Public relations and corporate communications are often confused because they both deal with communication with various publics. However, there are key differences between the two fields.

Public relations is about managing the relationships between an organisation and its various public. It is about building and maintaining goodwill. On the other hand, corporate communications is about communicating with various internal and external stakeholders of an organisation. Both public relations and corporate communications are important for any organisation, and they do work in collaboration. But it is important to understand the key differences between the two before deciding which field to pursue.

What makes public relations and corporate communications look similar?

The two disciplines of public relations and corporate communications share many similarities, but there are also key differences between them. Both disciplines seek to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, and both use various tools and tactics to do so.

However, the main difference between public relations and corporate communications is that corporate communications is focused on internal audiences, while public relations is focused on external audiences. Corporate communications professionals work to build relationships with employees, shareholders, and other internal stakeholders, while public relations professionals work to build relationships with the media, consumers, and other external audiences.

So, what makes these two disciplines look similar? The answer lies in their shared objectives and methods. Both disciplines use various tools and tactics to build and maintain relationships with key audiences and while the focus of each discipline may be different, the end goal is the same

The key difference between public relations and corporate communications

The key difference between public relations and corporate communications is that corporate communication is focused on communications within an organisation, while public relations is focused on communications with the public.

Public relations is a strategic communications discipline that builds mutually beneficial relationships between an organisation and its public. Corporate communication, on the other hand, is the practice of managing communications within an organisation.

While the two disciplines share some common ground, they are distinct fields with different goals. Corporate communication is internal-facing, while public relations is external-facing. Public relations is proactive, while corporate communication is reactive. And public relations focuses on relationships, while corporate communication focuses on messaging.

Ultimately, the difference between public relations and corporate communications comes down to purpose. Public relations is about building relationships with the public to achieve objectives. Corporate communication is about managing communications within an organisation to achieve objectives

Conclusion

Both public relations and corporate communications are important tools for managing an organisation’s image and reputation. In many cases, the two disciplines are used together to achieve the same objectives. However, there are some key differences between the two. If this interests you, you can learn more about this field and make a successful career.

– Tamanna Singh 

Tamanna is an Alumna of SCoRe (Class of 2020) and has worked as a PR consultant before (re)joining SCoRe as the Head of Student Affairs. She has also been a teacher previously, which helps her ensure that our curriculum & pedagogy are the best in the country, and our students get the value they join us for.  She has worked as a PR Consultant at Value 360 Communications, New Delhi. And has a knack for being brutally honest, for which she is as respected as she is feared! She goes by @TamannaS03 on Twitter.