PUBLIC RELATIONS / CUSTOMERS SERVICES

FUNCTIONS OR IMPORTANCE OF PUBLIC RELATIONS

1. It ensures the maintenance of a favourable relationship between an organisation and the general public
2. It helps to increase the goodwill of a company or business
3. It is a source of useful advice to the management of a business
4. It helps in advertising the products or services of the organisation
5. It helps in building the image of the organisation
6. It creates confidence and understanding between the firm and the public
7. Company policies are well explained and understood by the public
8. It helps in maintaining good company / employees relationship

MEDIA OF PUBLIC RELATIONS

1. Exhibitions i.e. display of products of the firm to members of the public at selected places
2. Trade Fairs usually large national or international exhibition which are held annually and where organisation’s could display their products/services
3. Free samples or free gifts – This is given by organisation’s to their customers or employees to maintain their goodwill
4. Publication of feature articles e.g. in national dailies or magazines e.g. about the company’s profiles, management team etc.
5. Organisation of seminars workshops and conferences
6. Provision of After-sales services
7. Sponsoring of programmes, sporting events and bankrolling live telecasts of sporting events etc.
8. Engaging in social responsibility i.e. providing the community with social amenities e.g. hospitals, boreholes, roads etc.
9. Engaging in donations to charitable ventures e.g. motherless children homes etc.