week 3

I think the key points to remember from this week’s readings were that study of the field of public relations is dealt with through a variety of different disciplines which as a result ultimately provides students and practitioners alike with often conflicting views of its purpose and conceptualisation within society.
It is apparent in both the readings that the most favoured approach to current public relations theory is that of Grunig and Hunt (1984), which builds on Edward Bernays media effects theory. This approach sets out the progression which public relations has made throughout its conceptual development and outlines where public relations practice is positioned today.
Regardless of the disciplinary approach to public relations theory some key themes emerged, such as the power to influence of media effects, the maintenance of relationships and the ever changing role of the public relations practitioner.

The readings made me think more about public relations theory/practice in that it is much more than just saying a few nice things about a company but that in practice public relations has a bigger impact on social conceptions and structures and that any decision made whilst in the profession must be made considering the bigger picture and the possible effects that may result due to that decision.

week 2

I think the key points to remember from this week's readings are that it is important to understand that Public Relations as a profession is a multifaceted and often demanding career which requires a broad range of skills in order to be successful and an enjoyable career.
Also, I think it is important to remember that in Australia the field of public relations is relatively new and that the academic study on the profession is even more recently been established and is hence still developing its theoretical framework. As a result the boundaries of the occupation are still unclear and often confusing to many university students studying public relations.

The readings made me think more about public relations theory/practice in that as a female I have a statistically better chance of pursuing and succeeding in public relations as a practitioner due to the preconceived notions of the public relations practitioner as a female ‘suited’ occupation or the assumption that “women being a ‘better buy’ than male employees” (Johnson & Zawawi, 2004, 17).
The readings also made me consider what speciality I would like to pursue within the field of public relations and whether I would like to work in either the public or private.

Week 1

hi, my name is Rebecca Rabe. I have not as yet read the readings for this week and have planned to do this this afternoon. I am looking forward to learning more about public relations practice as I see the industry as an area that i can utilise my talents in talking and meeting new people as an asset to a profitable and enjoyable career. I find Public Relations as a profession entails the development and implementation of strategies for a specific company or client in the management of public and private image which often includes crisis management and public promotion (often viewed as propaganda by the arch nemesises journalists- the apparent polar opposites to PR practitioners). I will later put in the required readings for this week using the two sentences outlined in the blackboard outcomes for this assignment.