Deck 3: Ethics and Professionalism

Question 1

Which one of the following is a hallmark of public relations professional?

A) a sense of dependence
B) a concern for corporations' reputation, no matter what happens
C) a high loyalty to the employer of the moment
D) a sense of responsibility to society

Answer 1

D

Question 2

If you would feel that things were either absolutely "right" or absolutely "wrong" you would fall into which orientation?

A) Marxist
B) Kantian
C) unilateral
D) Plato's

Answer 2

B

Question 3

When is it ok to say "no comment," along with an explanation?

A) No comment is always a viable option
B) When there are mitigating circumstances surrounding an event
C) When there is now way to be honest
D) When the practitioner is trying to hide something

Answer 3

A

Question 4

"Paying for play" refers to a practice that is used in

A) India.
B) Japan.
C) Russia.
D) China.

Question 5

"We chose this plan because it would benefit the majority of you,and harm the fewest" would be an example of using this perspective:

A) Marxist.
B) absolutist.
C) unilateral.
D) utilitarian.

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT listed as codes for conduct in PRSA's code of ethics?

A) advocacy
B) expertise.
C) dependence.
D) loyalty

Question 7

Even if a bribe is intended or not,the sending of gifts to media representatives is almost always considered

A) prudent when trying to boost lagging sales or image.
B) bribery to get favorable media coverage.
C) a potential boost in media coverage, despite perceived unseemliness.
D) breaking the law.

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT one of the five prerequisites for a profession like public relations,according to C.V.Narasimha Reddi,editor/publisher of Public Relations Voice?

A) education
B) literature
C) training
D) management

Question 9

To receive the "APR" designation as being accredited by PRSA,a person must

A) have earned significant local and national honors for their work in the field.
B) have a terminal degree in public relations from an accredited university.
C) pass a rigorous written and oral examination.
D) have worked in at least three different PR-type settings, with 10 years minimum experience.

Question 10

Which of the following is a "careerist" value?

A) the prestige of the organization.
B) a concern for the PR profession.
C) serving the public interest.
D) a sense of responsibility to society.

Question 11

Two out of five Arabic-language journalists will use news releases if accompanied by a(n)

A) gift.
B) politician's endorsement.
C) disclaimer.
D) English version.

Question 12

Special/corporate interest groups are most likely to fund

A) ethical councils.
B) nonprofit initiatives.
C) citizen's groups.
D) grassroots lobbyists.

Question 13

A common complaint about public relations codes of ethics is that

A) they do not apply to PRSSA members.
B) they are too stringent and prescriptive.
C) they have no "teeth".
D) they don't include marketing or advertising practices.

Question 14

What is the best-known think tank for public relations?

A) The Institute for Public Relations
B) PRSA
C) IABC
D) The PR Management Database

Question 15

What word might be associated with a front group?

A) deceptive
B) ethical
C) transparent
D) utility

Question 16

Many practitioners are limited in their professionalism by a

A) situationalist perspective.
B) biased media corps.
C) "technician mentality."
D) low budget.

Question 17

Examples such as Kathleen Turner point to organizations that fail to understand the need for

A) transparency/disclosure.
B) sound media relations.
C) bottom-line values.
D) research.

Question 18

What is the line a public relations practitioner must walk on a daily basis?

A) To ethically communicate while being an advocate for a client or organization
B) To tell only what the company wants told while making sure the public feels informed.
C) To stay just inside the law.
D) To make sure people on both sides get what they want.

Question 19

Most professional membership groups believe that the primary purpose of establishing codes of ethics is

A) enforcement.
B) education and information.
C) as a "warning signal."
D) boosting membership totals.

Question 20

The major effort to improve standards and professionalism in public relations worldwide is

A) publicizing membership opportunities in professional membership groups.
B) continuing education.
C) accreditation.
D) licensing.

Question 21

It is more ethical for the public relations counselor to say "no comment" to a difficult question,than to stretch the truth for organizational gain.

Question 22

Society expects public relations practitioners to take on a role differentiation,as an advocate (as journalists would be considered objective).

Question 23

In order to be a professional adviser for PRSSA,one must have the "APR" designation by being accredited.Please detail the pros and cons of this policy,if this is a restrictive policy,and in what cases should the policy be modified.

Question 24

The licensing of public relations professionals is likely to be initiated in the near future.

Question 25

Of PRSA's core ethical values of public relations (advocacy,honesty,expertise,independence,loyalty,and fairness),which do you believe is the most important value to practitioners,and why? Also,which one is "least valued" and/or ignored by the profession? Explain.

Question 26

Although gift giving is considered unethical in the United States,other nations have different standards.

Question 27

Fairness is a core value stipulated by PRSA.

Question 28

In terms of gender,PRSA's membership is now primarily male

Question 29

Magazines,in particular,are increasingly blurring the line between news features and advertisements.

Question 30

According to a utilitarian approach,the ends justify the means as long as they cause the least harm.

Question 31

Virtually all public relations codes of ethics begin with the duty to tell the truth.

Question 32

To become accredited by the PRSA with the designation of "APR," one must have at least 10 years of experience in the field and have demonstrated some significant achievements.