CPRS Ethics & Legal Considerations in Public Relations 2

Question 1

A PR professional discovers their client has been quietly dumping chemical waste illegally. Under PRSA ethics guidelines, what is the most appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Advise the client to stop and disclose voluntarily, and resign if they refuse

Answer

PRSA ethics require practitioners to advise clients to act ethically and to withdraw from representation if the client refuses to correct illegal or harmful behavior.

Question 2

Which legal doctrine protects a company from defamation claims when employees make negative statements about a competitor during an internal strategy meeting?

Accepted Answer

Qualified privilege

Answer

Qualified privilege protects good-faith statements made in appropriate contexts, such as internal business communications, as long as there is no malice.

Question 3

A PR agency accepts payment from a pharmaceutical company to place positive news stories without disclosing the financial relationship. This practice is known as:

Accepted Answer

Pay-for-play journalism

Answer

Pay-for-play journalism involves paid placement of favorable coverage without disclosure, which violates FTC guidelines and PRSA ethical standards.

Question 4

When a PR practitioner represents a client in a crisis and learns confidential information that contradicts the public statement being issued, the ethical obligation is to:

Accepted Answer

Counsel the client to align public statements with the truth before release

Answer

Practitioners must counsel clients toward truthful communication while maintaining confidentiality, using internal advocacy to align messaging with facts.

Question 5

Under FTC regulations, a celebrity endorser on social media must disclose a brand relationship when:

Accepted Answer

They receive any material benefit including free products

Answer

FTC guidelines require disclosure of any material connection, including free products, services, or other non-monetary benefits, regardless of monetary value.

(CPRS) Certified Public Relations Specialist Practice Test

(CPRS) Certified Public Relations Specialist Practice Test

CPRS Ethics & Legal Considerations in Public Relations 2