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How to define public relations

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This is a discussion of the public relations field, its various definitions and how to determine which definition fits a business best.

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The expert determines how to define public relations.

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How to Define Public Relations

Introduction

There are many ways to define the artful science of public relations. This wide ranging discipline also seems to have as wide a variety of definitions as it does definers. Online dictionaries define it, as well as textbooks and organizations from the U.S. Department of Energy to the Public Relations Society of America. The question is why so many definitions? Which one is the best definition for my business? To answer these complex questions one must first look at a few of these definitions and how the functions of the definition serve the definers.

Definitions of Public Relations and Their Functions

One definition comes from the freedictionary.com website which describes public relations as, "the art or science of establishing and promoting a favorable relationship with the public (American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 2011)." American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, however, is not a dictionary in the traditional sense of the word. Rather, it is a marketing website. Its definition of public relations appears next to web links which are advertisements for various public relations firms. This definition, therefore, serves as somewhat of an advertising copy aimed at potential clients looking to hire a public relations firm for their business or personal needs.

On the other hand, The Practice of Public Relations, a college level text book, asserts that "public relations is a planned process to influence public opinion, through sound character and proper performance, based on mutually satisfactory two-way communication ...

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