Statement of professional values

Getting yourself familiar with the terms

Sometime we find ourselves with a lot of terms we don’t understand. This can be abbreviated words or just a word which is not comprehensive enough for you to understand. In the law and ethics of public relations we come across these terms. In this particular blog post we will take a few terms and explain them in term of the statement of professional values. This is merely to explain them in a bit more detail and you can familiarize yourself with the terms and their explanation.

This statement presents the core values and more broadly, of the public relations profession. These values provide the foundation for the Member Code of Ethics and set the industry standard for the professional practice of public relations. These values are the fundamental beliefs that guide our behaviors and decision-making process.

ADVOCACY

To serve the public interest by acting as responsible advocates for those that is represented. It provides a voice in the marketplace of ideas, facts, and viewpoints to aid informed public debate.

HONESTY

To adhere to the highest standards of accuracy and truth in advancing the interests of those represented and in communicating with the public.

EXPERTISE

To acquire and responsibly use specialized knowledge and experience. It advances the profession through continued professional development, research, and education. It builds mutual understanding, credibility, and relationships among a wide array of institutions and audiences.

INDEPENDENCE

Provides objective counsel to those represented. Being accountable for actions taken.

LOYALTY

To be faithful to those that are represented. While honoring our obligation to serve the public interest.

FAIRNESS

Dealing fairly with clients, employers, competitors, peers, vendors, the media, and the general public. To respect all opinions and support the right of free expression.

 

 

These are just a few mentioned but from them i would love to know which one you still need clarification on. And what are your views about them?

Ethical use of Interns

Background

It's quite strange how we all know there are things called laws and ethics in a certain profession but we all not too familiar with them. I mean they are important after all. The main challenge most of the time is that they throw all these things in our faces and expect us to fully comprehend and remember them all.

I think its high time for this to change. Lets rather take a few laws and ethics at a time and discuss them or talk about them to share some ideas and understanding around. I want to know what your thoughts are about them because this way we will understand these laws and ethics better.

Ethics is what is morally right or wrong. Usually as determined by standards of profession such as public relations, organisations and individuals. We will obviously look at them from a public relations point of view but I also feel it will actually apply to any other profession.

Ethical behavior is a major consideration that distinguishes the civilized from the uncivilized in society.

Issue

Employers value work experience when hiring. Job candidates who wish to be competitive willingly accept unpaid positions to gain work experience. This raises questions for both the employer and vulnerable job seekers (students).

The question for employers is: “Does the position being offered meet the legal standard set by federal law for an unpaid internship?” For the student, the question is, “Can the internship be a significant career builder as opposed to just a mindless activity that provides little or no immediate academic or work experience?” For both parties, there are ethical questions to consider.

Guidelines

In reviewing this issue, PRSA determined five key issues that need to be assessed to properly understand the ethical implications and concerns regarding the use of unpaid interns in the public relations industry.

Those issues include: Federal law, state legislative rules, student factors, institutional factors and the public relations internship environment.

 

 

Students everywhere must take these key issues into consideration as they embark on their internships for years to come. What are your thoughts about this issue and guidelines? 

Do you think students should be paid for their internship work or should it merely serve as work experience?