Author(s): Temel, C.A., Dolunay, A.
Ethics, as in every field, recommends the rules that professionals must exhibit appropriate behavior in the field of public relations. In the study, first of all, the concept of public relations ethics was discussed based on the concept of ethics. In this context, public relations ethics regulations were examined. In the research part of the study, the sample was determined as follows: 8 of the 19 university sites operating in the TRNC have communication faculties; There are public relations departments in 5 of the 8 related faculties. In this context, semi-structured in-depth interviews, one of the qualitative research methods, were conducted with full-time lecturers from two of the 5 public relations departments determined by non-random sampling, in order to determine the importance of public relations ethics, audit institutions, problems and solution proposals. Within the framework of the findings, the importance of public relations ethics in terms of professional honor and dignity was emphasized, and it was determined that public relations regulations were strengthened under the leadership of IPRA, especially the Helsinki Declaration and Athens Convention. It has been determined that the problems in terms of public relations ethics are mainly about the ability of individuals outside the field to perform the profession, unfair competition and inappropriate behavior. Emphasizing the importance of adopting ethical behavior as a core principle by public relations professionals as a solution proposal; At the same time, it is recommended to raise awareness of relevant employees through life-long training activities and international audit institutions to carry out more active audits and to be more effective with the sanction power they will be equipped with.