I have preached about my beliefs about diversity and PR, but I want to hear what other professionals, students and professors think. Is it THAT imperative or am I making a big deal about an issue that is present in all industries?
I want to see what YOU think so that I can update this blog to answer the questions and concerns that everyday PR people have. The content (i.e research, blogs, Web sites) for diversity and PR is lacking, therefore I am calling on you to help me gauge why diversity is or isn't important in relation to the PR industry?
Don't be afraid to play devil's advocate! This is a place for OPEN conversation. Here are some questions to ponder (but don't limit yourself to the questions asked):
1. Why has it taken so long to address diversity in PR?
2. Though diversity niche fields exists, they are constantly coming and going--what does this signify about diversity and PR ?
3. DO you think diversity in relation to race is being emphasized too much--should diversity in experience be more relevant?
4. Men are often found in small numbers when looking at the entire PR field, but what about women in executive roles?
5. Do colleges emphasize the importance of diversity in relation to communication? Should they emphasize it more?
So, with that being said, what do you think?
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3 comments:
I believe that a diverse workgroup leads to diversity of thought. As a former global communications leader at several Fortune 500 companies, as well as a current adjunct professor, I believe that getting diverse input--race, culture, gender, etc.-- creates a much better product and allows you to target your audience with more accuracy.
4. Men are often found in small numbers when looking at the entire PR field, but what about women in executive roles?
I interned at a major PR agency this semester in Argentina, and I felt like most of the people who worked there were men! It's so interesting to see a PR agency in another country, and how it is operated. I also did a shadow day at a major PR agency in Atlanta, and saw that there was at least one woman (of a different race) who had an executive role. Even though I have seen the exceptions to this situation, I agree that this is the norm, and it must be changed, but where do we start?
Lizzie Azzolino sent me your blog when I was tweeting about diversity in PR. Guess I should post that on your social media post? Never mind. Diversity matters for the same reason that not marrying in your immediate family matters. Variance creates evolution; sameness breeds retardation.
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