Whether or not the communication pattern developed by public relations (PR) practitioners is influenced by various factors. Among other things, regulatory and statutory factors, social and political factors, and specific and different local issues.
President Commissioner and Chief Consultant of Kiroyan Partners, Noke Kiroyan, discussed the three determinants of the success of PR practitioners in the plenary session of PR INDONESIA Jamboree (JAMPIRO) #4 in Semarang, Wednesday, (7/11/2018).
In terms of regulations and legislation, said Noke, each company has laws in its respective sectors. For example, in mining, fisheries, and others. “Likewise in industrial companies, there are rules that require doing business in certain areas,” said the man who has experience as CEO in various industries ranging from mining, oleochemicals, to energy and innovative technology.
Economic, social and political dynamics also determine how companies communicate and select relevant content. “Political factors affect the way companies communicate on the communication content itself. The bigger the company, of course there will be many cross-sectoral issues that will affect it,” he said. For example, there is a trade agreement between Indonesia and Australia and the European Union, all of which have an effect on business travel.
The company will also deal with public issues that are developing in society. The impact, added Noke, would affect the image and reputation of the corporation. Therefore, he appealed, companies must always be ready to face these issues. This is even more so if the issue leads to a specific problem.
The issue also turned out not only to specifically lead to certain problems, but also to be influenced by geographic factors. Noke called it a local issue. “The local issues in the Semarang area are different from Surabaya’s. Likewise with other areas in Indonesia,” said the man who is fluent in German and English.
Pay attention to recent issues
In managing issues, continued Noke, companies must always be aware of the latest issues in society. This information can be detected or seen through news circulating in mass media and social media. “If negative news is detected, PR will immediately anticipate it,” he said.
So, said the man who started his career at PT Siemens Indonesia, the company must take into account factors, political, social and geographical areas. Knowing this will make it easier for public relations practitioners to gain community support and pursue more strategic communication.
Well, in building good communication patterns, don’t forget the role of public affairs. According to Noke, both PR and public affairs have a share in building communication patterns, preventing and dealing with crises that can threaten the company’s reputation. However, both use different approaches. “Basically, public affairs is a function of stakeholder engagement, which is more concerned with political, social and cultural issues that develop in society,” he concluded.
Noke Kiroyan
Chairman & Chief Consultant, Kiroyan Partners
This article has been published in PR Indonesia magazine 45th Edition, issued on December 2018, page 10.
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