Institute for Public Relations

This report documents the findings of the Diversity Summit held in January 2005 by the Public Relations Coalition, an alliance of 23 industry-related organizations. Three areas were identified as key elements for improving ethnic and gender diversity in any public relations organization: recruiting, mentoring and advocacy. The report also includes a compilation of resources that public relations leaders can use to develop and grow their diversity effort. The Coalition members also pledged to conduct an annual survey of corporate communications officers and public relations agency CEOs to track progress on this ...

The Public Relations Coalition, an alliance of 23 industry-related organizations, announces the findings of its first diversity benchmark survey in this report. The survey is part of the commitment made at the Coalition’s Diversity Summit — held in 2005 — to increase efforts in improving diversity in the public relations and communications fields. Most respondents believe that the PR industry needs improvement at all levels of minority representation, particularly at the senior level. The survey found that, as a percentage of staff, representation of minority groups decreases for senior management positions compared to ...

This paper covers the main and essential points of the conference proceedings produced on the occasion of the 2005 World Public Relations Festival held in Trieste, Italy, from June 28 to June 30. The Festival was organized by Toni Muzi Falconi, businessman and Professor of the University of Udine, in cooperation with Ferpi (Italian Public Relations Federation) and the Global Alliance of Public Relations and Communication Management. It focused on the issue of diversity and public relations in all its richness and different dimensions and explored the many new challenges with which communication professionals ...

While market demographics detail the continuing growth of diverse segments, there is little research that specifically addresses communications strategies for addressing diverse audiences. This paper evaluates, compares and distinguishes cultural characteristics essential for communicating with the U.S. Hispanic/Latino audience. It looks at available research from marketing, advertising and other fields, including the statistics, analysis, and implications for the public relations practitioner. Specific recommendations are provided to bolster the role of public relations as a management function striving to communicate with its publics by keeping their interests in mind.

Public relations practitioners and scholars need to consider multirace Americans as an increasingly important public, with identities, motivations, and concerns unique unto themselves. This project benchmarks extant scholarship and government data regarding multirace Americans, and it articulates the implications of the research findings for public relations practice in the areas of long-term, strategic planning; new market opportunities; and respect and sensitivity.

Introduction This essay discusses the accelerating influence of diverse groups on the domestic and international practice of public relations. The essay provides definitions of diversity; the knowledge and skills that practitioners need to relate to diverse publics; diversity models for public relations executives; and the need for requisite variety in the public relations industry. It ends by listing practical guides and additional sources. The essay includes both academic and trade publications about diversity and public relations practice. Definitions of Diversity Diversity definitions focus on differences based on primary and secondary demographic categories; how these differences ...