Should PR pros be allowed to voice their opinions?
On the clock and off, communicators may be limited by their ‘official’ duties.
As PR professionals, we represent a client, a brand and an organization. Even if it’s not during the 9-to-5, we are still representatives, to a point, after work hours. I work for an organization that takes no stance on political issues—which is unusual for an association.
When talking with the media, I am representing my organization and what they stand for. More often than not, I am labeled “spokesperson” rather than “marketing coordinator.”
With that language, what I say represents a more than 57,000-member organization and not just me.
Good time for opinions
1. Around your friends. Your friends know where you work. Keeping your private and professional life separate can help, because you’re able to unwind. It’s not likely that your friend will e-mail your boss saying you disagree with how many trees are being cut down and their nonexistent carbon footprint—but a co-worker might.
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