Evolution from Oxymoron: A Genesis of Public Relations Ethics
by Dr. Julie K. Henderson
In the early 1900s, as public relations was flourishing, much was being written and discussed about what the practice involved and who should be able to call themselves a public relations practitioner. Too many hucksters were cheapening public relations. Many early leaders wanted to advance beyond press agentry and publicity. They realized the importance of establishing ethical guidelines if they were to differentiate themselves.
Using original papers housed in the archives of the Wisconsin Historical Society Mass Communication History Collection, Evolution from Oxymoron explores how leaders -- through their words and deeds -- collaborated, argued, and eventually agreed on what should be considered public relations ethics. Special emphasis is on the papers of John W. Hill and Arthur Page during 1900-1950 and contributions of Edward Bernays, Ivy Ledbetter Lee, Rex Harlow and others.
Chapters are organized by the core values of the Public Relations Society of America Code of Ethics, virtues emphasized in many Codes of Ethics for other public relations organizations. They are Advocacy, Honesty, Expertise, Independence, Loyalty, and Fairness. Mini-chapters also explore Propaganda, Front Groups, and the Public Relations Profession.
Numerous real-life examples include how Harvard University handled a visit by Bertrand Russell, why Bell Telephone had only female operators, and how propaganda became a valuable tool during World War II. Many of the challenges presented stay the same today, but technology always creates new ones.
This book provides an inside look designed to spark conversation both in the classroom and the boardroom.
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