Assignment #1: “ethics in public relations”
If I were a public relations professional, I’d have taken a proactive approach in order to prevent any negative media or public opinion from arising. This could include conducting research around similar product launches & releases in order to gain insights into what areas could potentially be problematic and then developing strategies & plans of action addressing those topics directly. Additionally, investing into building relationships with key media personnel can help ensure that if/when something does go wrong it is addressed quickly & efficiently.
I would look for ways to be transparent from the beginning. Ensuring that everything from product design decisions & development processes are made available for all stakeholders makes them feel like they are part of the journey which further increases their trust in both you and your brand.
By taking an open & honest approach, messages surrounding product releases can be framed in such a way that focuses on how these new initiatives will benefit customers rather than just hype or sales spin which may lead to unnecessary confusion or criticism. Listening to and addressing customer feedback can also help make sure that any necessary changes are implemented quickly without impacting the overall experience of customers.
As a professional in PR, I think it’s important to be proactive when handling PR campaigns. This will help reduce the chances that issues arise and also allow for a rapid resolution if anything unexpected happens.