German public relations

Public relations has a 150-year history in Germany, starting with promotional efforts in railroad and industry. The German Council for Public Relations, the country’s major public relations organisation, was founded in 1958 in Cologne. Its recent survey found lots of misunderstanding regarding the role of public relations in German society. More than three out of four respondents think public relations is a form of journalism and about six out of 10 said public relations and advertising are the same.Formal cultural customs are also followed in the public relations workplace. Meetings are punctual, last names are used, and office doors are usually closed.