Arthur W. Page

Definition

Arthur W. Page was a pioneering public relations executive known for his belief that effective communication should be grounded in ethics and truthfulness. He is often recognized as one of the founding figures of modern public relations, emphasizing the importance of building trust and credibility with stakeholders through transparent and honest communication.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Arthur W. Page was the first person to hold the title of Vice President of Public Relations at a major corporation, working for AT&T.
2. He believed that corporate leaders should prioritize ethical communication and view it as essential to long-term business success.
3. Page developed the 'Page Principles,' which serve as a framework for ethical public relations practices, including being truthful, acting with integrity, and communicating openly.
4. He advocated for the role of public relations as a strategic function in organizations, influencing how businesses communicate with their audiences.
5. Page's legacy continues to influence public relations education and practice today, emphasizing the critical role of trust and credibility in effective communication.

Review Questions

• How did Arthur W. Page's beliefs about communication ethics shape modern public relations practices?
  • Arthur W. Page's emphasis on ethics in communication helped lay the foundation for modern public relations practices by highlighting the importance of honesty and transparency. His principles encourage PR professionals to prioritize building trust with stakeholders, which is essential for successful communication strategies today. By advocating for ethical communication, Page ensured that PR would not just be about promoting messages but also about fostering genuine relationships.
• Discuss how Arthur W. Page's work contributed to the evolution of public relations from a promotional function to a strategic management role.
  • Arthur W. Page played a significant role in transforming public relations from merely a promotional tool into a strategic management function within organizations. He championed the idea that effective communication is integral to an organization’s overall strategy, aligning PR efforts with business goals and fostering two-way communication with stakeholders. This evolution allowed PR to become more than just message delivery, positioning it as a vital component in decision-making processes.
• Evaluate the relevance of Arthur W. Page's principles in today's digital age, particularly concerning ethical challenges in public relations.
  • Arthur W. Page's principles remain highly relevant in today's digital age, where rapid information dissemination poses ethical challenges for public relations practitioners. The need for honesty and transparency is amplified in online platforms where misinformation can spread quickly. By adhering to Page's emphasis on ethical communication, PR professionals can navigate these challenges effectively, ensuring that their organizations maintain credibility and trust with audiences in an increasingly complex media landscape.

Related terms

Public Relations Ethics: A set of principles and standards that guide the behavior of public relations professionals, focusing on honesty, transparency, and respect for the audience.

Two-Way Communication: A communication model that emphasizes mutual exchange and dialogue between organizations and their audiences, fostering better understanding and relationships.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): The practice of companies taking responsibility for their impact on society and the environment, often including ethical considerations in their communication strategies.