FACTORS TO CONSINDER WHEN PLANNING FOR PR PROGRAMMES

FACTORS TO CONSINDER WHEN PLANNING FOR PR PROGRAMMES

1. Appreciation of the situation-for public relation programs to be effective, they must be based on sound objectives that are directed at the right audience, delivered at the right time and presented in an attractive and understandable language.
2. Research tools-involves all means that are used to gather information, they include interviewing, holding discussions with management, use of questionnaires etc. While planning public relation programs one should consider availability of research tools, reliability of the information etc.
3. Security-While planning for public relation activities one should put into considerations security to both public relation personnel’s and the respondent
4. Education level of targeted audience-one should plan in advance on target audience in order to cater for both literate and illiterate.
5. Defining public relation objectives-different organizations have different public relation objectives as they also have different risks ,profits margin etc. most common public relation objectives include –

• To change the organization image from the previous bad image or negative propaganda that might affect organization negatively.
• To improve good relation with the publics.
• Gaining press attention.
• Gaining support for survival.
• To educate the pubic
• To remind and reinforce influence.
• To strengthen the company against risks of takeover.
• To regain public confidence after a disaster.

LOBBYING

Refer to process of building and maintaining relation with legislators and government officials so as to influence regulation.

REASONS WHY MOST ORGANIZATIONS ARE INVOLVED IN LOBBYING

1. To facilitate making of profits through subsidies i.e. government support.
2. Pursuing of social services e.g. free health services.
3. Facilitating charitable services through polishing the tarnished image.
4. Facilitating good relationship with the government which boost smooth organization operation.
5. To gain support financially through donations or be allowed to offer some services.
6. To promote good corporate image.

LOBBIEST ACTIVITIES

1. To monitor reports done on private developments.
2. Drafting strategy documents on how review and monitoring is to be done.
3. Providing access to public policy make-up or linking the public with public policy makers.
4. Making presentation or giving agenda to decision makers.
5. Acts as a policy adviser to policy management in issues related to the government, public affairs, politics etc.

QUALITIES OF A GOOD LOBBIEST

1. Ability to monitor all lobbies activities.
2. Ability to report both to the client and policy makers.
3. Ability to draft strategic document to be used in lobby work.
4. Be familiar with public policy making and proceedings.
5. Must have ability to communicate and explain policy formed by policy makers