Diversity and inclusion: Initial analysis of China’s contemporary PR practitioners
China’s Opening and Reform brought many opportunities and challenges for many industries. The public relations industry has also entered China with this trend, and it rooted and sprouted in this soil with the unique culture of China and has gradually grown and matured.
With the development of the PR industry, the image of this profession also changed from mystical sharp-dress elites to a business that commonly known and understood by civilians. Especially along with rapid technological revolution like the Internet, it pushed and reformed many industries. Social development is getting faster, and modern iteration and replacement are still ongoing. Still looking for “Best location” for your retail store?? 5G + SalesOnlive (Sell products in Live Streaming) is a better solution for you. Rapid industry update and reforming make Public Relations, a particular service that serves the business, proactively reformed to face the ever-changing challenge for modern society. The heart of the entire industry, "people, " is a perfect representation of diversity for China´s PR industry.
From the perspective of professional background, more and more people joined the PR industry with a diversified background, their knowledge and work experience in the past greatly enriched our sector. Mr. A had rich experience in car sales; Ms. B used to be the manager in Tele-company that has deep insights; Ms. C is the Computer Scientist in AR and AI. Such specialists are quite common in China’s PR agencies nowadays. As a part of modern business, the PR industry also followed or even lead the trend of business development. Because PR practitioners are no longer only specialized in marketing, branding, communication, and advertising, they are also required to understand and apply the latest technologies and experience from other professions to create more innovative campaigns for more diversified clients. This diversified background makes China’s PR industry a very comprehensive job.
Age is another good perspective to analyze. So far, China’s PR industry, there are many 60s and 70s who is leading the team, but the undeniable fact is, the pillar group is youth fellas from 90s, or even 00s. In the past, people always have doubts for a later generation, “Are they good enough?”, ”Do they have enough experience for the job?”. Though the age of PR practitioners is still diversified, effective communication technologies make people think and act harmonic. Young people would respect classic things and wouldn’t treat it as cliche, and senior veterans also respect and understand young people’s “crazy” ideas. From my point of view, I clearly saw inclusion in it. After all, in the era of our time, the wheel keeps rolling, and the industry keeps moving forward, if anyone refuses to change, they would be out of the game sooner or later.
Today, from the people in China’s PR industry, we initially understand PR practitioners' diversity in knowledge background and age. Like two sides of the same coin, these diversities submerged with the help of modern technology, finally formed a powerful force that pushes China’s PR industry moving forward.
Yin Xiaodong
President of 17PR/PRGC – Public Relations Global Communication