Study reveals only small percentage teach any PR at all
An analysis of highly ranked MBA programs by the Public Relations Society of America showed that only 16 percent offer a single course in crisis and conflict management, strategic communications, public relations, or whatever label one chooses to describe management of a precious organizational asset: reputation. Even that course is likely to be an elective. So glaring is this omission that it’s typical for MBA-holding executives to assume “reputation management” or “public relations” is the black art of spinning an alternative version of reality, as though that works in today’s wide-open, relentlessly scrutinized, electron-speed information environment.
This quote, from a BusinessWeek article, could very well illustrate one of the defining factors in the seeming disconnect in thinking that can exist between the “C-suite” and crisis management or public relations consultants. The scarceness of these types of programs is even more shocking due to the number of otherwise successful corporations who have recently taken massive monetary losses as a result of reputation-related crises or plain bad communication.
All businesses are bound to encounter crises at one time or another, so wouldn’t it follow that MBA’s be prepared to handle them? While the number of classes currently available is low, we would bet that in the coming years we’ll see a massive expansion as knowledge of public relations and communication strategy and tactics become perceived as vital skills.
The BCM Blogging Team
https://www.bernsteincrisismanagement.com/