Defining Public RelationsWhat is Public Relations (PR)? PR is difficult to define because it spans so many areas and has now developed into a multi-million dollar industry that influences all aspects of our lives (Adams et al, 1999). However, it is important to be able to compare and contrast the various definitions to have a complete understanding of what public relations is and how it is used. The public is a very large population to consider, which makes it easier to understand why PR is so difficult to define. With a large population comes many perceptions, beliefs, ideas and opinions, all influences on PR. I define public relations as the act(s) used by individuals, companies and groups to influence their opinions and/or decisions about a product, an idea, a person(s), a company(s), etc. and the public. Robert L. Heath defines PR as “management/supervisory functions that promote an organization's ability to listen to, appreciate, and respond strategically to those people whose mutually beneficial relationships with the organization are necessary if it is to achieve its missions and values ​​(Health, 2007)'. In 1950 PRSA issued the first “Professional Standards for the Practice of Public Relations”, followed by the current Code of Ethics which includes six core values ​​and six code provisions. The core values ​​are “Advocacy , honesty, competence, independence, loyalty and fairness and the provisions of the code are "Free flow of information, competition, disclosure of information, preservation of trust, conflicts of interest and improvement of the profession". Defining PR is difficult and organizations struggle with public perception of PR. Human nature influences the choices of both organizations and the public. These standards have helped define the outcome of PR and the attempt to create a professional profession that ensures what is conveyed to the public and that it is ethical, truthful and accurate. There are many definitions of public relations and the basic definition is generally the same, however, the interpretation of how PR is conducted plays a role in the outcome of many definitions of PR. For example, PR can be positive or negative depending on whether the information is distorted with the intent to persuade positively or negatively. Politicians use PR to influence voters to vote for them and to make their opponent look bad. PR encompasses many areas and includes both internal and external audiences (Seitel, 2004).