Class blog: European public relations and public affairs
“Always useful to look backwards before looking forwards.” Exploring this thought while surrounded by boisterous Argentines in an “Irish” pub in Bologna, I’m irritated. “Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.” It won’t go away. “Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.” That freaking noise again, the vuvuzela, drowning out all else and testing the limits of my enthusiasm for watching Argentina toy with South Korea. My …
Continue reading “Rethinking PR with Leo Messi and Joseph Nye”
Something touched upon in our meeting with Edelman (HP’s relationship with Edelman’s Spanish office) is how the public relations function fits into the promotional puzzle of larger, MBA-driven organizations. One might be surprised to find that PR is, to many in the business world (particularly B2C), the last –albeit essential- step in the marketing process. …
“The truth is rarely pure and never simple.” – Oscar Wilde Today in class we spent some time discussing propaganda and public relations. After some background was presented about the word propaganda many thought that the two terms were synonymous, but that propaganda now has a negative connotation due to Joseph Goebbels’ grossly sinister misuse …
We received a warm and professional welcome at Edelman’s Milan office on Friday. The visit showed the strength of global systems and standards, driven from the US. We saw something of the complex map of Europe – many countries, many languages, a network combining wholly-owned businesses and affiliates and a blurring of regional boundaries (at …
One of the primary concepts we are discussing in this class is an American perspective on corporate communication in the European Union. That is, how should an American organization setting up shop in the EU approach this series of complex, diverse and unique publics. Based on my experience – and, even more so, my two …
Despite my deep appreciation for good food, I can attest confidently that in just a few short days in the regional capital of Emilia-Romagna, the following is positively true: Bologna is a foodie’s paradise. Ristorànte, trattoria, ostería, bars, and cafés throughout the city feed the hungry and satisfy the palate, leaving patrons with a …
On Tuesday we welcome Toni Muzi Falconi, the driving force behind the Stockholm Accords. In preparation for his visit, you should take a look at the draft document, set to be ratified next week, and consider the comments posted below. Here are some questions to consider: Why might the public relations industry need an agreed …
The Mexican statement of 1978 was a milestone attempt by a committee to define the role and purpose of public relations. It is still widely cited today and established the concept that public relations should “serve both the organization’s and the public interest.” Three decades later, the public relations industry has grown rapidly and organizations …
Bologna 2010 