PR

abbr. Mktg

public relations: the presentation of an organization and its activities to target audiences with the goal of gaining awareness and understanding, influencing public opinion, generating support, and developing trust and cooperation. Public relations programs work to create and maintain a positive corporate image and enhance an organization’s reputation. The work of a public relations department includes research into current perceptions of the organization, the production of publicity material, the organization of events and sponsorship programs, and the evaluation of responses to these activities. Target audiences include the media, government bodies, customers and suppliers, investors, the wider community, or an organization’s own employees. Public relations practice originated in the United States in the mid-19th century. Public relations forms part of an organization’s overall external communication strategy.