PRSA MEMBERS PERCEPTIONS OF PUBLIC-RELATIONS ETHICS

This study examines the reported ethical beliefs and behaviors of 307 practitioners (all members of the Public Relations Society of America) in the mid-Atlantic district of the United States, and compares their beliefs and behaviors with their perceptions of those of their peers and top management. Beliefs of top management are perceived as more ethical than those of both practitioners and peers, but top management is perceived as less likely to take disciplinary action against unethical behaviors. Among four demographic characteristics, age has the most significant relationship with self-reported ethical standards. © 1991.