Cosmopolitanism in Public Relations

Appiah's model of Cosmopolitanism fits the work of the PR industry because in Appiah's model we must believe and practice several beliefs that directly relate to PR. "Everybody matters" is applicable because as a PR practitioner understanding and realizing the beliefs and values of your public(s), regardless of whether or not you understand them, helps a company/organization remain focused on serving the needs of more than just the company/organization; being selfless is all part of including everyone. It is this approach to "universality" that makes a PR practitioner capable of tolerating another culture's belief system and values. This is one of the two most important concept discussed by Appiah. "Pluralism" is our ablility to comprehend that there are many values that people hold in life and that life can't be lived embracing the idea that everybody matters without pluralism. The second important aspect is "Fallibalism." Appiah stresses the importantance of not being so high minded that we have the perfect knowledge or beliefs. Understanding that we haven't reached the ultimate pinnacle of knowledge and being able to accept that we are wrong when life presents to us new evidence to draw better conclusions are revise our way of thinking is essential in PR. Without being able to change a course of action or see the error of your ways as a professional neither your public or the organization/company you serve will benefit from what you do. PR is about an ever changing and evolving dynamic practice. If you fail to continue to change and evolve from every experience as a professional you thrawt your progess and growth and are never going to be able to be the best at what you do.