Guidance for the Future Practitioner
Successful public relations hinges on the ethics of its practitioners. As a future professional, it is essential that you uphold the highest ethical standards. PRSSA promotes ethical practice by asking members to adhere to the PRSSA Code of Ethics and Conduct and encourages all Chapters to have members sign the pledge upon joining the organization.
Professional Values
Advocacy - We serve the public interest by acting as responsible advocates for those we represent. We provide a voice in the marketplace of ideas, facts and viewpoints to aid informed public debate.
Honesty - We adhere to the highest standards of accuracy and truth in advancing the interests of those we represent and in communicating with the public.
Expertise - We acquire and responsibly use specialized knowledge and experience. We advance the profession through continued professional development, research and education. We build mutual understanding, credibility and relationships among a wide array of institutions and audiences.
Independence - We provide objective counsel to those we represent. We are accountable for our actions.
Loyalty - We are faithful to those we represent, while honoring our obligation to serve the public interest.
Fairness - We deal fairly with clients, employers, competitors, peers, vendors, the media and the general public. We respect all opinions and support the right of free expression.
PRSSA Code of Ethics and Conduct
I pledge to conduct myself professionally, with truth, accuracy, fairness and responsibility to the public, fellow members and to the Society; to improve my individual competence and advance the knowledge and proficiency of the field of public relations; and to adhere to the articles of the Member Code of Ethics and Conduct by the PRSSA National Committee.
I understand and accept that there are consequences for member misconduct, up to and including membership revocation.
I understand that members in violation of the PRSSA Code of Ethics and Conduct may be further barred from PRSA membership.
PRSA Code of Ethics
PRSSA models its ethics guidelines after those of its parent organization, PRSA. The PRSA Code of Ethics was
created to help members navigate ethical principles and applications, and is widely regarded as the industry standard. For further reference, see the PRSA Code of Ethics Pledge.
For information about specific ethical dilemmas and issues, you can view the PRSA Professional Standards Advisories.
