Public Relations Ethics in Public Relations 3

Question 1

The Potter Box is a widely used ethical decision-making model in PR. What is the first step in this four-step model?

Accepted Answer

Define the situation by establishing the facts of the case

Answer

The Potter Box model begins with defining the situation (establishing the facts of the case) before progressing to identifying values, applying ethical principles, and choosing loyalties.

Question 2

Which organization established the first formal code of ethics for public relations practitioners in the United States?

Accepted Answer

PRSA (Public Relations Society of America)

Answer

PRSA established the first professional code of ethics for PR practitioners in the United States, originally adopted in 1950 and revised multiple times since.

Question 3

Which ethical concept requires PR professionals to consider the impact of their actions on all affected groups, not just the paying client?

Accepted Answer

Stakeholder responsibility

Answer

Stakeholder responsibility requires PR practitioners to consider the interests and potential impacts on all affected parties, extending ethical consideration beyond just the paying client.

Question 4

Under the PRSA Code of Ethics, what obligation does a PR professional retain regarding a former client after changing employers?

Accepted Answer

They must maintain confidentiality of former clients' proprietary information

Answer

The PRSA Code requires practitioners to protect the confidentiality of current and former clients' proprietary information even after the professional relationship ends.

Question 5

What is 'two-way symmetric communication,' considered by many scholars to be the most ethical PR model?

Accepted Answer

An equal dialogue where both organization and public can mutually influence each other

Answer

Two-way symmetric communication, developed by James Grunig, represents the most ethical PR model because it creates genuine dialogue allowing mutual understanding and influence between organizations and their publics.

Public Relations Practice Test

Public Relations Practice Test

Public Relations Ethics in Public Relations 3