ABSTRACT
The functions of external relations departments are similar to those of safety departments. Both safety and community-related issues are affected by the behavior of all staff and directly contribute to the ability of a company to reach its goals. In reality, most external relations departments are structured (and function) as specialized departments. When any company operation creates tension with communities, handling this constructively is considered to be too difficult for the department that created the problem. Companies have used a number of different approaches to ensure that their internal structure is aligned with and supports their intent to establish and maintain constructive community relations. When community relations are seen as an add-on to a company's technical activities rather than as a core activity, management systems to achieve effective community relations are weak. Short-term success is narrowly defined as avoiding negatives such as demonstrations, roadblocks, or other disruptions. Long-term success is rarely well defined.
