What do local PR practitioners think about ethics ?

The Orlando Regional Chapter of PRSA joined with the University of Central Florida to conduct an anonymous survey on ethics. Thank you to those who participated — the results are now in!

We have learned that the majority of local PR professionals have consensus on the importance of ethical decisions in business practices. Moreover, practitioners feel our profession is positioned to affect organizational ethics and, as practitioners we should be, and are, operating ethically. Download and read the full report.

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The PRSA Orlando/Frank R. Stansberry Ethics Award

The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Orlando Regional Chapter is proud to recognize outstanding local ethical practices with its annual PRSA Orlando/Frank R. Stansberry Ethics Award. Created in 2005, the award is named after local public relations professional, professor and mentor Frank Stansberry.

Throughout his 30-year career of public relations, as well as 10 years in print media, Stansberry served as president of PRSA's Orlando Chapter, chair of its Sunshine District and as a member of its national board of directors. Stansberry's career is highlighted by his outspoken advocacy for the highest ethical standards in business practice, and his dedication to ethics in public relations has had a profound impact on thousands of young professionals who studied with him. throughout his tenure at the University of Central Florida.

PRSA is committed to adhering to the highest standards of ethical practice. Because public trust is the foundation of successful public relations, PRSA members have adopted a Member Code of Ethics. The organization views its code as a model for other professions, organizations and professionals.

Judging Criteria

A judging panel established by the PRSA Orlando Regional Chapter will review all applications in their entirety to select the company that best demonstrates a strong commitment to business ethics. Nominations will be judged based on the PRSA Code of Ethics.

In addition, all applicants will be subject to an ethics check, which includes:

• A Better Business Bureau search to determine whether a nominee has any outstanding complaints on file.
• An online media search to determine if any publicity may cause the judging panel or general public to question the company's worthiness of this award.

Winner Recognition

The company receiving the Frank R. Stansberry Ethics Award will be recognized during a special luncheon held by PRSA. The company CEO or other representative will be invited to be the special luncheon speaker to talk about the company's commitment to ethics.

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2008 Recipients

Give Kids the World
Roy Reid, Jr., APR

"Attention is usually focused on those who are doing things wrong, rather than on those who are doing the right thing," said PRSA Orlando President Dawn Vaughan, APR. "We’re proud of the many organizations and professionals in our association, and in our community, like Give Kids The World and Roy Reid who are shining examples of how to do business right by upholding the highest ethical standards."

Past Recipients - click link for more information

• Institute of Internal Auditors (PDF; 2007)

PRSA Orlando Regional Chapter Chair for Ethics and Law Dr. Allen Moore, APR, noted, "The Institute of Internal Auditors not only has a strong internal ethics program and policy, but provides a leadership role to encourage sound ethical practices of its members throughout the world."

• Florida's Blood Centers (2006)

In addition to practicing the organization's ethics code, Florida's Blood Centers submits to government regulations and standards that aren't mandatory. The organization also has a passion for doing what's right, even if it's not convenient, said Allen Moore, PRSA Orlando Ethics Chair.

When Florida's Blood Centers took over operations of a South Florida blood collection agency, it went to great expense to offset the problems troubling that agency. "The organization put its money where its mouth is to make things right," Moore said.

• Massey Services (PDF; 2005)

"This is at the heart of the way we do business and a major part of our company's guiding philosophy, written by my father almost 15 years ago," said Tony Massey, executive vice president and COO of Massey Services. "All of our team members are taught, constantly reminded and managed on the principles of behaving with honesty and integrity."