You can also find out more about the following: Institute of Public Relations Bridge Conference on April 10 and 11 featured pertinent research that informed attendees–communications practitioners and academics–of useful trends for building campaigns, engaging with students and emerging knowledge to ponder.
The sessions this year focused on a number of timely issues for the year 2024, including trust in government and business, the importance of owning one’s narrative during an election, and the role that communicators play in the electoral process.
Many of the statistics presented reflected on the impact of perceptions of businesses and government entities. PRNEWS selected several sessions from which to draw valuable lessons to assist PR professionals in navigating this year’s issues.
The Best Strategies to Engage Business in Society
Doug Pinkham and Michelle Russo of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce shared important research regarding attitudes of public and their expectations of business.
Pinkham led the audience in the Council’s Sept. Public Affairs Pulse SurveyMorning Consult conducted a survey of U.S. citizens on topics that intersect with business, government, and society.
Businesses ranked second in terms of the level of trust they have for political news, at 43 percent, behind only friends and families (68%) Business also ranked ahead of news media, the Democratic and Republican Parties and businesses.
Even though there are a lot people who complain about the Economy and inflation todayPeople still like businesses.
According to The Pulse, 60% of respondents credited companies that provide useful products and/or services. Think of Starbucks or iPhone. A further 53% praised companies that provide excellent customer service, while 50% emphasized the importance of jobs created by businesses. The most common criticisms of companies are that they overpay their top executives, do not protect the environment and don’t support local communities.
It is up to corporate communicators to gain and maintain the public’s trust. Russo explained that The Chamber’s outreach could assist businesses in telling a more compelling story and create an environment for growth.
Russo stated that “good stories don’t concern systems or companies, but people.”
The businesswoman offered several tips on how to tell their stories in the best possible light.
- Persuade people to feel that they are being heard by acknowledging their concerns and not defending the current status quo.
- Every day, people vote their dollars.
- Demonstrate the benefits to people of doing business. Local businesses exist in every industry. To change the narrative, lean in to spell out your story.
In a global election year, go beyond red and blue to own your narrative
Eleanor Hawkins of Axios and Bradley Akubuiro, partners of Bully Pulpit International and Axios Communicators author, joined them to discuss the convergence of public affairs, communications, and business this year.
Akubuiro began the discussion with a powerful statement that echoed throughout the rest of the chat: “Figure out your position and take it.”
He said: “Target and Anheuser-Busch–companies who have been in serious trouble–took a stand but when they were confronted backpedaled.” Consistency will be rewarded. “Hypocrisy” is not. You can at least live with consequences if you’re aware of where you are, and what you believe.
Hawkins notes not seeing as Many DEI pitchs As in the past, her email inbox is still as full.
She said, “You would think you’d promote that to potential customers and employees.” It’s overcorrective, so as to not be perceived as performative.
Nussbaum suggests that organizations can also get involved without appearing overtly politically by increasing civic engagement.
Nussbaum stated that the statement was not political but rather an American one. You can support things such as voter registration drives or giving people time to vote. Or you could provide toolkits for those who wish to run for public office. These things are political, but not solely political.
You Can Make a Difference: Communicators’ Role in Election Process
Adav Noti, J.D. Executive Director of Campaign Legal Center, believes that the private sector can help improve communication regarding the electoral process. Noti quoted the Edelman Trust Barometer, which showed that 79% of Americans rated their relationship with their employers as the most trustworthy in the U.S.
He said that most Americans believe they understand how elections are conducted, but in fact they do not. This was fine for centuries, but there is now a concerted effort to confuse people regarding the electoral process. Misinformation and disinformation are gaining more ground than they should because people don’t really understand. [how it all works].”
Noti said that the best way of countering these false narratives was with accurate communication about the process. This includes stories of integrity, transparency and oversight.
He said that there were processes at each step of the electoral process. No one ever works alone on ballots and results. “This is built in to the law so that it cannot happen.”
Noti says that it is important to prepare ahead for disinformation, instability and other problems.
There was a short time following the 6 January [insurrection] Where is the Private sector releases statements “I condemn violence,” said he. It’s best to send a clear message that will reduce support for anti-democratic and violent political practices. It’s a good way to show that you are focused on the process and not the policy.”
Nicole Schuman Follow her on Twitter @PRNEWS. She is a PRNEWS managing editor. @buffalogal