Definition of Public Relations

The Definition of Public Relations

Public relations, what exactly does that mean? The term public relations seems straight forward, however, it has many different definitions. People see the term in different ways. Public relations is a very common term that is used in many different fields. Due to the different uses of public relations, there are many different definitions. Three definitions for public relations will be given to give a better understanding of the term. A personal definition of public relations will also be described. Finally an explanation as to why there are so many definitions to the term will be given.

There is no exact definition for the term public relations there are many different definitions for the term. Fraser P. Seitel defines public relations as, “a planned process to influence public opinion, through sound character and proper performance, based on a mutually satisfactory two-way communication,” (Seitel, 2004, para. 5). This definition is stating that public relations is persuading a group of people to agree with an idea. This persuasion is done by following a predetermined plan. This definition explains what public relations is, however there are other definitions that explain public relations in a different way.

Another definition of public relations explains the term as, “a leadership and management function that helps achieve organizational objectives, define philosophy, and facilitate organizational change,” (Baskin, Heiman, Lattimore, Toth & Van Leuven, 2004, para. 11). This definition states that someone in the public relations field will analyze the public, advise management on decisions, plan what the organization has to do to change the public views, and set goals for the organization. It is important to make sure the public’s expectations are similar to the goals of the organization (Baskin, Heiman, Lattimore, Toth & Van Leuven, 2004, para. 11). This definition is very similar to the previous definition in the fact that the underlying meaning is to get the organization and a group to agree on an issue.

The following definition is similar to the previous two definitions. Allen Center and Patrick Jensen (2003) define public relations as, “something everyone has, and (it) fosters the improvement of public relationships through specific activities and policies and is the cornerstone of a democratic society.” This definition goes further to explain that public relations are something everyone has and is part of a democratic society. This part of the definition is completely different than the previous two definitions. This statement provides a little more insight into what public relations really is and what its purpose