ENHANCING THE PROFESSION

Core Principle

Public relations professionals work constantly to strengthen the public's trust in the profession.

Intent
· To build respect and credibility with the public for the profession of public relations.
· To improve, adapt and expand professional practices.

Guidelines
A member shall:
· Acknowledge that there is an obligation to protect and enhance the profession.
· Keep informed and educated about practices in the profession to ensure ethical conduct.
· Actively pursue personal professional development.
· Decline representation of clients or organizations that urge or require actions contrary to this Code.
· Accurately define what public relations activities can accomplish.
· Counsel subordinates in proper ethical decision making.
· Require that subordinates adhere to the ethical requirements of the Code.
· Report ethical violations, whether committed by PRSA members or not, to the appropriate authority.

Examples of Improper Conduct Under This Provision:
· A PRSA member declares publicly that a product the client sells is safe, without disclosing evidence to the contrary.
· A member initially assigns some questionable client work to a non-member practitioner to avoid the ethical obligation of PRSA membership.

RESOURCES

Rules and Guidelines
The following PRSA documents, available online at www.prsa.org provide detailed rules and guidelines to help guide your professional behavior. If, after reviewing them, you still have a question or issue, contact PRSA headquarters as noted below.
· PRSA Bylaws
· PRSA Administrative Rules
· Member Code of Ethics

QUESTIONS
The PRSA is here to help. If you have a serious concern or simply need clarification, please contact Kim Baldwin <mailto:kimberly.baldwin@prsa.org> at (212) 460-1404.

PRSA Member Code of Ethics Pledge

I pledge:

To conduct myself professionally, with truth, accuracy, fairness, and responsibility to the public; To improve my individual competence and advance the knowledge and proficiency of the profession through continuing research and education; And to adhere to the articles of the Member Code of Ethics 2000 for the practice of public relations as adopted by the governing Assembly of the Public Relations Society of America.

I understand and accept that there is a consequence for misconduct, up to and including membership revocation.

And, I understand that those who have been or are sanctioned by a government agency or convicted in a court of law of an action that is in violation of this Code may be barred from membership or expelled from the Society.

________________________________________
Signature

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Date

 

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