Public relations means many different things to many different individuals, businesses, and marketing firms. The true definition of public relations will be determined based on the nature of the work being done and the targeted group for a company to provide its goods and services to. In this paper, a personal definition of public relations will be given. In addition, three extra definitions of public relations will be presented. A thorough comparison of those definitions will take place, and a further explanation as to why so many definitions of public relations exist.
Public Relations Public relations is how any business, no matter how big or small, interacts with its clientele, partners, investors, and potential customers to sell it goods and services. Public relations are an absolute integral part of an establishment's ability to advertise its goods and services to the general public in a positive way. Public relations simply stated is the ability of a business to build key relationships between its organization and its audience. The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia defines public relations as the "activities and policies used to create public interest in a person, idea, product, institution, or business establishment". In this definition, public relations is described as a process rather than a departmental agency. In some of the more successful businesses, public relations departments exist within. For smaller businesses, they may elect to contract public relations work out to specialized firms. The American Heritage Dictionary defines public relations as "the art or science of establishing and promoting a favorable relationship with the public". The American Heritage goes on to say that "public relations is the methods and activities employed to establish and promote a favorable relationship with the public". It is important to understand that public relations agencies are an integral part of a businesses success in
References: Public relations. (n.d.). The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. Retrieved January 22, 2006, from Answers.com Web site: http://www.answers.com/topic/public-relations Public relations. (n.d.). The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Retrieved January 22, 2006, from Answers.com Web site: http://www.answers.com/topic/public-relations Public relations. (n.d.). WordNet 1.7.1. Retrieved January 22, 2006, from Answers.com Web site: http://www.answers.com/topic/public-relations