Public Relations Commentary

Increasingly, public relations pracititioners have to know not only how to write for the Web, but also how to manage and respond to blog postings. This blog was created to use in my public relations courses to help my students prepare to blog and learn how to respond to others in a virtual yet professional manner.

Monday, February 11, 2008

I think that a SWOT analysis is critical to serve as a change agent. Most people/ employees are weary about change but actually showing the strengths, weaknesses, opportunites, and threats helps stakeholders see where the organization is and can agree upon goals. Is it always necessary to involve all/ partial stakeholders? What is the easiest method to get all stakeholders in agreement with the goals, objectives, and strategies?

Special events do get people involved and the word out about the organization or cause but what if it is costing more to plan and organize an event? In my experience, I have found that donors are willing to donate to the organization, not because of that specific event.

2 Comments:

  • At 11:13 PM, February 11, 2008, Blogger Brittney Mills said…

    I agree that SWOT analysis is a critical change agent and that people are weary of change. But, I'm not sure why people are so afraid of change as I believe that an organization committed to change is one that will stand the test of time. The organization may have a staple product or service, but if they are willing to continually change and evolve they can still remain competitive.
    I don't think it is necessary to always involve stakeholders or that it is ever possible to ensure that all stakeholders are in agreement. I don't think you should try to get them all in agreement either...I think that you should always consider all stakeholders and do your best to meet their needs.

    I have planned several events in which we were in the red, but I believe that often those events are the ones that generate the most buzz. Although the events aren't very appealing to the accountant initially, eventually you will see a return on investment.

     
  • At 11:27 PM, February 11, 2008, Blogger Jon Pharr said…

    I agree and like the idea of using a SWOT analysis when analyzing a possible change. Depending on the change, I also believe an organization should look at their goals, motivations, and mission statement. When implementing a change it is important to remember all the aspects involved within the structure and foundation of the organization while also preparing for the future. Long range planning is very important for an organization to succeed. To answer the question about finding the easiest method to get all stakeholders in agreement is to reinforce what the organizing is doing well. If you can convince the employees that the change is relevant and necessary and shows a positive development, the employees will soon follow. This involves planning a successful event or showing the employees the first hand advantages and benefits the organization receives from the change. However, if the organization continues or begins to struggle, the leaders will need to reconsider this strategy of persuasion.

     

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