Over the years throughout our lectures and seminars we are overloaded with a whole lot of information about ethics and PR. Coming into PR I was expecting to to do quite a bit of sucking up to certain people and going out to lunch meetings which could include a wine or two. I thought I would be stuck in an ethical dilemma. However, this has not been the case at all. So far the organisation I am working for are really quite honest to each individual regardless of how much this person can or may be able to do for the business. All meetings have taken place merely in the office foyer or board room. There has been no free gifts or 'bribes' as some might say. So I guess what I am concluding is that my organisation has a conservative approach.
It would be great to hear from any of you about how your organisation is in relations to the above topic!
Regards
5 comments:
Hi Ashlyn,
I had to reply to your post because it made me laugh...I know exactly what you mean. I think we are taught to recognise that there is a side of PR that can push the ethical boundaries but it's probably a minority of cases and it also depends on who you work for.
There are also probably certain professions which the ethical dilemma presents itself more for example, politics and other organisations which challenge social norms or are involved in public policy changes becuase you have to try and please many different people.
While I havn't had to "suck up" to anyone or attend"special" lunches I have recognised the areas of PR which can be seen as unethical to other people.
I am doing my placement at a not-for-profit organisation and due to the curretn economic climate we have had to think of ways to attract more donors so the language we use in media releases and newsletters could seem emotionally manipulative to some people even though we really are facing dire circumstances.
At the end of the day, I think PR practitioners are given a bad wrap mainly because we are employed to present OUR organisation in the best light possible which may mean being selective about the information we present to the public. It may not be dishonest but some people don't like it and as students of PR we are taught to recognise this and be as truthful and ethical as possible and also to have certain standards we don't compromise on for ourselves.
Interesting question though...hope you're enjoying your placement.
Desiree
Hi Ashlyn,
Well i must say that it was an interesting topics regarding PR and ethic which has caught my eyes. Being a PR practitioner, we do face a lot of dilemmas regarding ethics. And that is always depends on us, as a PR practitioner on how to balance being ethically and to maintain close relationship with the other who has direct interest on your business.
Hey Ashlyn,
I had to reply to your blog because I see exactly where you are coming from. In our PR units we are often taught things such as ethical dilemmas that do not effect us at all in the workplace.
In class I guess they teach you what can happen because if we are ever in one of those situations we want to know how to handle it.
At my workplace there is a laidback approach and everyone is more like friends. My boss comes out and has a joke and every talks about their weekends etc. I suspect not all jobs are like this but I would much prefer to feel comfortable at work then to be uptight and stressed.
I also agree with Desiree that PR Practitioners do get a bad wrap and that we are not all about twisting the truth and putting a 'spin' on things. I guess these are just some of the things you learn in the workforce.
Hi AshLYN,
PR can be a very interesting department to be in and the question of ethics will always arise. I think it varies with the 'culture' of each company, some are less conservative than others and it depends on how it is balanced out and how you as an individual with your own ethics retaliate to it.
Good luck:-)
Hey Ashlyn,
Great topic to blog about! I had to reply to your blog because I know where you are coming from. When it comes to the PR industry, the topic of Ethics will always come hand in hand.
I've got to agree with Wendy, that ethics is not a standard practice as it depends on the company's culture. At my Intern for example, we are very laidback and casual about everything. We are more like friends rather than colleagues, everyone often share their stories and much laughter together.
In conclusion it all comes down to ourselves, and how well we can carry ourselves in such environment.
Hear from you soon,
Indery =)
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