Public Relations: A Bridge Between the Organization and Society
Mutual awareness and understanding pave the way for cooperation, participation, and more effective achievement of organizational goals.
The need for mutual awareness and understanding to accelerate the achievement of aims and objectives is now recognized as a fundamental management principle in organizations and offices. This relationship, known as public relations, is considered one of the most important and valuable factors influencing the future of any institution or group.
1 Origin of the Term “Public Relations”
The Persian term for public relations corresponds to the English phrase “Public Relations.” In the first decade of the twentieth century, it first emerged as a specialized profession in the United States.
In 1345 in the Solar Hijri calendar, following the example of industrialized countries, the first public relations office in Iran was established by the National Iranian Oil Company.
2 Public Relations in Organizations
After the first public relations office was established, the need to apply the techniques of this field in other organizations also became clear. Offices were established in various organizations as centers for gathering and exchanging information and maintaining two-way communication, helping to foster goodwill and understanding.
Although nearly half a century has passed since public relations emerged in Iran, insufficient attention, arbitrary approaches, and inappropriate allocation of personnel in this field have prevented the development of a precise, systematic plan defining its core concept and duties. As a result, this unit has often drifted away from its original purpose and is sometimes even viewed as a place for unqualified and ineffective personnel.
Yet in today’s world, public relations departments are considered effective contributors to evaluating and strengthening programs and advancing organizational goals.
Establishing two-way communication, fostering understanding and participation, and helping evaluate and advance organizational programs.
3 The Need for Attention and Review
Insufficient awareness among managers and a shortage of information and resources are among the main factors behind this field’s lack of progress. In addition, limited awareness among information users of the existence of such units, along with the need to expand internal and external understanding to advance objectives, demonstrates the necessity of a strong, well-organized program in this area.
Increasing productivity by encouraging enthusiasm and participation among colleagues is also an important public relations activity. This makes it necessary to review the unit’s staffing, budget, duties, and resources.
- Recruiting and organizing specialized personnel
- Reviewing the budget and required resources
- Clearly defining duties and missions
4 Purpose of This Text
This text seeks to present a proposed structure and organizational framework for the Public Relations Office of Qom University of Technology, explain the role and mission of each unit, and conclude by proposing objectives as public relations priorities. It is hoped that this text will help strengthen the programs of this office.