Public Relations Defined
Jason E. Green
MKT 438
January 20, 2013
Robert Etter

Public Relations Defined

The purpose of this paper is to define public relation and identify some reasons why so many different definitions exist in our modern society. As well as to categorize the different definition and how they interrelate.
The initial thoughts that were gathered regarding public relation is that it is a planned process to stimulate the thinking of an audience by offering a solid character that displays sound judgment, which is achieved by a communicating with the audience to persuade there thinking. As further research were conducted the idea that few words can define such a broad concept became infrequent, which demonstrated that further research and in-depth thinking was necessary. Although common thinking would align marketing with public relations the two seem like separate ideas and ideals that once harmoniously aligned can translate in a successful image campaign. According to Fraser P. Seitel one of the most ambitious searches for a universal definition was conducted and commissioned in 1975 by the Foundation of Public Relation Research and Education. The leaders in the field of public relations analyzed 472 different descriptions and explanation and offered an 88-word sentence:
“Public relations is a distinctive management function which helps establish and maintain mutual lines of communications, understanding, acceptance, and cooperation between an organization and its publics; involves the management of problems or issues; helps management to keep informed on and responsive to public opinion; defines and emphasizes the responsibility of management to serve the public interest; helps management keep abreast of and effectively utilize change, serving as an early warning system to help anticipate trends; and uses research and sound and