Not the Same

In conversation and writing, it is not unusual for me to use the words or terms "communication" and "public relations" interchangeably. After all, they both refer to the interaction of individuals or publics, including all the elements that help comprise interaction and/or information exchange. Certainly, in text books and scholarly and professional journal articles I have read, it is no uncommon to see authors treat them as if the two were and are synonyms. While on a fundamental level, they are, on a deeper, more practical level they are not. My conclusion, then, it is a mistake to present "communication" and "public relations" as the same.


Generally, communication represents the kind of exchange one sees between two neighbors talking in the backyard with no agenda other than to catch-up. In such a scenario, neither has a specific set of goals involving the other. Their primary purpose for talking does not go much beyond that. As a result, the interaction is simply carried out  for its own sake. It is one reason why most of us enjoy hanging with friends. It is all about the engagement rather than trying to persuade that other person to take certain action or adjust their way of thinking about an issue. Just a simple conversation between folks who enjoy each other's company.   


Public relations is purpose-driven. Professionals conduct a PR campaign with a specific, measurable objective in-mind. They wish to sell more tickets to an event, raise the level of a group's membership, or increase a person or issue's visibility. These and other examples of public relations efforts also usually are conducted within a specific timeline. Given the very tangible differences between communication and public relations, then, treating the two as if they are the same does a disservice to both. I, for one, pledge not to do that again.  Hopefully, colleagues and practitioners will as well. Each is complicated enough as it is without treating them as if they are the same.