Andy has proposed PROTS: Public Relations Online Transparency System, saying,
The outcome might be a set of behaviors, practices and polices that really articulate what transparency means in the context of the business - a kind of playbook. Transparency runs deeper than fiduciary responsibility - it cuts to the core of an organization. So this ain't just an issue for the lawyers, accountants or PR people. It's as much a cultural issue as a procedural one.
I would say it is often MORE a cultural/sociological issue than a procedural one. The developed procedures need to come after an understanding of the former -- especially the power dynamics! Of course, that is a tremendous challenge.
Andy asks if any of our professional organizations would take it on. Given the leadership of the bigger orgs doesn't care to engage with any of us in the blogosphere agitating on these and other issues, I wouldn't hold my breath.
I am doing a lot of thinking about power these days (re-reading my Foucault!). If anyone knows of studies in the area of explicit power dynamics and organizational communications, please point me to them.
Update: David Berlind's post on transparency and PR-journo relationship. Good reading.
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