Public relations - is it really a profession?

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The Oxford Dictionary describes the noun ‘profession’ as: a paid occupation, especially one involving training and a formal qualification. So why then is there  so much debate as to whether public relations really is a profession?

It is well known that PR has somewhat of a negative image in today’s society, and this could be partially blamed on the industry’s roots in the press agentrys and the use of propaganda in the 16^th centuries. Nowadays, many people regard public relations as ‘spin’, ‘gloss’ and sometimes even lies.

Television programs such as ‘Sex and the City’ and ‘Absolutely Fabulous’ have given fictional perceptions of the industry and the fact that strategic, professional public relations can require considerable training and specialised study, is often overlooked. In the past, PR companies would often employ people without any relative qualifications in the subject. However, as public relations degrees in universities are becoming more popular, employers are now starting to choose graduates which bring more academic skills to the industry. To broaden the argument more, some people argue that public relations cannot be taught, it’s a skill certain people have naturally.

Originally an example of a profession would be a lawyer or a doctor; this would be due to the body of knowledge which they function around, laws, facts, scientific truths and the like. However, in the case of PR, there is no black and white approach to addressing an issue and different types of companies believe and implement different styles of working methods.

The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) has attempted to ‘clean up’ PR’s reputation by creating and trying to implement a Code of Conduct which all it’s members must adhere to.

My opinion is that whether or not PR really is a profession is neither here nor there. It is the reputation of the industry that should be observed and guarded to stop it’s image deteriorating. The public’s trust and confidence needs to be gained, something which is paramount in order for mutual communication between the PR company and the public to take place.