WHO WAS ARTHUR W. PAGE?
A Short Biography of Page

Arthur W. Page, the longtime vice president for public relations at AT&T, is often regarded as the founder of the modern practice of corporate public relations. He also was a noted educator, publisher, and adviser to several U.S. presidents. Page was the first person in a public relations position to serve as an officer and director of a major corporation and, in that capacity, was widely known for management according to the Page Principles, his guidelines for ethical and effective communication with the public and for responsible corporate behavior.

Arthur W. Page
The Legacy of Public Relations Excellence Behind the Name
by Edward M. Block
Senior Vice President (retired)
American Telephone & Telegraph

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Arthur W. Page

The Page Principles

Page practiced six principles of public relations management as a means of implementing his philosophy.

• Tell the truth. Let the public know what's happening and provide an accurate picture of the company's character, ideals and practices.
• Prove it with action. Public perception of an organization is determined 90 percent by what it does and ten percent by talking.
• Listen to the customer. To serve the company well, understand what the public wants and needs. Keep top decision makers and other employees informed about public reaction to company products, policies and practices.
• Manage for tomorrow. Anticipate public reaction and eliminate practices that create difficulties. Generate goodwill.
• Conduct public relations as if the whole company depends on it. Corporate relations is a management function. No corporate strategy should be implemented without considering its impact on the public. The public relations professional is a policy maker capable of handling
• Remain calm, patient and good-humored. Lay the groundwork for public relations miracles with consistent, calm and reasoned attention to information and contacts. When a crisis arises, remember that cool heads communicate best.
 

Links of Interest

Arthur W. Page Society
Public Relations Society of America
The Institute of Public Relations
The Museum of Public Relations
Building Trust Leading CEO's Speak Out: How they Create it, Strengthen it, and Sustain it.