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March 13, 2012 Transcript of #CommsChat on PRSA’s new definition of PR

Last night’s #CommsChat considered the new, modern definition of PR decided on by the PRSA following a four-month campaign.

We were very grateful to be joined by Arthur Yann, VP public relations at the PRSA, Francis Ingham, chief executive at the PRCA, and Dr Jon White, a fellow of the CIPR, who each put forward their view of the definition and what it means for the PR industry going forward.

The new definition put forth by the PRSA is: “Public relations is a strategic communication process that builds mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their publics.”

Topics of discussion included:
– Does PR need a universally-agreed on definition?
– Will this definition help the reputation of the PR industry?
– Is this definition aimed at those inside the industry or those outside?
– How do you definite mutually beneficial relationships?
– The PRCA has rejected the definition. What are the reasons behind this?

Please find below a selection of our top tweets from the discussion:

@PRCAIngham: #CommsChat universal definition would be helpful -but PR communities around the world at v different stages. so not sure possible

@KeithTrivitt:We believe PR needs a good baseline to define our work. Hodgepodge of definitions existed, which confuses ppl #commschat #commschat

@arthury: @robertcgage 500 definitions of PR were written between 1900s and 1980s. Angst is certainly nothing new … ! #CommsChat

@DrJonWhite: Definition or not, we need to be confident that we can talk clearly about what the practice has to offer #commschat

@jane63c:heading back to the start – principles, values, conduct, actions all more useful than a single definition #commschat

@AllthingsIC: Final thought: Our work (& reputation) will be defined by our actions & what others say about us rather than we say abt ourselves #commschat

Please find the full transcript below:

concordextra RT @MMUPRSarah Like “mutually beneficial relationships” on definition of PR http://t.co/9GpV3bir.Enjoyed going thru the transcipt #commschat
mollyhpierce @Marketing_Chap Thanks, yes it got very busy! Good to have some like that mixed in with slower ones I think #commschat
Sarah_Dodwell Is #cliffedge the new #roadmap? #commschat #buzzwords
wadds @greenwellys That would be a big fat no #commschat
wadds RT @greenwellys: Missed #commschat last night but agree w/ @wadds – are Advertisers fretting about how to define advertising or just getting on w/ it?
greenwellys Missed #commschat last night but agree w/ @wadds – are Advertisers fretting about how to define advertising or just getting on w/ it?
wadds @Prakky Maybe. I think there a re bigger issues to worry about for the industry #commschat
ditrock RT @radian6: @ditrock Thanks for the mention! @KennyBloxham #commschat #socialcrm
dschotthoefer @prgirlashley not at all. see my comparison there? #workRelated because it’s bad PR. PR Fail is always #commschat relatable.
redluker @jgombita it’s only a UK PR term I swear – I’d never  heard it before joining PRWeek!! #CommsChat
Scoop_Girl @HBRexchange @commschat: If I had to ‘define’ first 2 chats I attended: #HBRchat = high caliber brainstorming #CommsChat = highly academic
rachaeljessney RT @wadds: Do great work. Leave definitions to the academics. PRSA shown that crowdsourcing = compromise #CommsChat
Prakky @PRMastersDMU @wadds I think ‘fretting’ is a loaded adjective! They may say ‘necessary’. #commschat
PRMastersDMU Couldn’t agree more! MT @wadds: PRSA work laudable but PR  has bigger issues to worry about than fretting about a definition #CommsChat
PRgirlAshley @marketing_chap I stopped following it. Usually I love #commschat, but I wasn’t on board with the topic this week.. Stick a fork in it.
MMUPRSarah RT @PRCAIngham: #CommsChat Let us be clear -#PRCA congratulates #PRSA on work.  BUT we -led by members- disagree that definition is right one.
laurafromaura @AllthingsIC agreed! #commschat
laurafromaura RT @DrJonWhite: Public relations is not all about reputation — reputation is one of our concerns #commschat
laurafromaura RT @DrJonWhite: Definition or not, we need to be confident that we can talk clearly about what the practice has to offer #commschat
Scoop_Girl #Selective: RT @sasbongo: “@wadds: Do great work. Leave definitions to the academics. PRSA shown that crowdsourcing = compromise #CommsChat”
sasbongo “@wadds: Do great work. Leave definitions to the academics. PRSA shown that crowdsourcing = compromise #CommsChat” #mmupr
jgombita @redluker I think “broad church” is UK-only slang. I’ve certainly never heard it used in North America (re: #PR). #commschat
KeithTrivitt MT @prcaingham: Actually, a final, final comment. We disagree with their conclusion, but we genuinely thank #PRSA for their work #commschat
AmandaWadlow fab I didn’t catch it all sadly “@CommsChat: And we’ll make sure we get a transcript up tomorrow am. Thanks for joining us! #commschat”
sallycosterton RT @PRCAIngham: Great news! RT @TBoneGallagher: @PRCAIngham you can count on ICCO #CommsChat
Communicatemag Great commschat. Thanks to PRSA & PRCA. Regardless of views, I agree with @KeithTrivett – we shld be glad soc’s are doing this. #Commschat
jgombita You know what my final ? would be @arthury: Do you despise #PRDefined MORE than the one it’s replacing (from 1982). Perspective. #commschat
PRCAIngham Actually, a final, final comment. We disagree with their conclusion, but we genuinely thank #PRSA for their work #commschat @keithTrivitt
AllthingsIC Thanks for hosting and sharing your views @prcaingham @arthury @drjonwhite #commschat @commschat. http://t.co/pYiEY0J5
johnnewbury_ A lively end to the day!  Hope you enjoyed it. Thanks for RT’s @AllthingsIC @Scoop_Girl @Tinalc69 @jane63c #commschat
KeithTrivitt RT @arthury: Here’s a final thought from PRSA: http://t.co/AI0PD8Dt. Have a read. Our minds are open to a better definition. #CommsChat
arthury Thanks for hosting, @commschat #commschat. #CommsChat
AllthingsIC #commschat Thanks all. Great discussion tonight, lots of strong views & interesting thoughts. Look forward to reading full transcript tmrw
PRCAIngham and that’s it from us. been a pleasure #commschat
jgombita I wonder if it’s Freudian that I’m having trouble writing #PRDefined during (the end of this) #commschat
mediations @DrJonWhite and @PRCAIngham must be right to say industry association role is to help educate biz & society of PR’s role & value #commschat
arthury Here’s a final thought from PRSA: http://t.co/OHwNSP4O. Have a read. Our minds are open to a better definition. #CommsChat
CommsChat And we’ll make sure we get a transcript up tomorrow am. Thanks for joining us! #commschat
KeithTrivitt It’s been a fun & spirited discussion. Thx for input & interest in #PRDefined initiative. Thanks for hosting, @commschat #commschat
PRCAIngham We lead our profession. We think about its future. Its remit can be so much bigger. This definition not part that future sadly #commschat
CommsChat Ok, it’s 9, so that’s it from me folks…thank you to @drjonwhite, @prcaingham and @arthury #commschat
AM_Bailey RT @mediations: PR means whatever the client wants it to mean? S/he who pays the piper… #commschat
jane63c an interesting chat – good night all #commschat
mediations RT @PRCAIngham: Yes RT @KeithTrivitt: Is industry association role to also help educate biz & society of our role & value? #Commschat
arthury Maybe not … MT @AM_Bailey: Can there really be one def of PR when the purpose/objectives of the practise is differs? #CommsChat
GnosisArts RT @AllthingsIC Our work (& reputation) will b defined by our actions & what others say about us rather than we say abt ourselves #commschat
KeithTrivitt MT @AllthingsIC: Our work (& reputation) will be defined by our actions & what others say abt us rather than we say abt ourselves #commschat
Prakky @keithtrivitt @PRCAIngham @jane63c I think it’s one of industry assoc’s roles, yep. #commschat
PRCAIngham Yes RT @Communicatemag: RT @KeithTrivitt: Is industry association role to also help educate biz & society of our role & value? #Commschat
redluker @arthury pie in the sky because so many do their own thing and agencies often dictated to by clients that have archaic notions #CommsChat
AllthingsIC Final thought: Our work (& reputation) will be defined by our actions & what others say about us rather than we say abt ourselves #commschat
Prakky @am_bailey Short answer: yes. 🙂 #CommsChat
Communicatemag RT @KeithTrivitt: Is it not the role of industry associations to also help educate biz & society of our role & value? #Commschat
mediations PR means whatever the client wants it to mean? S/he who pays the piper… #commschat
jgombita Observation: more time spent online by peeps telling @prsa to “focus” elsewhere than was actually spent on #PRDefined #justsayin #commschat
arthury @nigelsarbutts Look under heading, “Why Update the Current Definition” http://t.co/muAdLlk1. #commschat
AM_Bailey @jane63c No problem! I completely agree! It’s very similar to what I was saying on my blog #commschat
SandyLindsay @AM_Bailey good point, well made. #commschat
paulseaman RT @wadds: Do great work. Leave definitions to the academics. PRSA shown that crowdsourcing = compromise #CommsChat
arthury Yes! RT @KeithTrivitt: Is it not the role of industry associations to also help educate biz & society of our role & value? #CommsChat
NigelSarbutts Good luck to the PRSA maybe they’ll come back in 6 months and tell us what impact it has had. If any. #commschat
Prakky The PRSA exercise has been timely for the PR1 uni class I’ve been teaching! #CommsChat
PRCAIngham V V different focus RT @Communicatemag: @PRCAIngham but won’t that be open to the same kind of criticism we’ve seen here tonight? #Commschat
AM_Bailey Can there really be one def of PR when the purpose/objectives of the practise is totally diff from organisation to organisation? #commschat
GnosisArts @NigelSarbutts Good pt. Most of our prospects already think they know what PR entails, so who needed another definition? #commschat
jane63c my final thought continue to listen and communicate, deliver great PR and then we will have defined ourselves by our action #commschat
KeithTrivitt @prcaingham @jane63c Is it not the role of industry associations to also help educate biz & society of our role & value? #commschat
PRCAIngham Great news! RT @TBoneGallagher: @PRCAIngham you can count on ICCO #CommsChat
Communicatemag @PRCAIngham but won’t that be open to the same kind of criticism we’ve seen here tonight? #Commschat
robertcgage @PRCAIngham @jane63c Excellent. Now that’s cleared up, don’t have nightmares but do sleep well #commschat
jgombita @jane63c @CommsChat hey so, I was pleased that my 2009 blog post about @cprsnational #PRDefind made it into @sheldrake’s book. #commschat
GnosisArts @CommsChat What I’m talking about is the methodology; how we are to arrive at a correct (or good) definition. This is important #commschat
robertcgage RT @jane63c: when bodies navel gaze too much it implies a lack of confidence in their worth making them ripe for take over… #commschat
jane63c @AM_Bailey thanks #commschat
AllthingsIC #CommsChat Only five mins left – where has the time gone tonight?! Any final comments/closing thoughts @commschat?
NigelSarbutts @arthury Never been asked to define PR in 20+ years. I question the evidence base for this exercise and its purpose. #commschat
jane63c @mediations I vow never to be clear //academically speaking! #commschat
PRCAIngham Yes RT @jane63c: when bodies navel gaze too much it implies a lack of confidence … #commschat
Stoykov PR might not be only about reputation but it is the major function of the industry when looking at any recent case study. #CommsChat
AM_Bailey “@jane63c: heading back to the start – principles, values, conduct, actions all more useful than a single definition #commschat” Agreed!
jane63c when bodies navel gaze too much it implies a lack of confidence in their worth making them ripe for take over… #commschat
mediations Can’t see academics coming up with the clear explanation of public relations called for in CIPR’s #PR2020 study!!!! #commschat
AllthingsIC RT @PRCAIngham This yr #PRCA will launch major UK debate on PR role & function. Happy to have other international bodies involved #CommsChat
CommsChat @GnosisArts That’s a pretty big question! #commschat
jane63c @CommsChat no codifications from me  – too restrictive -just ideas and frameworks…. #commschat
PRCAIngham This yr, #PRCA will launch major UK debate on role & function of PR. We’d be happy to have other international bodies involved. #CommsChat
KeithTrivitt @wadds No doubt crowdsourcing has its limitations. Social media gurus beware! Good to get broad input but, yes, limits #commschat
jane63c @robertcgage only an academic…… 😉 #commschat
SandyLindsay Nuff said. RT @wadds: Do great work. Leave definitions to the academics. PRSA shown that crowdsourcing = compromise #CommsChat
KeithTrivitt Great to hear it & thanks RT @PRCAIngham: @KeithTrivitt #CommsChat Indeed -we genuinely welcome it #commschat
Marketing_Chap RT @wadds: Do great work. Leave definitions to the academics. PRSA shown that crowdsourcing = compromise #CommsChat
GnosisArts I think the #PRdefined initiative needed to ask the meta-question: what it means to define a thing/how to define a concept #commschat
DrJonWhite CIPR’s #PR2020 study showed need for clear explanation of public relations — debate continues for the Institute #commschat
robertcgage @jane63c Jane, I think you may have come up with a definition there…. #commschat
Caanz Absolutely:RT @mediations RT @DrJonWhite: Public relations is not all about reputation -reputation is one of our concerns #commschat #prsund
PRCAIngham RT @wadds: Do great work. Leave definitions to the academics. PRSA shown that crowdsourcing = compromise #CommsChat
CommsChat @robertcgage @jane63c definitely worth bearing in mind! It’s the job of academic bodies however to come up with codifications. #commschat
behindthespin RT @wadds: Do great work. Leave definitions to the academics. PRSA shown that crowdsourcing = compromise #CommsChat
mediations RT @wadds: Do great work. Leave definitions to the academics. PRSA shown that crowdsourcing = compromise #CommsChat #prsund
arthury @NigelSarbutts One of them. The media, for example, is another audience. #CommsChat
jane63c RT @wadds: Do great work. Leave definitions to the academics. // thanks we need something to test the students with! #commschat
PRCAIngham @KeithTrivitt #CommsChat Indeed -we genuinely welcome it
YouCouldBelieve RT @PRCAIngham: Looking forward to it RT @CommsChat: Nearly time for #commschat! On definitions of PR. A little background reading: http://t.co/TPSsYYam
wadds Do great work. Leave definitions to the academics. PRSA shown that crowdsourcing = compromise #CommsChat
KeithTrivitt @prcaingham Certainly good to see the initiative has sparked a debate/discussion within the profession. Keep us on our toes! #commschat
jane63c @robertcgage ha ha now that should be in the JD – but for us to make the client walk on water 😉 #commschat
robertcgage @jane63c As is the case with many careers. Yet to find a career where all practitioners can walk on water… #commschat
redluker @arthury ethics can come from strong deterrents for stepping out of line. A standard measurement is still pie in the sky #CommsChat
Communicatemag @redluker Unless we’re talking about PR for religious organisations? #Commschat
marcik RT @AllthingsIC: #CommsChat Surely to have any relevancy, definition has to move from paper to reality. We need to walk the walk-there’s been a LOT of talk!
PRCAIngham #PRCA plan moving forward is to build on useful debate. Happy with #PRCA definition, but discussion re role & competence valuable #CommsChat
AllthingsIC Agreed!! Focus on doing RT @wadds Can we not just agree it’s broad church and move on & build brilliant agencies and comms teams #CommsChat
arthury True. MT @AllthingsIC: Surely to have any relevancy, definition has to move from paper to reality. We need to walk the walk! #CommsChat
NigelSarbutts @arthury But isn’t that your primary audience? #commschat
redluker @wadds @prcaingham can we agree that the term broad church be banned from PR? #CommsChat
arthury @johnnewbury_ Sorry; misunderstood! #CommsChat
CommsChat RT @wadds: Can we not just agree its a broad church and move on and build brilliant agencies and comms teams #commschat
jane63c heading back to the start – principles, values, conduct, actions all more useful than a single definition #commschat
arthury @NigelSarbutts We didn’t collect the demographics to know that. #CommsChat
KeithTrivitt @wadds @redluker @PRCAIngham Good point. We have said all along that PR pros will ultimately have to define PR for their own work #commschat
AllthingsIC #CommsChat Surely to have any relevancy, definition has to move from paper to reality. We need to walk the walk-there’s been a LOT of talk!
johnnewbury_ @arthury Like I said, tell me why and how.  The how is important. #commschat
arthury I agree. RT @wadds: Can we not just agree its a broad church and move on and build brilliant agencies and comms teams #CommsChat
KeithTrivitt RT @wadds: @redluker @PRCAIngham Can we not just agree its broad church and move on and build brilliant agencies and comms teams #commschat
NigelSarbutts @arthury What % of respondents to the survey were commissioners of PR services? #commschat
arthury @redluker Ethics and measurement come immediately to mind. #CommsChat
wadds @redluker @PRCAIngham Can we not just agree it’s a broad church and move on and build brilliant agencies and comms teams #CommsChat
cloudspark @KeithTrivitt @jane63c @arthury glad to see the mba initative, hoping its success spurs a shift to undergrad biz education. #commschat
arthury @NigelSarbutts The blogosphere discussion one year ago didn’t indicate it was ‘pointless.’ #CommsChat
redluker @wadds what should be the top issue to tackle then? #commschat
mediations #prsund students should be following #commschat – pity it clashes with NUFC! (@DrJonWhite talking a lot of sense).
arthury @johnnewbury_ So, you don’t care ‘how’ it’s achieved? Lie, cheat, steal, it’s all on the table in the name of ‘results?’ #CommsChat
CommsChat RT @arthury: Were waiting for profession to tell us. Were keeping an open mind; if theres something better, well adopt it. #commschat
PRCAIngham a v important point RT @NigelSarbutts: @johnnewbury_ Finally, a client speaks and the pointlessness of the exercise is revealed! #commschat
KeithTrivitt MT @arthury: We’re waiting for profession to tell us. Were keeping an open mind; if theres something better, well adopt it. #commschat
NigelSarbutts @johnnewbury_ Finally, a client speaks and the pointlessness of the exercise is revealed! #commschat
KeithTrivitt @wadds Quick info here on what @PRSA was doing while also leading definition effort: http://t.co/0Js08QP2 #commschat
arthury @PRCAIngham And, we’d give PRWeek an exclusive saying we ‘reject’ your definition … ? #CommsChat
JonClements RT @DrJonWhite: Public relations is not all about reputation — reputation is one of our concerns #commschat
mediations RT @DrJonWhite: Public relations is not all about reputation — reputation is one of our concerns #commschat #prsund
arthury @AllthingsIC We’re waiting for profession to tell us. We’re keeping an open mind; if there’s something better, we’ll adopt it. #CommsChat
DrJonWhite Public relations is not all about reputation — reputation is one of our concerns #commschat
jane63c RT @DrJonWhite: Definition or not, we need to be confident that we can talk clearly about what the practice has to offer //yay! #commschat
CommsChat To go back to the meat of PRSA definition: How do you definite mutually beneficial relationships? #commschat
johnnewbury_ As a B2B client looking to the PR industry for a service, I need you to tell me what you provide and how, not who you are and why #commschat
KeithTrivitt Absolutely. More education necessary RT @jane63c: we need an understanding of the work rather than a straight jacket definition #commschat
arthury @NigelSarbutts Yes. Saw enough of it in posts about the definition project. #CommsChat
CommsChat I keep getting distracted by all the interesting tweets! Topic 4 coming up… #commschat
PRCAIngham And? RT @arthury: . @PRCA def: Public relations is all about reputation. With all due respect, this wouldn’t be accepted in U.S. #CommsChat
DrJonWhite Definition or not, we need to be confident that we can talk clearly about what the practice has to offer #commschat
JonClements RT @DrJonWhite: Reputation founded on performance, and an indicator of performance #commschat
arthury . @PRCA def: Public relations is all about reputation. With all due respect, this wouldn’t be accepted in U.S. #CommsChat
jane63c we need an understanding of the work rather than a straight jacket definition #commschat
AllthingsIC #commschat So what happens next? There is a definition & making sure it is relevant, applicable and understandable is key. Then what?
redluker @SandyLindsay still trying #commschat
KeithTrivitt @wadds To be sure, there are big issues in PR, even beyond a modern defn. Work doesn’t stop here #commschat
StevenWoodgate RT @behindthespin: RT @drjonwhite: Focus on reputation confuses the issue — reputation is an intermediate objective for practice #commschat
robertcgage @arthury You’ve answered your own question I think…. #commschat
jane63c RT @PRCAIngham: Yup! @wadds: PRSA work laudable but really PR industry has got much bigger issues to worry about than definition #commschat
AllthingsIC RT @redluker @PRCAIngham #commschat the simple fact ind is still trying to define what PR is -is the industry’s biggest problem #commschat
NigelSarbutts @arthury Are you familiar with term linkbait? #Commschat
Communicatemag @SandyLindsay  yes, mums do need to know. For brightest ppl to join PR, mums need to be as proud as if child was doc or accntnt #Commschat
arthury @robertcgage Oh, I agree! But,why then does The Guardian writes a story, ‘Ever Been Lied to by a PR?” #CommsChat
SandyLindsay @redluker do you mean *because* it’s trying or because it’s *still* trying? #commschat
PRCAIngham Yup! RT @wadds: PRSA work laudable but really PR industry has got much bigger issues to worry about than definition #CommsChat
Marketing_Chap @CommsChat I would say that PR varies not just from country to country, but from firm to firm. That makes it so hard to define. #commschat
robertcgage @KeithTrivitt @prcaingham No industry is spotless. Not even those that should be. #commschat
PRCAIngham The one on our website for past 10 yrs RT @arthury: @PRCAIngham I’ve not seen your suggested definition? Care to offer it here? #CommsChat
wadds PRSA work was a laudable but really the PR industry has got much bigger issues to worry about than fretting about a definition #CommsChat
cloudspark @KeithTrivitt in my undergrad bba in int’l business, i think i had one day of pr in marketing. one day. #commschat
jane63c @arthury @robertcage media will define professions as they choose bankers won’t like being defined as greedy actions = reputation #commschat
CommsChat @DrJonWhite If it isn’t, I don’t think anyone’s told about 40% of the people I graduated with… #commschat
paulgailey I’m reading #commschat and so much of this sounds like SEO industry talk.
alexkogs #CommsChat definition was borne our of our own guilt re: our sometimes impersonal practices than substantively covering what we actually do.
arthury @PRCAIngham I’ve not seen your suggested definition? Care to offer it here? #CommsChat
redluker @PRCAIngham #commschat the simple fact the industry is still trying to define what PR is – is the industry’s biggest problem
robertcgage @arthury Completely. But no industry is totally clean. Not one. It doesn’t represent the entirety #commschat
marcik @CommsChat Depends on whether definition is perceived as informing pple or trying to legitimize PR profession #commschat
DrJonWhite MBA experiment, same issues obtain today #commschat
KeithTrivitt @prcaingham @robertcgage We can be as optimistic as we want, but reality is PR’s reputation isn’t as good as it should be #commschat
CommsChat RT @DrJonWhite: CIPR experimented with teaching PR in MBA at Cranfield School of Management in the UK in 1980s, mixed results #commschat
DrJonWhite Currrent debate in UK is PR a graduate occupation? #commschat
PRCAIngham RT @josh_greenberg: For #COMM4304 students on Twitter, follow #CommsChat now for a lively discussion of @PRSA #PRDefined initiative #prca
SandyLindsay @DrJonWhite was a very different world back then! #commschat
arthury @robertcgage Bell Pottinger, Facebook/Burson, 5W, fake news sites … doesn’t it bother you that media refers to PR as ‘spin?’ #CommsChat
josh_greenberg For #COMM4304 students on Twitter, follow #CommsChat now for a lively discussion of @PRSA #PRDefined initiative
cloudspark @KeithTrivitt @Parthury v glad to see it come to mba curriculum, yet <10% of all americans get an advanced degree. what then? #commschat
behindthespin RT @drjonwhite: Focus on reputation confuses the issue — reputation is an intermediate objective for practice #commschat
DrJonWhite CIPR experimented with teaching PR in MBA programme at Cranfield School of Management in the UK in 1980s, mixed results #commschat
CommsChat @PRCAIngham That’s a very good point. Is there an issue of PR being different from industry to industry, territory to territory? #commschat
behindthespin RT @keithtrivitt: Couldn’t agree more re teaching PR in biz school. It’s a must. @PRSA bringing PR courses to MBA in US #commschat
arthury @alexkogs I like it, but my guess is ‘innovative’ would set people off as ‘buzzword.’ Just speaking from experience 😉 #CommsChat
SandyLindsay @knightys but that’s kind of the point – does your mum need to know what PR is? #commschat
KeithTrivitt @jane63c @cloudspark it’s the same in US. Marketing taught in all biz/MBA programs but rarely is PR #commschat
robertcgage @CommsChat Does PR really have such a bad reputation? I don’t think so – if only we could stop self-flagellating #commschat
KeithTrivitt @commschat Exactly. Whether you agree w/ new defn or not, if it helps a broader range of ppl understand PR, all the better #commschat
PRCAIngham One of our problems with this definition is that it is not unique to PR. Could be valid for many activities, if any #commschat
arthury @cloudspark Something else PRSA is working on! More on our MBA initiative here:  http://t.co/tVb4NmSi #CommsChat
CommsChat @robertcgage Yes-but banking had deeper problems. And hasn’t exactly recovered its reputation yet. #commschat
KeithTrivitt @cloudspark Couldn’t agree more re teaching PR in biz school. It’s a must. @PRSA bringing PR courses to MBA in US #commschat #commschat
alexkogs #CommsChat definition covers one aspect, but would have liked to see a general nod to the communication of ideas.
PRCAIngham @flemingsean  #CommsChat #PRCA deliberately avoids phrase ‘profession’.  More about what we do, and with what skill and what ethicality
CommsChat It’s time for our second topic: Will this definition help the reputation of the PR industry? #commschat
KeithTrivitt Unfortunately true RT @arthury: @PRCAIngham Profession is already defined by its actions. See Transgressions, Ethical. #CommsChat
johnnewbury_ Maybe the PR industry would be better off with a mission statement rather than a definition. What it does instead of what it is. #commschat
paulgailey SEO industry ppl hung up about it’s (re)definition (as Inbound marketing or other) should take a peek at #CommsChat right now & vice-versa.
jane63c @KeithTrivitt aren’t the solutions we offer what we do? #commschat
arthury @Communicatemag In crafting def., we stayed true to research, using words PR pros themselves used to describe what they do. #CommsChat
flemingsean Ref #CommsChat discussion of PR “definition” and “our profession”… it’s *not* a profession. No matter how we dress it up. We’re not doctors.
PRCAIngham #CommsChat Let us be clear -#PRCA congratulates #PRSA on work.  BUT we -led by members- disagree that definition is right one.
SandyLindsay @KeithTrivitt no question that 500 is too many; but is ONE too few? #commschat
KeithTrivitt @jane63c Discussing solutions PR offers is def valuable. But you still need to be able to describe what it is you do #commschat #commschat
AllthingsIC #commschat RT @arthury Goal wasn’t ‘universal’ def…but a baseline def. Things that bind profession, but could be tailored by ind. pros
arthury @PRCAIngham Profession is already defined by its actions. See Transgressions, Ethical. #CommsChat
KeithTrivitt MT @arthury: Goal wasn’t ‘universal’ def., but a baseline def. Things that bind profession, but could be tailored by ind. pros. #CommsChat
jane63c maybe we should talk about the solutions PR offers rather than one definition then the client can decide what they want? #commschat
Communicatemag weird that the definition seems to be phrased by a marketer rather than a PRO. Should b more concerned about content & clarity.  #Commschat
arthury @AmandaWadlow Goal wasn’t ‘universal’ def., but a baseline def. Things that bind profession, but could be tailored by ind. pros. #CommsChat
jane63c RT @Maxim_PR: Having a universally-agreed def of PR probably helps people outside the industry more than those within it //yes! #commschat
KeithTrivitt Yes RT @Maxim_PR: Having a universally-agreed def of PR probably helps people outside the industry more than those within it #commschat
CommsChat Yes-insider or outside industry? RT @jane63c: RT @SandyLindsay: @KeithTrivitt but who is the definition FOR? //excellent point! #commschat
PRCAIngham #CommsChat RT @arthury: @robertcgage  @PRSA has made clear, profession will be more defined by our actions and results. #CommsChat DISAGREE
Scoop_Girl Agree! RT @Maxim_PR: Having a universally-agreed def of PR probably helps people outside the industry more than those within it #commschat
KeithTrivitt @sandylindsay For anyone who interacts with PR, needs its services or requires info on what PR is. 500 diff defns not good #commschat
StevenWoodgate RT @KeithTrivitt: Modernizing a defn of PR not abt a lack of confidence in PR. More abt clarifying PR’s modern role & value #commschat
robertcgage RT @CommsChat: @KeithTrivitt I can definitely see the importance of clarifying PR’s value-but isn’t a case of “show, don’t tell”? #commschat
AllthingsIC #CommsChat @arthury I think it was a good idea to update it as 1982 was a long time ago. But who is the definition for? Inside/outside PR?
arthury @robertcgage As @PRSA has made clear, profession will be more defined by our actions and results. #CommsChat
CommsChat RT @arthury: It originated out of discussion by U.S. bloggers. Many saw our definition as not being updated since 1982. #commschat
PRCAIngham #CommsChat  @KeithTrivitt No disagreement re value. disagreement re practicality and the definition itself
KeithTrivitt @CommsChat True, but you can’t really show someone something unless you know how to objectively describe what it does #commschat #commschat
arthury @GripCommPR G’day, Greg! #CommsChat
LaalaLush RT @PRCAIngham: Agree RT @AmandaWadlow: I don’t think a universal PR definition would ever work #Commschat @CommsChat
robertcgage @KeithTrivitt A PR’s actions and results do more than a carefully crafted (and probably inaccurate) definition #commschat
CommsChat @KeithTrivitt I can definitely see the importance of clarifying PR’s value-but isn’t a case of “show, don’t tell”? #commschat
GripCommPR RT @Maxim_PR: Having a universally-agreed def of PR probably helps people outside the industry more than those within it #commschat
KeithTrivitt @prcaingham @AmandaWadlow Why not have some universal baseline of PR’s role & value? An objective, dictionary-like description #commschat
SandyLindsay RT @Marketing_Chap: Definitions are ways of exerting control. Has the industry suffered from a lack of control, chaps? #commschat
jane63c RT @SandyLindsay: @KeithTrivitt but who is the definition FOR? //excellent point! #commschat
arthury Important, tho; PRSA didn’t write definition. Result of crowd-sourcing. You can argue, as some have, if that was right approach. #CommsChat
Marketing_Chap Definitions are ways of exerting control. Has the industry suffered from a lack of control, chaps? #commschat
AllthingsIC I will be taking part in #commschat for the next hour. Follow the hashtag if you want to take part #internalcomms
Maxim_PR Having a universally-agreed definition of PR probably helps people outside of the industry more than those that work within it #commschat
jane63c PR is much more fleet of foot than mkting/ad so will always be hard to pin down
#commschat
robertcgage @arthury I rest my case m’Lud! Do we need a phrase that encapsulates what we do? I think not! #commschat
SandyLindsay @KeithTrivitt but who is the definition FOR? #commschat
KeithTrivitt RT @drjonwhite: No, a sufficient and satisfactory explanation of itself.  PRSA’s new definition comes with backing explanation #commschat
arthury @Marketing_Chap It originated out of discussion by U.S. bloggers. Many saw our definition as not being updated since 1982. #CommsChat
LaalaLush RT @PRCAIngham: #CommsChat universal definition would be helpful -but PR communities around the world at v different stages. so not sure possible
KeithTrivitt Modernizing a defn of PR not abt a lack of confidence in PR. More abt clarifying PR’s modern role & value #commschat
PRCAIngham Agree RT @AmandaWadlow: I don’t think a universal PR definition would ever work #Commschat @CommsChat
LaalaLush RT @CommsChat: So, first up tonight: Does PR need a universally-agreed on definition? #commschat
robertcgage @Communicatemag @CommsChat And, being grumpy, I take issue with that def. It is as tactical as it is strategic #commschat
arthury @robertcgage 500 definitions of PR were written between 1900s and 1980s. Angst is certainly nothing new … ! #CommsChat
AmandaWadlow I don’t think a universal PR definition would ever work #Commschat @CommsChat
Marketing_Chap Maybe we should ask the chaps who wrote the definition. What was the reason they set their noodles to writing such a thing? #commschat
jane63c a single definition can be very limiting albeit we need a broad agreement of what the profession is about #commschat
KeithTrivitt We believe PR needs a good baseline to define our work. Hodgepodge of definitions existed, which confuses ppl #commschat #commschat
Scoop_Girl Strategic communication planned and built according to the public. Target audience will ‘set the rules’ #Commschat
DrJonWhite No, a sufficient and satisfactory explanation of itself.  PRSA’s new definition comes with backing explanation #commschat
robertcgage @CommsChat For decades, we have been beating ourselves up over this. Do we have such little confidence in our profession?? #commschat
PRCAIngham #CommsChat universal definition would be helpful -but PR communities around the world at v different stages. so not sure possible
SandyLindsay @robertcgage ooh if there’s rants to be had, I’m in! #commschat
CommsChat @arthury What do you think? Presumably it’s a yes from the PRSA… #commschat
robertcgage @CommsChat Hello! Rob here, from a place that builds planes. Rant coming on defining PR….#commschat
CommsChat So, first up tonight: Does PR need a universally-agreed on definition? #commschat
CommsChat We’ve got @arthury from the PRSA, @prcaingham from the PRCA, and @drjonwhite from CIPR joining us #commschat
Communicatemag RT @CommsChat: …  between organizations and their publics.” (2/2) #Commschat
Communicatemag RT @CommsChat: “Public relations is a strategic communication process that builds mutually beneficial relationships … (1/2) #Commschat
CommsChat …  between organizations and their publics.” (2/2) #commschat
jane63c apologies to non-PR followers for the next hour of  #commschat
DrJonWhite Good to be here, look forward to the discussion #commschat
arthury Happy to be on as well. Arthur Yann from @PRSA. RT @CommsChat: Tonight, were considering PR – how do you define it? #CommsChat
Marketing_Chap Just joining #commschat now chaps. More than the usual tweets, brace yourself.
CommsChat “Public relations is a strategic communication process that builds mutually beneficial relationships … (1/2) #commschat
KeithTrivitt Happy to be here. Keith Trivitt from @PRSA RT @commschat: Ok, it’s 8pm here in the UK, time to get going… #commschat
CommsChat Tonight, we’re considering PR – how do you define it? The PRSA recently tried, and here’s what they came up with… #commschat
Baroness_Shanaz RT @PRCAIngham: Looking forward to it RT @CommsChat: Nearly time for #commschat! On definitions of PR. A little background reading: http://t.co/TPSsYYam
CommsChat Ok, it’s 8pm here in the UK, time to get going… #commschat
jane63c looking forward to discussing #PRdefinition with @PRCAIngham amongst others! #commschat
johnnewbury_ All set to join #commschat, sorting out the new definition of PR (and maybe coming up with a different one).
Maxim_PR RT @CommsChat: Nearly time for #commschat! On definitions of PR. A little background reading: http://t.co/prguKkJs
PRCAIngham Looking forward to it RT @CommsChat: Nearly time for #commschat! On definitions of PR. A little background reading: http://t.co/TPSsYYam
SEMComms RT @CommsChat: Nearly time for #commschat! On definitions of PR. A little background reading: http://t.co/prguKkJs
mollyhpierce I’m going to be on #commschat for the next hour, swing by if you have views on a definition for #pr
CommsChat @PRgirlAshley We haven’t started yet! Don’t worry. It’s 8 GMT…ten minutes to go. #commschat
CommsChat Nearly time for #commschat! On definitions of PR. A little background reading: http://t.co/prguKkJs

 

 


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