Ethics in Public Relations: American and Russian Students’ Perspectives on Professional Challenges

Abstract

This study investigates Russian (n=206) and American (n=204) public relations students’ perceptions of relationships between ethics and public relations practice. The results suggest that, although there are some similarities, students in the two countries view professional public relations ethics and leadership quite differently. Russian participants were more likely than their American counterparts to see obstacles that might hav e prev ented them from ethical conduct. More American than Russian participants reported intentions to confront an unethical decision of superiors.