Time to walk the talk 2.0

Weber Shandwick Worldwide

“Weber Shandwick is one of the world's leading public relations and communications management firms. In 81 owned offices in 39 markets, and affiliates that expand our network to more than 119 offices in 72 markets, Weber Shandwick relies on a clear client focus, the finest talent in the industry, and a commitment to delivering outcomes - not just output - to produce memorable public relations programs with measurable results.

“Weber Shandwick is managed by a diverse senior team with professional backgrounds in journalism, law, government, political consulting, finance, healthcare, technology and much more. The firm's leadership team is committed to a collaborative culture in which we work across borders, continents, disciplines and industry sectors, and join with our Interpublic partners to provide complete marketing solutions.

“Weber Shandwick is proud to be recognized by clients and industry peers as the winner of more major awards than any other firm.”

Well, yeah. But I could not find a Code of Practice or, indeed, any formal statement relating to ethics on the Weber Shandwick global website except this extract in the segment referring to its Calgary office:

“Weber Shandwick is results-driven and promotes the ethical standards of the Canadian Public Relations Society.”

Interestingly, the Code of Professional Standards of the Canadian Public Relations Society specifically proscribes astroturf-type activities in Article 5:

“Members shall be prepared to disclose the names of their employers or clients for whom public communications are made and refrain from associating themselves with anyone who would not respect such policy. Members shall be prepared to disclose publicly the names of their employers or clients on whose behalf public communications is made. Members shall not associate themselves with anyone claiming to represent one interest, or professing to be independent or unbiased, but who actually serves another or an undisclosed interest.”

There are some other references on the net to Weber Shandwick in an ethical context:

“Credibility within the governance system of the corporation must be the goal and focus of communications” - Furio Garbagnati, CEO Weber Shandwick, Italy

“We [Weber Shandwick] also do development work and ethics seminars” - Sheila Tate, vice chair of Powell Tate/Weber Shandwick

“Communications executives are playing an increasingly important role in corporate America as accounting and ethical issues have moved to the top of the government’s and media’s agendas” - Survey for Weber Shandwick by KRC Research

And that’s about it. I reckon Weber Shandwick should try harder and sign up to the Anti-Astroturfing Campaign. Or explain why opposing phony grass roots organisations is not such a good idea.

Next: Fleishman-Hillard Inc