Which of the following represents the four stages of the public relations process?

The four stages of the public relations process are accurately represented by the sequence of Research, Action, Communication, and Evaluation.

This model forms the backbone of effective public relations practice. Research is the foundational step, where practitioners gather information about the organization, its stakeholders, the context of the communication, and the issues at hand. This stage ensures that practitioners understand the environment in which they operate and the audience they aim to reach.

Following research, the Action stage involves developing strategies and tactics based on the insights gathered. This means creating a plan that outlines how to address the identified issues or objectives.

The third stage, Communication, focuses on delivering the message to the intended audience. This involves selecting the appropriate channels and crafting messages that effectively convey the intended meaning and resonate with the audience.

Finally, the Evaluation stage is crucial as it measures the effectiveness of the communication efforts. This involves assessing whether the goals were met, analyzing feedback, and determining what worked well or what needs improvement.

This cycle emphasizes the importance of a systematic approach, ensuring that public relations practitioners do not only execute plans but also learn and iterate on their strategies based on outcomes and feedback.