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Bahcesehir University

Description

This course is designed for those who want to learn about the importance of ethics and ethics in the field of public relations.

After the course, you will be able to:

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Description

This course is designed for those who want to learn about the importance of ethics and ethics in the field of public relations.

After the course, you will be able to:

  • explore the ethical issues that can be encountered in public relations, corporate communication and other areas of strategic communications.

  • develop an understanding of the ethical perspectives, ethical issues, ways of understanding and overcoming the ethical dilemmas.

  • learn about Ethics in PR

  • learn about different ethical approaches such as Ethical Relativism - Prima Facie - Virtue-Based Ethics, strategies that could be used to develop persuasive messages with ethical perspectives and codes of ethics practices for professions.

This course is designed to provide a general impression of ethics as general and specifically for public relations. If you work in the field of public relations and communications, this course is for you. Throughout the course, you will find points that appeal to you. During the course, you will have examples that you can reinforce with your daily life. In this context, you will be able to competent on the general definition of ethics and ethics in the field of public relations.

Content

· Introduction to the course. Discussion of the Syllabus

· Ethical relativism, Other ethical perspectives Prima Facie - Virtue based ethics - Fairness/Justice approach - Common good approach

· Ethical perspectives in Public Relations

· Schwartz’ Personal Values and Structural Guidelines(IPRA Example)

· Role of Social roles and sense of Responsibility in PR and Barney’s 5-level schema

Instructor

Dr. Ömer Vatanartıran

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What's inside

Syllabus

Ethical Relativism - Prima Facie - Virtue-Based Ethics
Ethical Relativism: It Depends.
Absolute Truths
Prima Facie & Fidelity
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores ethical issues in public relations, corporate communication, and strategic communications, which are essential for professionals in these fields
Covers ethical relativism, prima facie duties, and virtue-based ethics, offering a comprehensive overview of ethical frameworks applicable to PR practice
Examines the role of social roles and responsibility in PR using Barney's 5-level schema, providing a structured approach to ethical decision-making
Discusses codes of ethics practices, such as the Code of Athens and Lisbon, which are foundational documents for PR professionals worldwide
Includes a case study of the Bell Pottinger case, which allows learners to analyze a real-world ethical crisis and apply different ethical frameworks
Requires learners to understand the importance of values in public relations, which is a core component of ethical and responsible communication strategies

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Reviews summary

Ethics fundamentals for pr professionals

According to students, this course provides a solid introduction to ethical principles highly relevant to public relations. Learners appreciated the clear explanations of various ethical perspectives like Virtue-Based Ethics and Prima Facie. The content is considered useful for understanding dilemmas faced in the field. Many found the case studies, such as the Bell Pottinger example, particularly insightful for connecting theory to real-world practice. While many felt it offered a strong foundational understanding, a few experienced professionals noted it might be too basic if you already have significant ethics background. Overall, it's seen as a good starting point for navigating ethical challenges in PR.
Uses examples to link theory and practice.
"The case studies really helped me connect the theoretical concepts to practical PR work."
"Seeing examples like the Bell Pottinger case made the ethical dilemmas much clearer for me."
"I learned how to think through ethical issues using the frameworks provided, which I can use in my job."
Provides a solid introduction to PR ethics.
"This course laid a solid foundation for understanding ethics in PR."
"I finally got a clear picture of different ethical principles and how they apply to communications."
"It's a great starting point for anyone new to the field or needing a refresh on ethical concepts."
"I found the course content to be highly relevant to real-world PR situations."
Most valuable for those new to PR ethics.
"If you're already experienced in PR and ethics, I think this course might feel a bit too basic."
"As a seasoned professional, I was hoping for a more advanced dive into complex issues than what was covered."
"It's a great introduction, but I felt it lacked the depth I needed as an intermediate learner."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Values and Perspectives in PR Ethics with these activities:
Review Ethical Theories
Strengthen your understanding of fundamental ethical theories to better grasp their application in PR scenarios.
Show steps
  • Review definitions and key concepts of each ethical theory.
  • Find real-world examples of each theory in practice.
  • Summarize the strengths and weaknesses of each theory.
Read 'The Ethics of Public Relations'
Gain a deeper understanding of ethical principles and their application to public relations by reading a dedicated textbook.
View Alter Ego: A Novel on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'The Ethics of Public Relations'.
  • Read each chapter and take notes on key concepts.
  • Reflect on how the concepts apply to your own work or experiences.
Develop a Personal Code of Ethics
Create a personal code of ethics to guide your decision-making in public relations, reinforcing your understanding of ethical principles.
Show steps
  • Research existing codes of ethics in public relations.
  • Identify your core values and ethical principles.
  • Draft a personal code of ethics that reflects your values.
  • Share your code with a mentor or colleague for feedback.
  • Revise your code based on the feedback you receive.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Write a Blog Post on Ethical PR
Solidify your understanding of ethical PR by writing a blog post that explores a specific ethical issue or challenge.
Show steps
  • Choose a specific ethical issue in public relations.
  • Research the issue thoroughly.
  • Write a blog post that explores the issue and offers potential solutions.
  • Share your blog post on social media.
Explore 'Public Relations Ethics: Senior PR Leaders Report Best & Worst Practices'
Learn from the experiences of senior PR leaders by exploring their insights on ethical best and worst practices.
View Alter Ego: A Novel on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Public Relations Ethics: Senior PR Leaders Report Best & Worst Practices'.
  • Read the interviews and case studies carefully.
  • Identify common ethical challenges and best practices.
  • Reflect on how you can apply these lessons to your own career.
Analyze a PR Ethics Case Study
Apply ethical frameworks learned in the course to a real-world PR crisis and develop a well-reasoned ethical response.
Show steps
  • Select a well-documented PR ethics case study.
  • Research the case thoroughly, gathering all relevant facts.
  • Identify the ethical issues at stake.
  • Apply different ethical frameworks to analyze the situation.
  • Write a report outlining your analysis and proposed ethical response.

Career center

Learners who complete Values and Perspectives in PR Ethics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Ethics Officer
An Ethics Officer is responsible for promoting ethical conduct within an organization. They develop and implement ethics policies, provide ethics training, and investigate ethical violations. This course is designed for those who want to learn about the importance of ethics. An Ethics Officer would benefit from learning about the ethical issues that can be encountered. The course further teaches ethical perspectives, ethical issues, and ways of understanding and overcoming the ethical dilemmas.
Public Relations Specialist
A Public Relations Specialist cultivates and maintains a positive public image for their clients or organizations. They craft messaging, manage media relations, and handle crisis communications. This course directly helps aspiring Public Relations Specialists by exploring ethical issues within strategic communications and developing an understanding of various ethical perspectives. The course's focus on ethical relativism, virtue-based ethics, and codes of ethical practices for professions provides a strong foundation for navigating the complex ethical dilemmas often encountered in public relations. The case studies and examples used in the course, which reinforce the principles discussed, are also appealing.
Communications Manager
The Communications Manager is responsible for overseeing internal and external communications strategies. They develop communication plans, manage content creation, and ensure consistent messaging across all channels. This course directly addresses the ethical challenges faced by Communications Managers, especially when dealing with corporate communications and strategic messaging. By learning how to develop persuasive messages with ethical perspectives, Communications Managers can build trust and credibility with their stakeholders. The Communications Manager should deeply value the course material on social responsibility.
Corporate Communications Director
The Corporate Communications Director leads the communications strategy for an entire organization. They work to ensure consistency in messaging, manage crisis communications, and build a strong corporate reputation. Any Corporate Communications Director would benefit from learning about ethical issues in public relations and strategic communications. This course helps equip them to address ethical dilemmas effectively. Moreover, this course's emphasis on ethical relativism, fairness, and justice helps a Corporate Communications Director navigate complex situations with confidence and integrity.
Public Affairs Specialist
The Public Affairs Specialist focuses on building relationships with government officials, community leaders, and other key stakeholders. They advocate for their organization's interests, monitor policy developments, and manage public perception. This course helps Public Affairs Specialists understand the ethical implications of their work and develop strategies for ethical advocacy. Understanding ethical perspectives, as well as the discussion of values, may prove critical for Public Affairs specialists. They can use the tools and frameworks learned in this course to build trust and credibility with stakeholders.
Crisis Communications Manager
The Crisis Communications Manager is responsible for developing and executing communication strategies during times of crisis. They manage the flow of information, protect the organization's reputation, and help stakeholders navigate challenging situations. This course may be useful to Crisis Communications Managers. The course explores ethical issues and teaches strategies for overcoming ethical dilemmas, providing a framework for making sound decisions under pressure. The Bell Pottinger case study may be particularly helpful. Crisis Communications Managers who take this course can learn how to navigate crises ethically and effectively.
Media Relations Manager
A Media Relations Manager builds and maintains relationships with journalists and media outlets. They pitch stories, respond to media inquiries, and manage the flow of information between their organization and the public. This course may be useful to Media Relations Managers. They especially benefit from understanding ethical perspectives in public relations, including the role of social responsibility. The course content on developing persuasive messages with ethical considerations helps Media Relations Manager build trust and credibility with the media, fostering stronger relationships and more positive coverage.
Speechwriter
The Speechwriter crafts speeches and talking points for executives, politicians, and other public figures. They consider the audience, the occasion, and the desired message when writing their speeches. This course helps Speechwriters understand the importance of ethics in communication and develop persuasive messages with ethical perspectives. Speechwriters can use the course to create speeches that are not only impactful but also ethically sound. The course material on values is potentially valuable for Speechwriters.
Content Creator
A Content Creator develops engaging content for various platforms, including websites, social media, and marketing materials. They write articles, blog posts, and social media updates. This course may be useful to Content Creators by helping them understand the importance of ethics in communication and develop persuasive messages with ethical perspectives. Content Creators can use this course to create content that is informative, engaging, and ethically responsible. Their audience may appreciate this approach.
Social Media Manager
The Social Media Manager develops and implements social media strategies to increase brand awareness, engage with customers, and drive traffic. They create content, monitor social media channels, and analyze performance metrics. This course may be helpful to Social Media Managers because it explores the ethical issues. The course content on developing persuasive messages with ethical perspectives can enable Social Media Managers to create engaging and trustworthy content that resonates with their audience. The discussion of values may also be beneficial.
Marketing Manager
A Marketing Manager is responsible for developing and executing marketing campaigns to promote products or services. They conduct market research, analyze data, and manage budgets. This course may be useful to Marketing Managers because they must effectively communicate the values and ethics of the brand. The course's exploration of ethical issues and development of persuasive messages with ethical perspectives help enable Marketing Managers to create campaigns that resonate with consumers and build brand loyalty. The course material on the role of responsibility in PR may also be helpful.
Lobbyist
Lobbyists advocate for specific causes or organizations by communicating with government officials and influencing policy decisions. This course may be useful to individuals entering the field of lobbying. The course directly covers ethical issues related to strategic communications. A Lobbyist armed with the perspectives taught by this course may be more successful at persuading others. A Lobbyist may find the discussion of values to be beneficial to their role.
Public Opinion Researcher
Public Opinion Researchers design and conduct surveys, polls, and focus groups to gather data on public attitudes and beliefs. They analyze data to understand public opinion trends and provide insights to clients or organizations. This course may be useful to Public Opinion Researchers, especially if they must also present their findings to others. The course covers ethical perspectives in public relations. Public Opinion Researchers can use the principles of ethical communication to present their findings in an unbiased and transparent manner.
Political Campaign Manager
The Political Campaign Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of a political campaign, including fundraising, advertising, and voter outreach. They develop and implement strategies to help their candidate win the election. This course may be useful to Political Campaign Manager because it underscores the importance of ethics in communication and explores ethical dilemmas. Political Campaign Managers can use this course to run campaigns that are ethical, responsible, and effective, hopefully ensuring a positive lasting impression.
Ombudsman
An Ombudsman investigates and resolves complaints from individuals or groups who feel they have been treated unfairly by an organization or institution. They act as a neutral party to mediate disputes and ensure fair and equitable treatment. An Ombudsman benefits from a strong understanding of ethics, which is discussed in this course. Ombudsmen who possess the material in this course may be more successful with their work.

Reading list

We've selected one books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Values and Perspectives in PR Ethics.
Provides a comprehensive overview of ethical issues in public relations. It explores various ethical frameworks and their application to real-world PR dilemmas. It valuable resource for understanding the complexities of ethical decision-making in the field. This book offers practical guidance for navigating ethical challenges in PR.

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