I thought this week’s readings were really appealing not to mention motivating. Although they maintained (as has all the readings so far) that public relations is a very broad field that can take you anywhere I found the interviews that appeared in Public Relations by Melanie James, the most interesting of the readings thus far. It provided what I felt was real information regarding the field – type of jobs, flexibility, tasks - both bad and good, job location, salary, resume style and interview technique – all of which I believe will be beneficial when pursuing future careers.
Each of the interviews had there appeal however I thought that with Carolyn Verey (pg.47) to be particularly significant. The government sector is a personal interest of mine, and I have often considered it being an avenue I may one day pursue. In all honesty this interview perhaps diminished some of this ambition, while I found Verey to be very engaging I found other interviews and area’s far more interesting for instance the interview with Carson White (pg.51) or Melissa Sawyer (Pg.43). While the positions held by both are not the highest paying of those people who were interviewed, it is obvious they love and are very dedicated to what sounds like fascinating careers.
Throughout all interviews there were common themes in each. Most people believe their work is flexible, and hours vary depending on the amount of work they have at any given time as Angela Scrymgour answers; “I wish someone had old me before I started that this is definetly not a 9.00 to 5.00 Monday to Friday job.” It is evident from the reading that work changes on a day to day basis and the practitioners interviewed all say that the variety is part of what they enjoy about the job. As well as this event management and is a commonly listed job that people enjoy.
The second reading from chapter 11 in Johnston and Zawawi (2004) emphasises the importance of the internal public within the organisation. The essence of the reading is best summarised on page 292 where Sison states:
“It is in a company’s best interest to keep its staff happy, loyal and safe. Keeping them informed, communicating with them, consulting with them and developing relationships with them are some of the ways that show the organisation respects them not just as ‘workers’ but as ‘thinking individuals’”
I can understand the benefits of this line of thought, even in my own line of work in hospitality being treated as an equal always motivates staff members to work hard and are therefore loyal to the organisation.
The concept of the organisation is also explored in the reading. William Scott (cited in Johnston and Zawawi, 2004, pp.289) defines the organisation as “a system of coordinated activities of a group of people working cooperatively toward a common goal under authority and leadership.”
Within this concept of the organisation the text explores it’s internal publics, and as gathered from Sison’s quote, the importance of maintaining positive relationships with this public. These internal publics consist of organisations employees and association members. These positive relationships with the employees are evident when reading the interviews, in the first reading. The Practitioners who are interviewed are satisfied with their job, and all are loyal to the firm they work for.
What I take from these readings is an increased understanding of the field of public relations. The interviews drove home the understandings gained in previous readings. As stated in previous blogs it is evident that it is a broad arena with many career opportunities in many sectors, this week specifically highlighted was the role of the practitioner in the organisation and the increased importance that positive relationships are maintained with its internal publics.
Each of the interviews had there appeal however I thought that with Carolyn Verey (pg.47) to be particularly significant. The government sector is a personal interest of mine, and I have often considered it being an avenue I may one day pursue. In all honesty this interview perhaps diminished some of this ambition, while I found Verey to be very engaging I found other interviews and area’s far more interesting for instance the interview with Carson White (pg.51) or Melissa Sawyer (Pg.43). While the positions held by both are not the highest paying of those people who were interviewed, it is obvious they love and are very dedicated to what sounds like fascinating careers.
Throughout all interviews there were common themes in each. Most people believe their work is flexible, and hours vary depending on the amount of work they have at any given time as Angela Scrymgour answers; “I wish someone had old me before I started that this is definetly not a 9.00 to 5.00 Monday to Friday job.” It is evident from the reading that work changes on a day to day basis and the practitioners interviewed all say that the variety is part of what they enjoy about the job. As well as this event management and is a commonly listed job that people enjoy.
The second reading from chapter 11 in Johnston and Zawawi (2004) emphasises the importance of the internal public within the organisation. The essence of the reading is best summarised on page 292 where Sison states:
“It is in a company’s best interest to keep its staff happy, loyal and safe. Keeping them informed, communicating with them, consulting with them and developing relationships with them are some of the ways that show the organisation respects them not just as ‘workers’ but as ‘thinking individuals’”
I can understand the benefits of this line of thought, even in my own line of work in hospitality being treated as an equal always motivates staff members to work hard and are therefore loyal to the organisation.
The concept of the organisation is also explored in the reading. William Scott (cited in Johnston and Zawawi, 2004, pp.289) defines the organisation as “a system of coordinated activities of a group of people working cooperatively toward a common goal under authority and leadership.”
Within this concept of the organisation the text explores it’s internal publics, and as gathered from Sison’s quote, the importance of maintaining positive relationships with this public. These internal publics consist of organisations employees and association members. These positive relationships with the employees are evident when reading the interviews, in the first reading. The Practitioners who are interviewed are satisfied with their job, and all are loyal to the firm they work for.
What I take from these readings is an increased understanding of the field of public relations. The interviews drove home the understandings gained in previous readings. As stated in previous blogs it is evident that it is a broad arena with many career opportunities in many sectors, this week specifically highlighted was the role of the practitioner in the organisation and the increased importance that positive relationships are maintained with its internal publics.
1 comment:
I agree with what you said about staff members performing better if they are treated as equals. I think most employers would probably find their staff to be happier and more productive if they believe that their ideas and opinions are valued. I also agree with what you said about PR practitioners being dedicated to their jobs and organisations. I think that not all PR practitioners can be that happy in their work, but those interviewed appear to love their jobs. I don't think that I would enjoy a full-time PR job, but part-time work with flexible hours would probably suit me. I liked the way you explained the importance of internal communications, it was concise and easy to understand.
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