923). This is one definition that is fairly broad compared to the numerous variations that are worldwide. Concentrating on persuasion of attitudes is a major aspect of public Relations. It is imperative to have a favorable public opinion of an institution. Public opinion equals customer opinion. It is well known that in order to keep your customers happy and continuing to invest in your goods and services, an institution must keep their best interest in mind. Through efforts such as advertising and marketing, an institution must convey their main purpose or mission to their customer so they have an understanding of exactly what they stand for. It does a great job of pointing out the two main components of public relations, both internal and external communications. Not only does public relations help communicate to an institution’s external public, but it helps keep their mission in line with their internal workforce. It is important to keep one’s staff up to date on an institution’s long and short term goals that might get clouded or overlooked with the rigors of the daily grind. This is imperative to keep the institution running on track towards their common goal.

Fraser P. Seitel Defining Public Relations

According to Fraser P. Seitel “public relations is a planned process to influence public opinion, through sound character and proper performance, based on mutually satisfactory two-way communication” (2004). It is clear through this definition that the most important aspect of public relations is public opinion. An institution must take into account what the public wants, and how to achieve by best means possible. Communication with their public in relation to their expectation of that institution is just as important as the institution communicating their goals in relation to their goods and services offered to the public. Holding a positive public opinion is imperative to keep a company in good standing. That being said, if your public doesn’t have a favorable opinion of you, you can rest assured they do not have a very strong faith in your institution and most likely will not be holding relations with it. The way in which an institution reacts to public opinion and adapts to it through changes and structural reforms can help bridge the gap between the two groups. Since public opinion goes hand in hand with good public relations, it is crucial to have a well developed public relations department that is current in two way communication between your institution and the public.

Defined by Lattimore, Baskin, Heiman, Toth and Van Leuven

Public Relations: The Profession and the Practice, authored by Lattimore, Baskin, Heiman,