Correlates and Predictors of Self-Reported Ethics among U.S. Public Relations Practitioners
This regional study used a two-factor solution from responses to 12 five-point belief statements to investigate the correlates and predictors of public relations practitioners' self-reported beliefs about and behaviors in unethical situations. Responses from 307 practitioners from the mid-Atlantic district of the United States indicate that practitioners' self-reported beliefs and behaviors correlate significantly with gender, accreditation by the Public Relations Society of America, age, and income, which are also significant predictors of practitioners' self-reported beliefs and behaviors. The implications of these results for the public relations practice are discussed within the context of the Ajzen and Fishbein behavioral-intentions model. Suggestions for research are offered.