Question

Describe the present status of public relations.

Answer 1

The present status of public relations is as follows:

1. Management Function: Public relations has evolved into a management function. It has achieved a professional status.
2. Professional Approach: Public relations, like any other profession, is involved with acquiring information about specific interests, comprehending the policies of specialised agencies, and judging these agencies' ability to meet these interests.
3. Two-way Function: It aims not only to inform the public but also to obtain a deeper knowledge of public views toward business and to take positive efforts to increase public understanding and goodwill.
4. Art and Science: Public relations is becoming a serious business. It is both an art and a science that addresses complex issues such as how an institution or organization can work well with other organisations and groups.
5. Broad Concept: Public relations is a broad concept rather than a tight set of rules. It is a collection of relationships that form and sustain impressions.
6. Organised Activity: Public relations is considered a structured activity in today's commercial world. Large and progressive businesses have public relations departments and personnel to develop and preserve their goodwill.
7. Two-way Communication: The primary goal of public relations operations is to create a two-way flow of mutual understanding based on truth, knowledge, and complete information.
8. Essential for All Organisations: No institution, industry, or democratic government can function effectively without the public’s involvement.