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The Definition of Public Relations Public relations, what exactly does that mean? The term public relations seems straight forward, however, it has many different definitions. People see the term in different ways. Public relations is a very common term that is used in many different fields. Due to the different uses of public relations, there are many different definitions. Three definitions for public relations will be given to give a better understanding of the term. A personal definition of public relations will also be described. Finally an explanation as to why there are so many definitions to the term will be given.
There is no exact definition for the term public relations there are many deferent definitions for the term. Fraser P. Selves defines public relations as, “a planned process to Influence public opinion, through sound character and proper performance, based on a mutually satisfactory two-way communication,” (Stile, 2004, Para. 5). This definition is stating that public relations is persuading a group of people to agree with an idea. This persuasion Is done by following a predetermined plan. This definition explains what public relations is, however there are other definitions that explain public relations in a different way.
Another definition of public relations explains the term as, “a leadership and management function that helps achieve organizational objectives, define philosophy, and facilitate organizational change,” (Basalt, He-man, Loiterer, Tooth & Van Eleven, 2004, Para. 1 1 This definition states that someone in the public relations field will analyze the public, advise management on decisions, plan what the organization has to do to change the public views, and set goals for the organization. It is important to make sure the publics expectations are similar to the goals of the organization (Basalt, He-man, Loiterer, Tooth & Van Eleven, 2004, Para. 1. This definition Is very salary to the previous definition in the fact that the underlying meaning is to get the organization and a group to agree on an issue. The following definition is similar to the previous two definitions. Allen Center and Patrick Jensen (2003) define public relations as, “something everyone has, and (It) fosters the Improvement of public relationships through specific activities and policies and is the cornerstone of a democratic society. ” This definition goes further to explain that public relations are something everyone has and is part of a democratic society.
This part of the function Is completely different than the previous two definitions. This statement provides a little more insight into what public relations really is and what its purpose is. A personal definition of public relations is working towards a goal of understanding between an organization and the public. This definition shows the Importance of the good relationship between the public and the organization to public relations. That is the main goal of public relations. Although there are many different ways of looking at public relations, the ultimate goal is a good relationship between an organization and the public.
When there is a good relationship, organizations can persuade the public to agree on policies the organization needs. Public relations are used In many different fields. The needs of society constantly change the needs for public relations. For example someone who works in public 1 OFF relations for a different organization may deal with clients or other companies. The need for public relations is ever changing. Due to the nature of the field, there are many different definitions of public relations. These definitions will continue to change as the needs of society continue to change.
To explain exactly what public elation’s is four different definitions have been given. These definitions have been analyzed to explain the meaning of the term. Public relations are used in many different ways in different fields, which explains why there are so many different definitions. There is not a right definition of the term. The definition of public policy will depend on the field it is used in. As for now these are all accurate definitions, however, in the future the definition will continue to change. Public relations is a term that may never have one exact definition, however, the meaning of the term is understood by most people.