Bulletin No. 10 | July – August 2002

REMARKS FROM THE EDITOR

In the present era of global communication, more individuals enter the international market, ethical problems are likely to increase. As organizations, their managers and staff deal with their counterparts in different countries, there is a need to understand ethical ways of conduct starting as basic as interpersonal communication skills. 

Lately, survey after survey about  the role of public relations in organizational strategy produces these things : CEOs are increasingly supportive of, and regularly identity, public relations as a vital factor in the success of the various enterprises. Too often, companies take public relations, or image-building, for granted right up until the time of a crisis, such as a drug tampering, an oil spill, labour strikes, or a tragic loss of life. 

What is the value of public relations anyway?

Find more answers and solutions to this issue on Interactive Panel Discussion on Saturday, August 24. Bring your case and discuss with our Guest Speakers : Nina Larasati Kairupan (Texmaco Group), Arief Warsito (PT Aneka Tambang Tbk), Gregoria Arum Yudarwati (FISIP Universitas Atma Jaya, Yogyakarta), Saint Chyril (Communication student of University of Indonesia) and your editor as the moderator and workshop leader. 

Is grid corporate with top down management style, with strict rules and regulations still surviving or rather a community of professionals will lead the way to success? In this issue, you will find more information on the profile of a healthy company public relations managers in 6 different countries and in the career track: strategies for job hunting.

Enjoy your reading!

TIPS OF THE MONTH

When you speak face-to-face with other human beings, their senses are taking in what you look like and how you sound. You don’t really know what the other person is feeling, his/her pasts or values. You can only guest unless you check out the facts. 

• Pre-judgement can be a useful skill which helps you to categorize the many people you meet. Sometimes it can be accurate but it can also be very wrong. 

Here are the tips on how to improve your understanding of others:

• When meeting someone for the first time, resist making your mind up about him/her too soon
• Listen to the person actively and be interested in what he or she has to say
• Don’t be too influenced by first impressions, avoid stereotyping people based on their accent and physical appearance
• Be aware that people behave differently in different situations, just as you do
• Avoid looking favorably on people just because they come from the same town, social class, ethnic as you do
• Try to make more on the positive rather than the negative points
• Judge others after you have heard what they say

In cross culture communications, it is better to be regarded as formal and more polite, rather than be regarded as unmannered.

Special tip : If you are not getting  the responses you want from others, change your approach. Mind you that communication is more than words. 

(Source : Interpersonal Skills, Astrid French)