The concept or idea of specifically defining the term public relations (PR) can be a seemingly impossible task that is by no mean concise. Public Relations mean many different things to different people. Public Relations or PR, in short, is quite subjective depending on what your intent or overall goal is for communicating or promoting certain information to groups of people. Viewed as a professional endeavor, public relations are most often defined as the management function that seeks to establish and maintain mutually beneficial relationships between an organization, commercial or non-commercial, and the audiences or "publics" on which the success of these entities depends. It is defined as the controlling factor that searches to form and maintain relationships between organizations, profit or non-profit and the public that are beneficial for both parties (Don Bates).
The practice of PR is dedicated to complete honesty and openness in its communications and operations. The field of PR is a very essential aspect with having a perfect image. PR professionals work diligently at creating good and reliable relations between a firm and many different individuals it represents. It deals with a variety of strategies and methods.
Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some hire public relations officers.
-Daniel J. Boorstin
Public relations blossomed as a professional endeavor in the 20th Century, most conspicuously in the United States, but its roots, both philosophical and pragmatic, can be traced throughout civilization.
2.0 History of Public Relations
Public relations are both old and young. It is ancient in its foundations, rooted in the earliest interactions of people in societies long gone. It is contemporary in its expression as one of society 's emerging professions. Throughout history, public relations has been part of societies separated by miles and centuries and has been practiced within many
References: * eHow.com * Wikipedia.com * Don Bates’ sayings * Own notes * Course Books * Google Image * Google-Pioneers in Public Relations