Ethics Theories

Kevin Faini

Communication Ethics

Professional Code Paper

January 26, 2006

Being a future Public Relations Practitioner, I chose the Public Relations Society of America's Code of Ethics to help answer the assigned questions dealing with professional code. The code I am using was adopted in 2000 and is the set of code that all Public Relations Society member is instructed to use in order to carry out their work in an ethically responsible nature.

1) The five requirements of an ethical system are all supported by the PRSA code. All practitioners hold shared values such as honesty, loyalty and fairness to its publics, and expertise in their field. This meaning that all PRSA members understand their responsibility to offer accurate and truthful information that is relevant to the public's interests. Basically, all practitioners who abide by these codes agree to be truthful with all of their publics about matters that may or may not directly affect them and their interests. If false information is ever given, it is the practitioner's responsibility for producing it, and they are held accountable for their actions. Through these codes, the Public Relations Society of America's Code of Ethics successfully addresses the five requirements of an ethical system: Wisdom, Justice, Accountability, Freedom, and Shared values.

2, 3, 4) The Public Relations Code of Ethics is extremely intent on hammering home the idea that honesty and fair service to your publics is the essential element of the public relations field. There is a code of advocacy that states that practitioners serve the public interest by acting as a responsible advocate for those they represent. The code also states that public relations agencies have to build credibility to succeed and therefore survive on giving accurate information to all publics they provide service for. They also agree to strive for honesty and fairness, all while using their own ethical judgments to make responsible decisions. This is the given freedom of being a practitioner. As a practitioner, you make the decision if something is news-worthy or not. Practitioners are also forbidden to accept or present bribes of any kind to influence decision making. Practitioners are also urged to work together with other members and create