Posted on Current PR Conversations PR Motion

Applying the deep roots of rhizomatic learning to relationship strategies in public relations

The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and systems in recent years has led to consideration of the role of the human in public relations. It is asserted that machine learning will enable more and more routine tasks to be automated, whilst practitioners will concentrate on strategic matters, such as building relationships. Yet, this distinction between tactical and strategic, technician and management reflects a traditional 20th century, mechanistic way of thinking. The organisation is conceptualised...

Posted on Current PR Conversations PR Axis

Tracing the measurement origins of PESO

There are some acronyms that we become so familiar with that we no longer know who originated them. Indeed, students aren’t even expected to credit the source in their work. Think about the following: PEST or SWOT. Then there are models and concepts that become disassociated from their originators over time. How about the Diffusion of Innovation, Nudge or SMART objectives? Even if we don’t know whose idea it first was, or even the name...

Posted on PR Sense

Honestly, PR is dishonest

Symmetry and storytelling are fine but only if they improve competitive advantage Op-Ed by Alan Kelly, MA Bored of the alchemy of reputation metrics, the insincerity of authenticity and other communication terms du jour, I am often entertained at public relations conferences by counting the utterances of words like compete, rival or opposition. Never have I needed more than the fingers on one hand. And so I’ve come to the conclusion that the field we...

Posted on PR Mediums

A defining moment for public relations

By Terry Flynn, PhD, APR, FCPRS Over the past few weeks, hundreds of public relations professionals were engaged in the Public Relations Society of America-led initiative to “redefine” public relations. This program, which includes the support of various public relations organizations—such as the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), the UK’s Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) and the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communications Management (GA)—has sparked interest, debate and dialogue across the...

Posted on PR Axis

Constructing the Organizational Narrative: PR definition in the making

Author: Judy Gombita There’s an insidious, four-letter word that continues to haunt and largely define the public relations industry (at least in the public’s estimation): Spin. We know this. We fight it. But a big part of the problem is that the average person still does not know what it is we do. For that matter, some practitioners appear confused, limiting PR to media relations and/or publicity. Perhaps even more dangerous, the remit of PR...

Posted on PR Nexus

Future leaders need more than digital PR

Everywhere you look, those starting out on a career in public relations are urged to focus on developing skills in digital PR.  But as such competencies shortly will be little more than a commodity possessed by most young graduates and practitioners in the field (as well as many with years of experience), future leaders will need much more than an ability to craft a Tweet or build a network of Facebook friends. Looking at the...

Posted on PR Sphere PRoust Questionnaire

PRoust Questionnaire: Nelly Benova

The PRoust Questionnaire provides a quick insight into a public relations practitioner’s interests and point of view, as well as their professional beliefs and values. If you are not familiar with the original 19th-century Proust Questionnaire, please see details at the end of this post. 1. What is your most striking characteristic as a PR practitioner? Being able to gather the real picture of the situation even when the facts tell me the opposite. 2....

Posted on PR Axis

Improving stakeholder relationships through nets, neuros and algorithms

  By Toni Muzi Falconi Idea genesis Public relations practice seeks to identify and convince potential influencers in advocating ideas, arguments, products and services in line with client or employer objectives, thus attempting to overcome the limitations of outreach and credibility. The issue of relationships with stakeholders – powered by the increasing pressure of expectations on organizational decision processes – has become a vital concern for the licence to operate of every organization. Today this...

Posted on PR Axis

The wind is in Craig Pearce’s sails

New e-report: Public relations 2011: issues, insights and ideas In December 2010 an email arrived in my inbox originating from the other side of the world, inviting participation in an intriguing project initiated by Australian (online) colleague, Craig Pearce: a planned (free) e-report comprising a variety of contributions from PR practitioners and academics located in different parts of the world. Besides being persuaded by Craig to contribute (two submissions!), I was intrigued to find out...

Posted on PR Mediums

What do digital immigrants really know about social media? Part II

This second part of a conversation about the role of social media in PR moves on to reflect on the practices of organisations and their representatives in this ever changing terrain. Heather Yaxley and Judy Gombita share their views and offer some cautionary advice. Judy Gombita The previous post referenced the Pew Internet “Generations Online” report; this time let’s look at the Edelman Trust Barometer 2011. From the Edelman January 25, 2011, news release, “Skepticism...