COMM 150: PRSA Code of Ethics

Since it's the last day of classes, here's something we didn't get around to ...

It's the Public Relations Society of America Code of Ethics. It's important. Core values are as follows:

The Code, created and maintained by the PRSA Board of Ethics and Professional Standards (BEPS), sets out principles and guidelines built on core values. Fundamental values like advocacy, honesty, loyalty, professional development and objectivity structure ethical practice and interaction with clients and the public.

Translating values into principles of ethical practice, the Code advises professionals to:

• Protect and advance the free flow of accurate and truthful information.
  
• Foster informed decision making through open communication.
  
• Protect confidential and private information.
  
• Promote healthy and fair competition among professionals.
  
• Avoid conflicts of interest.
  
• Work to strengthen the public’s trust in the profession.

Code guidelines, like tactics supporting strategies, zero in on putting value and principles into play for working professionals facing everyday tasks and challenges. Among them, professionals should:

• Be honest and accurate in all communications.
  
• Reveal sponsors for represented causes and interests.
  Act in the best interest of clients or employers.
  
• Disclose financial interests in a client’s organization.
  
• Safeguard the confidences and privacy rights of clients and employees.
  
• Follow ethical hiring practices to respect free and open competition.
  
• Avoid conflicts between personal and professional interests.
  Decline representation of clients requiring actions contrary to the Code.
  
• Accurately define what public relations activities can accomplish.
  
• Report all ethical violations to the appropriate authority.

There's more, geared like the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics, toward helping working professionals meet on-the-job challenges. You may have these from other classes. Now you have them again.