Exploring ethics education in global public relations curricula: Analysis of international curricula descriptions and interviews with public relations educators

Using the framework of the Professional Bond, issued by The Commission on Public Relations Education (2006), this study explores global public relations curriculum and how educators from other countries discuss ethics education. This study employed a content analysis of curricula descriptions on college and university Web sites and interviews with public relations professors globally. Web sites of over 218 schools in 39 countries not including the U.S. were explored, and 20 faculty members from 20 different countries were interviewed. Findings reveal that ethics is not taught in most countries globally as an independent course within public relations. Educators suggested a cultural approach to ethics education as different ethical norms and standards apply. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.