Institute for Public Relations

This paper contends that corporate alumni networks serve a public relations purpose more than they do a human resource purpose. Through interviews with two developers of corporate social networks and a former employee who started an alumni network, the paper shows that these networks represent an opportunity and a moral imperative for public relations. By institutionalizing an ethic of care, which emphasizes responsibility and compassion, public relations can enable these relationships to provide value to those inside and outside the organization.