ABSTRACT
Information provider; advocate; activist: public relations practitioners frequently play multiple roles as they work with or against other stakeholders with particular viewpoints, needs, or causes. By definition, the practitioner is partisan-representing a certain group, organization, or public-with biases and loyalties apparent as he or she seeks to build or enhance critical relationships. In many settings, this partisanship raises few or no ethical questions. However, in the complex sphere of public communication in an open society, where successful or unsuccessful public relations may impact political campaigns, international diplomacy, judicial proceedings, and voter confidence, the motivations, tactics, strategies, goals, and objectives of practitioners may be questioned.
