Public Relations Code of Conduct
A Code of Conduct in serves as a foundational guide for ethical and professional behavior in all interactions with clients, media, the public, and other stakeholders. It ensures transparency, builds trust, and promotes integrity in the practice of PR.
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1. Honesty and Accuracy
PR professionals must always provide truthful, accurate, and verifiable information. Misrepresentation, exaggeration, or deliberate misinformation is unethical and damages credibility.
Never disseminate false or misleading information.
Clearly distinguish between facts and opinions.
Correct any errors promptly when discovered.
2. Transparency
Transparency is vital in building trust with stakeholders and the public. PR professionals must disclose their role and affiliations clearly.
Identify the client or employer on whose behalf communications are made.
Disclose any conflicts of interest.
Do not present paid content as independent editorial material.
3. Confidentiality
Respecting confidentiality is essential in maintaining trust and legal compliance.
Do not disclose confidential information obtained during the course of work unless legally required.
Protect proprietary and sensitive information of clients and employers.
Maintain discretion in sensitive communications.
4. Fairness and Respect
PR practitioners must treat all stakeholders with fairness, dignity, and respect.
Avoid discriminatory, offensive, or defamatory language or actions.
Promote inclusivity and cultural sensitivity.
Respect the opinions and values of others, even in disagreement.
5. Responsibility to Clients and Employers
Serve clients and employers with loyalty, but never at the expense of ethical standards.
Provide honest and objective counsel.
Avoid representing conflicting interests without full disclosure and consent.
Do not engage in practices that undermine the client’s or employer’s reputation.
6. Social Responsibility
PR professionals have a duty to consider the broader impact of their work on society.
Promote the public interest.
Avoid tactics that manipulate or deceive audiences.
Support responsible communication, especially in times of crisis or public concern.
7. Professional Integrity
Uphold the highest standards of professional conduct in all public relations activities.
Continuously seek to improve personal competence through education and professional development.
Cooperate with peers to advance the field of PR.
Report unethical behavior and support accountability within the profession.
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Below are customized versions of the Public Relations Code of Conduct for three industries—healthcare, financial, and government—and aligned with key professional standards like PRSA (Public Relations Society of America) and CIPR (Chartered Institute of Public Relations).
🔹 Public Relations Code of Conduct – Healthcare Industry
Aligned with PRSA Code of Ethics
Patient Privacy & Confidentiality
Uphold HIPAA and other privacy laws; never disclose patient information without consent.Accuracy of Medical Information
Ensure that all public communications are scientifically accurate, citing credible medical sources.Ethical Crisis Communication
Provide timely, transparent updates during public health crises without inciting panic.Transparency in Sponsorships
Disclose relationships with healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies, or influencers.Respect for Cultural Sensitivities
Address diverse health communities with sensitivity to cultural and language differences.
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- Public Relations Code of Conduct – Financial Industry Aligned with CIPR Code of Conduct Compliance with Financial Regulations Adhere to financial disclosure laws and avoid insider trading or market manipulation. Clear and Fair Disclosure Present financial data and investment risks in clear, jargon-free language for public comprehension. Confidentiality in Investor Relations Protect sensitive financial information until official disclosure is authorized. Transparency with Stakeholders Clearly communicate sources of funding, sponsorships, and advisory relationships. Avoiding Conflicts of Interest Refrain from representing conflicting clients or firms in the same financial sector.
- Public Relations Code of Conduct – Healthcare Industry Aligned with PRSA Code of Ethics Patient Privacy & Confidentiality Uphold HIPAA and other privacy laws; never disclose patient information without consent. Accuracy of Medical Information Ensure that all public communications are scientifically accurate, citing credible medical sources. Ethical Crisis Communication Provide timely, transparent updates during public health crises without inciting panic. Transparency in Sponsorships Disclose relationships with healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies, or influencers. Respect for Cultural Sensitivities Address diverse health communities with sensitivity to cultural and language differences.
- Public Relations Code of Conduct – Government/Public Sector Aligned with PRSA & CIPR Standards Nonpartisan Communication Maintain objectivity and impartiality in all public messaging, especially during elections. Accountability to the Public Serve the public interest by providing timely, accurate, and accessible information. Respect for Transparency Laws Abide by FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) or local equivalent disclosure requirements. Avoid Propaganda or Misinformation Uphold factual integrity and avoid tactics that manipulate or obscure the truth. Internal Ethics & Whistleblower Support Support ethical conduct within government institutions and report unethical behavior responsibly.
Project Details
- Client Name:
- ComplianceTX
- Category:
- Business Strategy , Financial PR Services Case Study
- Website:
- https://pr.compaipa.com/
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