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New PR ethics study out!
by Dr. Shannon A. Bowen
Rating:3 
May 13, 2008
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Please note that I cannot post the entire article due to copyright and embargo rules.
From JPRR, copyright 2008 Taylor and Francis:
Here’s the abstract!
Ryan and Martinson (1983) and other scholars argued that the corporate conscience
role should belong in the public relations function. But, how common is the use of
ethics counsel among public relations professionals? This qualitative research found
that many public relations practitioners indeed perform the role of ethics counsel or
corporate conscience in their organizations. However, a state of neglect of this role
exists in terms of education and support—even lacking support among some public
relations practitioners! The well-being of both organizations and publics could be enhanced
through both academic study and professional attention to public relations
managers performing the role of ethics counsel to the dominant coalition.
_____________
This provacative new research found a profound split in public relations: a split between manager and technician, but also between counselor and advocate. Some practitioners routinely counsel on ethical decisions and some do not even want such responsibility! It follows up on many of the themes presented here in the EKP Ethics site.
Please post here if you are interested in reading this new research or you have trouble locating a copy! I will be happy to help!
As always, I welcome your feedback, and the sharing of any ethical experiences or insights you might have. Thanks for your time and interest!
Best wishes,
Shannon A. Bowen
References
Back to topBowen, S. A. (2008). A state of neglect: Public relations as ‘corporate conscience’ or ethics counsel. Journal of Public Relations Research, 20(3), 271-296.
Comment:
Thanks, Scott! I’ve emailed you the article. Please let me know if you have any thoughts, feedback, etc. I am always open to new ideas!
Best wishes,
Shannon
By Shannon Bowen on 2008 07 14
Comment:
Mr. Bowen,
I do not know if it is right to ask you, but I am desperately surching for a current study of PR practise concerning ethics in the USA. During my studies at the german university TU Ilmenau (http://www.tu-ilmenau.de) I have to right a paper comparing German and American PR practise. It would be great if you could send your study to
I just want to use it for this paper.
Thank you.
Lisa Dittmar
By Lisa Dittmar on 2008 08 08
Comment:
Dr. Bowen:
I am a new adjunct professor at Georgetown University teaching ethics in the Public Relations and Corporate Communication program (Masters of Professional Studies) . I am interested in dialogue with you and others who are teaching ethics for PR practitioners. Please email me if you are interested inexploring a dialogue. Thank you for your posts to the website.
Linden Barber
By Linden Barber on 2010 02 07
Comment:
Dr. Bowen,
My names is Scott McCallum and I sit on the ethics committee of the Public Relations Society of America’s Orlando Regional Chapter. I am working with Professor Joan McCain at the University of Central Florida to conduct a research survey on public relations ethics practices, attitudes and perceptions. I would be interested to find out more information about and receive copies of this research survey - and others that may be helpful in guiding our efforts, such as establishing scales for the survey. I can be contacted at or 407-937-1247. Thank you.
Scott McCallum
PRSA Orlando
By Scott McCallum on 2008 06 09