Question 1

A major difference between public relations and marketing/advertising is

Accepted Answer

Public relations focuses on promoting and managing the overall image and reputation of an organization, including its people, products, and services, whereas marketing and advertising specifically aim to promote and sell products or services.

Question 2

A function related to public relations that includes creating sales literature, meeting displays and promotions is

Accepted Answer

Marketing communications encompasses a broad range of activities including creating sales literature, meeting displays, and promotions, all aimed at supporting sales and marketing objectives.

Question 3

The government affairs function of public relations

Accepted Answer

The government affairs function of public relations specifically focuses on interactions and communications with officials at various levels of government (local, state, and federal) to influence policy, address regulations, and manage the organization's public affairs related to governmental bodies.

Question 4

Twisting messages to create the impression of performance is

Accepted Answer

Twisting messages to create the impression of performance is known as "spin," a term used in public relations to describe the act of presenting information in a way that is intended to influence public perception favorably, often by obscuring, exaggerating, or manipulating facts.

Question 5

What is the cardinal rule for public relations practitioners?

Accepted Answer

The cardinal rule for public relations practitioners is to maintain honesty and integrity, which means never lying.

Question 6

In a 2004 study by the search firm Heyman Associates, which of the following was NOT a characteristic of successful PR leaders?

Accepted Answer

The answer of In a 2004 study by the search...

Question 7

Which is NOT a key technical skill a public relations professional should possess?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which is NOT a key technical skill...

Question 8

To be successful, a public relations professional should have the predisposition to

Accepted Answer

Public relations professionals should prioritize transparency and honesty, which involves disclosing information rather than withholding it.

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT among six requisite "attitudes" an effective public relations practitioner should have?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following is NOT among...

Question 10

Public relations is an industry that is growing in numbers as well as respect.

Accepted Answer

Public relations (PR) is an industry that has seen significant growth in both size and respect over the years. This is due to the increasing recognition of the importance of maintaining a positive public image and effective communication strategies for businesses, organizations, and individuals in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

Question 11

Annual revenue for the PR industry is estimated at well under $1 billion dollars.

Accepted Answer

The PR industry's annual revenue is estimated to be much higher than $1 billion, with figures suggesting it is in the tens of billions globally.

Question 12

An indication of the heightened stature of public relations is the increased desire of companies, nonprofits, governments, religious institutions, sports teams and leagues, and arts organizations to communicate their stories.

Accepted Answer

The increased desire of various organizations to communicate their stories reflects the heightened stature of public relations, as these entities recognize the importance of managing their public image and engaging effectively with their audiences.

Question 13

The American Management Association adapted the following definition for the function: "Public Relations is a strategic communication process that builds mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their publics."

Accepted Answer

The definition provided is from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), not the American Management Association.

Question 14

Some might say PR should really stand for performance recognition because positive action communicated straightforwardly will yield positive results.

Accepted Answer

The question states that "PR should really stand for performance recognition because positive action communicated straightforwardly will yield positive results." This means that PR is about recognizing and rewarding good performance, which is a form of performance recognition.

Question 15

Regardless of what definition you choose for public relations, Fraser Seitel contends that in order to be successful, professionals must always have a planned process to influence attitudes and actions of the targeted public.

Accepted Answer

Fraser Seitel emphasizes the importance of a planned process in public relations to effectively influence the attitudes and actions of the target audience, which is a core principle in the field.

Question 16

Despite the model of success established by Leon Hess as CEO of an oil company and the NFL's Jets, today's CEOs and their companies cannot ignore the need for public relations.

Accepted Answer

Today's CEOs and their companies must engage in public relations to manage their public image, communicate effectively with stakeholders, and navigate the complexities of the digital age, unlike in the past where it might have been less emphasized.

Question 17

The effectiveness of a public relations department depends on the department's level of access to management.

Accepted Answer

The effectiveness of a public relations (PR) department is significantly influenced by its level of access to management, as this access allows for better alignment with the organization's goals, strategies, and messaging, ensuring more coherent and impactful communication efforts.

Question 18

As interpreters of the public for management, public relations professionals need to learn what the public senses about the organization and alert management to those findings.

Accepted Answer

Public relations professionals act as a bridge between the organization and the public, gathering insights on public perception and communicating these findings to management for informed decision-making.

Question 19

Presidents Clinton and Bush, and CEOs of Citigroup, AIG, Washington Mutual, Bear Stearns, Lehman Brothers, Countrywide Financial, Goldman Sachs and Bank of America all tested the limits of public relations by not being candid with their publics.

Accepted Answer

These individuals and entities were involved in various controversies, financial crises, or situations where their level of candor and transparency with the public, investors, and regulators was questioned, particularly around the time of the 2008 financial crisis and other periods of their tenure.

Question 20

Recent technological changes, including satellite links for TV, social media, blogs and mobile devices, drive home the importance of recognizing the interrelationships of publics.

Accepted Answer

These technological advancements have significantly expanded the reach and immediacy of information dissemination, making it crucial for organizations to understand how different publics (audiences) interact and influence each other in the digital age.

Quiz 1: What Is Public Relations, Anyway?