PRSA’s Code of Ethics

Included in my most recent edition of Strategies & Tactics, published by the Public Relations Society of America, was a card with the PRSA’s Code of Ethics.

The code has been around since 1950 and is regarded as the cornerstone of ethical public relations practices.

I’ve been a PRSA member since 1986 and have adhered to the code since then.  There was a time many years ago when I was serving as membership chair of PRSA’s Phoenix Chapter.  We took the code seriously enough to deny membership to individuals who practiced unethical public relations.  Abbie has served as the chapter’s ethics chair.  Our entire team follows the PRSA’s code. While we’ve written about it on several occasions, including here and here, it’s always good to revisit it.

The PRSA’s Code of Ethics:

Advocacy

We serve the public interest by acting as responsible advocates for those we represent. We provide a voice in the marketplace of ideas, facts, and viewpoints to aid informed public debate.

Honesty

We adhere to the highest standards of accuracy and truth in advancing the interests of those we represent and in communicating with the public.

Expertise

We acquire and responsibly use specialized knowledge and experience. We advance the profession through continued professional development, research, and education. We build mutual understanding, credibility, and relationships among a wide array of institutions and audiences.

Independence

We provide objective counsel to those we represent. We are accountable for our actions.

Loyalty

We are faithful to those we represent, while honoring our obligation to serve the public interest.

Fairness

We deal fairly with clients, employers, competitors, peers, vendors, the media, and the general public. We respect all opinions and support the right of free expression.

If you have questions about ethical PR practices, or just want to chat about doing things the right way, please reach out to us.