The Page Principles Revisited

It was about 70 years ago that Arthur W. Page, then-head of communications for AT&T, practiced public relations by a set of professional principles that have come to be known as The Page Principles … clear, ethical and straight-forward standards for practicing the imperfect craft of public relations.

In the years since they have been discussed, taught in classes practiced and tested.

The Page Principles remain just as valid today. And, as we review them, you can see that the Principles are often exemplified in the brands and character of some of today’s most successful companies and organizations:

1. Tell the truth. Let the public know what’s happening and provide an accurate picture of the company’s character, ideals and practices.
2. Prove it with action. Public perception of an organization is determined 90 percent by what it does and 10 percent by what it says.
3. Listen to the customer. To serve the company well, understand what the public wants and needs. Keep top decision makers and other employees informed about public reaction to company products, policies and practices.
4. Manage for tomorrow. Anticipate public reaction and eliminate practices that create difficulties. Generate goodwill.
5. Conduct public relations as if the whole company depends on it. Corporate relations is a management function. No corporate strategy should be implemented without considering its impact on the public. The public relations professional is a policymaker capable of handling a wide range of corporate communications activities.
6. Realize a company’s true character is expressed by its people. The strongest opinions — good or bad — about a company are shaped by the words and deeds of its employees. As a result, every employee — active or retired — is involved with public relations. It is the responsibility of corporate communications to support each employee’s capability and desire to be an honest, knowledgeable ambassador to customers, friends, shareowners and public officials.
7. Remain calm, patient and good-humored. Lay the groundwork for public relations miracles with consistent and reasoned attention to information and contacts. This may be difficult with today’s contentious 24-hour news cycles and endless number of watchdog organizations. But when a crisis arises, remember, cool heads communicate best.

Related posts:

1. Obama: Principles of Leadership
2. The Take-Away in the Ketchum PR Affair
3. Significance of Apple’s Bold Leadership
4. Brand Journalism in the Communications Mix
5. A Roadmap to the Next Era of Strategic Communications

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Category: Featured, Reputation management