Comments on: Arthur Page, the Capitol Hill and the First 100 Days http://www.intersectionofonlineandoffline.com/arthur-page-the-capitol-hill-and-the-first-100-days/ thoughts on communications and social media Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:25:52 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 hourly 1 By: sakshi jain http://www.intersectionofonlineandoffline.com/arthur-page-the-capitol-hill-and-the-first-100-days/comment-page-1/#comment-3473 sakshi jain Thu, 29 Jan 2009 21:57:43 +0000 http://www.intersectionofonlineandoffline.com/?p=278#comment-3473 Truth be told, honesty appears to be in limited supply these days. As corporate America buckles under the strain of poor fiscal strategies executed by a glut of ruthless corporations, a few CEO’s, whilst lobbying for more bailout funds from the Federal government, have been caught with their hands in the proverbial cookie jar. Just two days ago, Citigroup made the news in an unsavory way as the company’s intention to follow through with the purchase of a private jet (price tag: $50 million) caused a stir, this despite the billions of dollars pledged by the Federal government to aid the ailing bank amid the current credit crisis. As damage control, the company issued a statement to indicate that it intended to reduce their current fleet of private planes from five to two, in addition to canceling the private jet purchase. But Citigroup should have taken a cue from Ford, GM and Chrysler who deeply irked citizens everywhere, causing an outcry after attempting to fly on private jets to Washington D.C. and beg Congress for bailout bucks. These same corporations have laid off thousands of workers, frozen pension funds (in the case of the automakers) and frozen pay raises, yet executives continue to coddle and preserve their lavish lifestyles. These instances highlight the importance of two of Arthur Page’s Fundamental Principles: tell the truth and prove it with action. How the executive branch of a company conducts itself within its own walls is as important as its PR efforts with external stakeholders. Not only do employees intentionally or unintentionally become brand ambassadors, they are also PR representatives that convey the attitudes and internal goings-on of a corporation, especially during tough economic times. Perhaps it is timely for companies everywhere to revisit Arthur’s Fundamentals. Truth be told, honesty appears to be in limited supply these days. As corporate America buckles under the strain of poor fiscal strategies executed by a glut of ruthless corporations, a few CEO’s, whilst lobbying for more bailout funds from the Federal government, have been caught with their hands in the proverbial cookie jar. Just two days ago, Citigroup made the news in an unsavory way as the company’s intention to follow through with the purchase of a private jet (price tag: $50 million) caused a stir, this despite the billions of dollars pledged by the Federal government to aid the ailing bank amid the current credit crisis. As damage control, the company issued a statement to indicate that it intended to reduce their current fleet of private planes from five to two, in addition to canceling the private jet purchase. But Citigroup should have taken a cue from Ford, GM and Chrysler who deeply irked citizens everywhere, causing an outcry after attempting to fly on private jets to Washington D.C. and beg Congress for bailout bucks. These same corporations have laid off thousands of workers, frozen pension funds (in the case of the automakers) and frozen pay raises, yet executives continue to coddle and preserve their lavish lifestyles.

These instances highlight the importance of two of Arthur Page’s Fundamental Principles: tell the truth and prove it with action. How the executive branch of a company conducts itself within its own walls is as important as its PR efforts with external stakeholders. Not only do employees intentionally or unintentionally become brand ambassadors, they are also PR representatives that convey the attitudes and internal goings-on of a corporation, especially during tough economic times. Perhaps it is timely for companies everywhere to revisit Arthur’s Fundamentals.

]]> By: Felicia Akoh http://www.intersectionofonlineandoffline.com/arthur-page-the-capitol-hill-and-the-first-100-days/comment-page-1/#comment-3472 Felicia Akoh Thu, 29 Jan 2009 16:08:51 +0000 http://www.intersectionofonlineandoffline.com/?p=278#comment-3472 These principles are very good and run across any field in life.Any organisation,be it private or public which puts any of these principles together would surely succed. The successes of a company for example, depends on its publics;the employees,stakeholders and what have you.Any company which do not give an ear to what its publics think or yield to their opinion is bound to go down the drain. The very first principle "Tell the truth" is what every organisation should put in practice.If there is any problem in an organisation like bankruptcy its better to inform the publics on what is going on so everyone could put their hands on deck and look for a solution to that problem.Rather than concealing the truth.This destroys the image of the the corporation totally. These principles are very good and run across any field in life.Any organisation,be it private or public which puts any of these principles together would surely succed.
The successes of a company for example, depends on its publics;the employees,stakeholders and what have you.Any company which do not give an ear to what its publics think or yield to their opinion is bound to go down the drain.
The very first principle “Tell the truth” is what every organisation should put in practice.If there is any problem in an organisation like bankruptcy its better to inform the publics on what is going on so everyone could put their hands on deck and look for a solution to that problem.Rather than concealing the truth.This destroys the image of the the corporation totally.

]]> By: Alicja Patela http://www.intersectionofonlineandoffline.com/arthur-page-the-capitol-hill-and-the-first-100-days/comment-page-1/#comment-3471 Alicja Patela Wed, 28 Jan 2009 23:17:22 +0000 http://www.intersectionofonlineandoffline.com/?p=278#comment-3471 Arthur Page’s Principles can be applied to any work environment, not just Politics or Public Relations. Page nails the core ethical and professional fundamentals that all working individuals should try to follow, or at the very least be made aware of. “Prove it with action,” is essential to any kind of success; personal, professional, and intellectual. These days, we are all far too familiar with empty promises and wasted expectations. Anyone can make promises but only the determined few follow through with action. The New Administration is going to be held to this principle by the American public and everyone else around the world. All will be watching with eagle eyes and with extremely high expectations. If we were all to live honest lives, the world would be one step closer to perfection. “Telling the truth,” seems simple enough but we all know how “complicated” the truth tends to get in most situations. You can’t go a day without hearing about dishonesty or questionable credibility, yet instead of cracking down, it seems like the public has no problem overlooking certain mistakes or character flaws. Take Timothy Geithner, newly appointed secretary of the Treasury and tax- evasionist. Even after information had been disclosed that Geithner owned over $40,000 to the IRS, the vote still managed to pass and his appointment became official. Where’s the public outrage and disgust? People just seem to be apathetic, maybe because lying elected officials are quite common these days. Arthur Page’s Principles can be applied to any work environment, not just Politics or Public Relations. Page nails the core ethical and professional fundamentals that all working individuals should try to follow, or at the very least be made aware of. “Prove it with action,” is essential to any kind of success; personal, professional, and intellectual. These days, we are all far too familiar with empty promises and wasted expectations. Anyone can make promises but only the determined few follow through with action. The New Administration is going to be held to this principle by the American public and everyone else around the world. All will be watching with eagle eyes and with extremely high expectations.
If we were all to live honest lives, the world would be one step closer to perfection. “Telling the truth,” seems simple enough but we all know how “complicated” the truth tends to get in most situations. You can’t go a day without hearing about dishonesty or questionable credibility, yet instead of cracking down, it seems like the public has no problem overlooking certain mistakes or character flaws. Take Timothy Geithner, newly appointed secretary of the Treasury and tax- evasionist. Even after information had been disclosed that Geithner owned over $40,000 to the IRS, the vote still managed to pass and his appointment became official. Where’s the public outrage and disgust? People just seem to be apathetic, maybe because lying elected officials are quite common these days.

]]> By: Patrice Danet http://www.intersectionofonlineandoffline.com/arthur-page-the-capitol-hill-and-the-first-100-days/comment-page-1/#comment-3470 Patrice Danet Wed, 28 Jan 2009 21:42:22 +0000 http://www.intersectionofonlineandoffline.com/?p=278#comment-3470 For all major corporations, it is extremely important to maintain the reputation and uphold the company’s mission. And Yes I agree honesty is the best policy! Perception is also important and one should always take into consideration how any decision made on a corporate level might directly affect the client. Another important factor in maintaining a company’s reputation is to establish a messaging plan throughout the company as a whole. Messages are easily misconstrued, so it is important to have designated spokespersons for all areas of expertise throughout the company. The media has a big impact in the world of PR, so managing online activity and controlling employee individual opinions are advised. Major corporations should be aggressive in attaining public opinion in order to revise or revamp policies that will continue to drive profit. Major corporations should also participate in giving back to their communities. This will help to establish a part of the company’s character. We also want to manage for tomorrow by staying current on global trends. Also hiring quality professionals and providing the proper training and development will continue to keep top dollar corporations ahead of the game. For all major corporations, it is extremely important to maintain the reputation and uphold the company’s mission. And Yes I agree honesty is the best policy! Perception is also important and one should always take into consideration how any decision made on a corporate level might directly affect the client. Another important factor in maintaining a company’s reputation is to establish a messaging plan throughout the company as a whole. Messages are easily misconstrued, so it is important to have designated spokespersons for all areas of expertise throughout the company.
The media has a big impact in the world of PR, so managing online activity and controlling employee individual opinions are advised. Major corporations should be aggressive in attaining public opinion in order to revise or revamp policies that will continue to drive profit. Major corporations should also participate in giving back to their communities. This will help to establish a part of the company’s character. We also want to manage for tomorrow by staying current on global trends. Also hiring quality professionals and providing the proper training and development will continue to keep top dollar corporations ahead of the game.

]]> By: Sunaina Bhatnagar http://www.intersectionofonlineandoffline.com/arthur-page-the-capitol-hill-and-the-first-100-days/comment-page-1/#comment-3469 Sunaina Bhatnagar Wed, 28 Jan 2009 21:24:39 +0000 http://www.intersectionofonlineandoffline.com/?p=278#comment-3469 The first 100 days of a presidency that the professor is referring to are known as the "honeymoon" phase. This is where the public and the press corps let the new commander in chief settle into the post. Once that time passes, the president faces increased criticism and pressure over his policies. Thus, as pointed out, it is in Obama's benefit to capitalize on as much of the good will he has built as soon as possible. He would be wise to follow Arthur Page's principles. In 1927, Page, a former vice president for American Telephone and Telegraph, laid the foundations for modern-day public relations practice. I was extremely surprised at the date and that his principles could still be so relevant. Over 80 years have passed but the guy clearly knew what he was talking about! Here are my thoughts on some of Page's points: 1. Telling the truth: I could not agree with this more. No matter the PR situation we face, it is always best to be honest and upfront. Not only will you be respected but you will earn trust and really display a company's humanity. 2. Perception is determined 90% by action and 10% by words: I believe in this but still think that too often, companies get away with making promises and not following through with their actions. Case in point is AIG who after being bailed out by the government promised to be more responsible. Instead, they went about planning a lavish corporate party for their executives. Too often I think companies can get away with simply speaking a positive message while their true actions go unchecked. 3. Manage for tomorrow: A true sign of responsible and professional PR practice is to always be prepared for the future. Always assume that anything that can go wrong will go wrong, and have a plan in place to deal with it. 4. Realize that a company's true character is expressed by its people: This is very clear cut. A company's employees are its first line of PR. How they behave and carry out the company's vision is key. These were a few of the principles that really stood out for me, but that's not to say that the rest of what Page preached wasn't important. No doubt that were he alive today, he would be a tremendously successful PR practitioner. The first 100 days of a presidency that the professor is referring to are known as the “honeymoon” phase. This is where the public and the press corps let the new commander in chief settle into the post. Once that time passes, the president faces increased criticism and pressure over his policies. Thus, as pointed out, it is in Obama’s benefit to capitalize on as much of the good will he has built as soon as possible. He would be wise to follow Arthur Page’s principles.

In 1927, Page, a former vice president for American Telephone and Telegraph, laid the foundations for modern-day public relations practice. I was extremely surprised at the date and that his principles could still be so relevant. Over 80 years have passed but the guy clearly knew what he was talking about! Here are my thoughts on some of Page’s points:

1. Telling the truth: I could not agree with this more. No matter the PR situation we face, it is always best to be honest and upfront. Not only will you be respected but you will earn trust and really display a company’s humanity.

2. Perception is determined 90% by action and 10% by words: I believe in this but still think that too often, companies get away with making promises and not following through with their actions. Case in point is AIG who after being bailed out by the government promised to be more responsible. Instead, they went about planning a lavish corporate party for their executives. Too often I think companies can get away with simply speaking a positive message while their true actions go unchecked.

3. Manage for tomorrow: A true sign of responsible and professional PR practice is to always be prepared for the future. Always assume that anything that can go wrong will go wrong, and have a plan in place to deal with it.

4. Realize that a company’s true character is expressed by its people: This is very clear cut. A company’s employees are its first line of PR. How they behave and carry out the company’s vision is key.

These were a few of the principles that really stood out for me, but that’s not to say that the rest of what Page preached wasn’t important. No doubt that were he alive today, he would be a tremendously successful PR practitioner.

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