Encyclopedia of public relations

About this book

The Encyclopedia of Public Relations explores the evolution of the PR field, with examples from history describing events, changing practices, and the key figures who developed and expanded the profession. The encyclopedia explores key challenges facing the profession of public relations and its practitioners, such as earning the trust and respect of critics and the general public. Opinions about PR are as diverse as the issues addressed by the people and organizations in the field. One good example is ethics (decision-making, creations of meaning, etc.), and the popular notion that many PR practitioners use their skills to deliberately misinform the public. In contrast, public relations professionals also have an integral role in social responsibility, such as notifying the public of climate or public health concerns. These volumes go into great depth about such ethical policies and challenges. In fact, the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) operates under a specific code of ethics---full details of which are included in an appendix. The encyclopedia has also been put together with the knowledge that PR does not exclusively reside in the United States. Major international figures, research, and organizations play a key part in the project.