In an organization, there are various divisions that people encounter, with some appearing to have similar names but operating under distinct Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Within a company, there are Public Relations and Human Relations, both of which manage areas related to maintaining social capital and fostering good relationships for the company. However, in certain cases, the public often misunderstands these two divisions.

Here are the key differences between Human Relations and Public Relations to help you better understand the scope of work each division handles:

1. Scope of Work

Human Relations (HR) focuses on monitoring human capital and managing Human Resources (HR) within a company. Additionally, Human Relations is responsible for maintaining the internal quality of staff in the organization. Overall, HR is accountable for the development of a company’s internal assets.

Public Relations (PR), on the other hand, is responsible for managing public outreach and media relations, ensuring the company's external reputation and image. PR focuses on building and maintaining a positive image of the company or organization in the eyes of the public, including media, customers, and other stakeholders.

2. Main Objectives

Human Relations (HR) aims to ensure internal quality by safeguarding employee welfare through career development and fostering a productive and conducive work environment.

Public Relations (PR) has the objective, as outlined in its SOP, to act as the frontline in handling the company’s external affairs. PR's performance targets are focused on maintaining good relationships with the external public, including the media, communities, investors, consumers, and the general public.

3. Primary Responsibilities

PR’s main responsibilities include planning communication strategies, writing press releases, managing crises, overseeing social media, and working with the media to spread positive information about the organization.

HR’s tasks include recruiting and selecting employees, developing company policies, managing benefits and compensation, providing employee training and development, and handling employee disputes or grievances.

4. Quality Management (Handling Critical Issues)

Public Relations plays a role in handling external issues that have or could potentially affect the company’s image. These issues include feedback and criticism, service problems, product issues, documenting company events in visual or non-visual content, and supporting company-organized events.

Human Relations, alongside Human Resources, is involved in managing conflicts or issues between employees or between employees and management, ensuring compliance with labor laws. In any workplace, there may be inequalities or educational concepts that sometimes exceed individual acceptance. HR helps mediate conflicts before they escalate into further misunderstandings or reluctance.

5. Performance Measurement

Public Relations performance can be measured through visibility and public opinion of the company. This includes media visibility of the company's image (whether through activities uploaded on the company's website or social media) and the management of the company’s reputation.

Human Relations performance is measured through employee productivity and retention rates. Additionally, HR is responsible for recruitment and assessing CV submissions and portfolios of potential employees to ensure that the selected candidates meet quality standards, thus enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of the company's operations.