CEOs on Public Relations

Toronto, ON - The results of a poll conducted by the Angus Reid Group on behalf of National Public Relations shows that almost all (96%) of the CEOs surveyed agree that the public relations function is a key component in the development of their organization's strategic plan and other important initiatives. Meanwhile, four in five (84%) CEOs say that over the course of the last five years, public relations has become more important to their company.

These are the findings of an Angus Reid poll of 45 CEOs representing a Canadian population of CEO public relations services buyers. The survey was conducted between March 3rd and March 28th 2000 using sample provided by National Public Relations representing private public and not for profit CEOs. Combined revenue of the companies represented by the CEOs in this survey was in excess of $100 billion.

96% of CEOs Surveyed Agree That the Public Relations Function is a Key Component in the Development of Their Organization's Strategic Business Plan

Almost all of the CEOs surveyed (96%) agree with the statement "the public relations function is a key component in the development of your organization's strategic business plan". Indeed, more than two-thirds (67%) "strongly agree" while three in ten (29%) "somewhat agree" with this statement. In addition, more than nine in ten (93%) CEOs agree with the statement "public relations is a strategic management function that contributes to the success of your organization", including 69 percent who say they "strongly agree" and 24 percent who "somewhat agree". In addition, CEOs are more likely to view their public relations consulting firm as a partner (63%) as opposed to a supplier (34%).

Given these findings, it is perhaps not surprising that two-thirds (64%) of the CEOs surveyed say that the public relations or communications function at their company reports to them. More generally, communications is something CEOs spend a lot of time on. On average, those surveyed say they devote 49 percent of their time to communications and communicating, "be it with stakeholders such as investors, government, the media, customers or with internal audiences such as employees and management".

84% Of CEOs Surveyed Say That Over the Course of the Last 5 Years Public Relations Has Become More Important to Their Company

In the minds of most CEOs (84%), public relations has become more important to their company over the last five years. Only 2 percent said that media relations have become less important while about one in ten (9%) say that the importance of public relations has "stayed the same" over the last five years.

For more information on this news release, please contact:

John Wright
Senior Vice President
Public Affairs
Angus Reid Group
(416) 324-2900