Code of Ethics

PRSA is responsible for representing, educating, setting standards of excellence and upholding principles of ethics for members and, more broadly, the U.S. public relations profession. In that role, PRSA is committed to advancing ethical communications practices and the free flow of accurate and truthful information. These principles not only guide members and the profession, but also support fundamental rights of free speech and the public good.

The PRSA Code of Ethics, considered the industry standard for ethical conduct by communications professionals, sets forth key principles that are essential to “serving the public interest and contributing to informed decision making in a democratic society.“ PRSA views ethical practice as the most important obligation of membership. In addition, the Society maintains that professional ethics obligations extend beyond clients to the publics served. PRSA also views the Code as a model for other professions, organizations and professionals.

The PRSA Board of Ethics and Professional Standards (BEPS) drafted the Code and continues to refine its application to professional practice. Periodically, BEPS applies Code principles to practice scenarios, issuing Professional Service Advisories (PSA). Currently, there are PSAs that address pay for play, deceptive online practices, front groups, wartime communications and payment of expert commentators.

PRSA also engages Code principles with an active Advocacy initiative, demonstrating thought leadership on key issues impacting the profession. Administered by the PRSA Advocacy Advisory Board, the initiative is an ongoing public affairs program by which PRSA tracks, identifies and speaks out on current issues, professional practice, principles and reuptation. Engaging Code principles through Advocacy, PRSA leadership has taken public positions on new FTC rules on endorsements and testimonials in advertisements and blogs, the content and tone of political discourse, the creation of front groups and anonymous Internet postings.