Bender Helper Impact

As a communications and public relations professional in the midst of obtaining my MBA, I was curious how knowledgeable “the average” MBA recipient is about public relations.  After all, if the person in question is a high-ranking executive, his or her company’s reputation is on the line when things go awry.

According to Council of Public Relations’ 2006 panel of business school representatives, “MBA students have little understanding of public relations and its career opportunities because the academic program does not expose them to it.”

This lack of understanding is evident with organizations “catching up” with the powerful social media tools and the havoc they can cause.  A case in point is the recent tweets posted by players of the Texas Tech football team, including negative posts about the team’s coach, Mike Leach.

As reported by ESPN, Leach banned his entire team from using Twitter.  I do not know if the highest levels of the college have put a social media policy in place, but with more than 30,000 Internet savvy students and faculty on campus it would seem appropriate that the PR staff at Texas Tech have a seat at the table to help shape smart policies on social media.

The challenges for companies can be significant.  From GM’s bailout to the inappropriate use of a foreclosed luxury home in Malibu, Calif., by a Wells Fargo executive, the need for MBA programs and business leaders to keep corporate reputation top of mind is critical.  As with many things, knowledge is power, and MBA students are wise to be aware of PR. Further, executives should readily use their PR teams to help set and enforce common sense policies to protect and maintain positive brand reputation.

[Follow Angela: @AngelaLapre]