News: Ethics

Are the photos your company or client uses unethical? If the images purport to represent diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion but that doesn’t reflect an accurate picture of what’s happening at the organization, then you’re facing an ethical conundrum.

September is Ethics month, and PRSA National has provided a number of resources to ensure members stay up to date.

“Adhering to the highest ethical standards will have better returns on your career than any educational degree or client campaign.”

Where does a PR professional turn to get the “real news” and facts? How do you check the latest reports and protect the integrity of your client, employer or yourself – a problem that may have gotten worse with the COVID-19 pandemic?

The promise commits the board and members of PRSA Richmond to the acknowledgement that every individual is valuable to the organization.

The traditional method of countering misleading or false information with the truth may not be enough to convince our stakeholders that PR practitioners should be trusted.

As we observe Ethics Month throughout September, it’s important to remember that following ethical principles is necessary year-round.

Dawn Eischen, APR, is PRSA Richmond’s Ethics Officer. She has been a public relations professional for nearly 20 years and recently joined the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority as a PR Manager.

September is Ethics Awareness Month at PRSA. This year, PRSA is highlighting the integral role ethics play in professional and personal leadership.