How We Approach Ethics Within Our Firm
In order for a firm to operate successfully and withhold a positive reputation in the market, ethics need to be considered in every business process, decision and interaction. Every firm has ethics or values set in place that employees are expected to operate by, which creates consistency in decision-making and firm culture.
We, as a firm, consider three things when consulting and creating content for clients: Our firm’s values, our client’s brand values and our personal values.
Our Firm's Values
We are a business. A hard-working one. We are proud of what we do, what we accomplish and the progress we make happen for our clients. With that being said, it would be a shame for something to happen on our end that causes us to lose the credibility and reputation that has been building since GrandPR was started. We don’t want this to happen.
In order to ensure that it doesn’t, strategic, smart and cohesive decision-making is key. There must be shared values among our associates, so our work and actions reflect what our brand represents.
I asked the rest of the firm to list a few of the most important values that we all operate by: honest, committed, effective and supportive. All of these traits play into our firm ethics. We strive to create smart, strategic content for clients because we want to see them succeed. Additionally, we want to do it in a way that reflects their values as well.
Our Client's Brand Values
Each of our clients operates differently both externally and internally. They all have values that have caused them to succeed in the market thus far, just as our firm does.
When working with a client, we must take into account their values to create content that is appropriate for their business culture. As PR practitioners, it is our jobs to familiarize ourselves with these values in order to create the most relevant and strategic content for their brand to continue their success and build/maintain their reputation in the market and to the public.
Although it has been for us thus far, it is not always easy. Clients will often want something done a way that your firm does not stand by, or vice versa. It is crucial to have synergy and common understanding of what is expected of your client and what your client expects from you. A PR pro shouldn’t do anything they believe isn’t for the best of the firm, client or themselves.
Our Personal Values
When choosing a firm or agency to work at, you must look into what they stand for as a company to ensure their values, ethics and vision coincides with yours. Like I said before, you should not feel obligated to do anything that makes you uncomfortable or uneasy.
I think it is important to stand by what you believe. Your personal values and ethics are reflected in your work, at work and in your relationship with your client. At GrandPR, we have been lucky to not have any issues with personal ethics. We are all pretty awesome people.
Always remember to do what is best for the firm and your client. Taking into account all of these values create a firm culture that everyone can work in and will keep your firm’s reputation alive and positive in the market.
Tyler Lehner, Account Associate | Tyler is a junior at Grand Valley State University studying Advertising/Public Relations with a double minor in business and Arabic Language. His public relations strengths include writing and design, which he maintains on his personal blog www.tylerlehner.com. He is a proud ENFP and consumes more coffee than he should in a day. In the small amount of free time allowed, he keeps up on current events, studies foreign languages and writes.