By: Jane Wood

Jane Wood — Fri, 07 May 2010 19:26:41 +0000

I am currently working toward my undergraduate degree in Public Relations and in every single journalism or PR class I have taken thus far the importance of having a reliable reputation has been stressed. I am wondering and more-so hoping that these are characteristics that are also stressed within most any major area of study. I understand that Toyota’s apologies to the public will only get them so far. Toyota is going to have to work harder now than ever to keep that committed fan base they had before, and may have lost that portion of the public that was undecided. I agree that simply putting out advertisements telling the public that their cars are now improved will no longer be enough for this company. But, I also believe that good PR can and should play a big role in informing the public about these changes. Toyota can change its goals and values to ensure something like this does not happen again and I definitely believe that they need to so. Good PR is then going to be vital in getting these changes made aware of by the public. Good PR is how Toyota will be able to regain it’s once positive reputation and rebuild trust in their company. I am glad to see that corporate social responsibility is something that the PR world recognizes as being tremendously important and I am hoping that major companies like Toyota, or even those not facing such crises, recognize this as well. Not only does this build a good reputation and reliability in particular organizations, but companies focusing on being socially responsible will reflect well on the business-world as a whole.

Comments on: Toyota’s Troubles Run Deeper Than PR

By: Jane Wood