For this week’s blog I read up on the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) code if ethics for their members. Reading up on their ethics and standards was an interesting read, esoecially the examples of what not to do.
The core values of the PRSA are: advocacy, honesty, expertise, independence, loyalty and fairness. Essentially the PRSA holds it members to be the best that they can be while still serving the public and the clients to the best of their ability. These standards aren’t just for members of the PRSA but for the professional field of public relations as well. To help reinforce these principals the free flow of information is vital to the PRSA. This flow of information is designed to help the public make informed decision because the information they are receiving is accurate and truthful.
Another principle that the PRSA has is promoting fair competition. Information should be disclosed to the public when appropriate and in a truthful manner. Members should also not try to stifle competition with false information or insider information. To go along with this the PRSA also has prinicples to protect confidences, how/when to disclose information, and conflicts of interest. Esentially they recognize that information can either be private and non disclose-able or public information that can be released. By doing this the PRSA beleives it will build the relationship with clients since members wil be acting in their best interest.
By following these principles members not only gain the trust of their clients but also help build the professionalism of the field as well. Which is another goal of the PRSA member code of ethics.
If you wish to join their is a pledge at the end of the page, which you can sign and date. The pledge basically states that you will conduct yourself in accordance with the code and do your best to uphold it at all times, and also recognize that breaking the code will ultimately lead to you being kicked out of the PRSA.