S. Africa: A Thorny Ethics Problem

Abstract

Stanley Rubenstein, chairman of Rubenstein, Wolfson & Co., believes the withdrawal of US interests from South Africa will cause economic chaos in that country. He feels that his agency's relationship with South Africa is based on economic, not social, considerations but that it can advance peaceful change by working with private interests to establish a viable economy. Others disagree with the thinking that any entity is entitled to public relations representation, feeling that PR should be guided by public interest and social good. David Finn, chairman of Ruder Finn & Rotman, has refused to work for South African interests, questioning how an agency can retain its integrity while representing an organization or issue with which it disagrees. Craig Lewis, executive vice-president at Adams & Rinehart, believes practical as well as ethical considerations must be taken into account before entering into a new client relationship.