Assertion (A): For many, corporate communication is a necessary evil in an era of globalisation.

Reason (R): Public relations, as a tool of advertising, will have to make exaggerated claims and distort facts for a favourable image creation.

Codes:

(A) Both (A) and (R) are true.

(B) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).

(C) (A) is true, but (R) is false.

(D) (A) is false, but (R) is true.

Correct Ans: (C)

Explanation:

In the era of globalization, businesses need corporate communication to maintain transparency, build trust, and manage their reputation. Many people consider it a necessary evil because, while essential for maintaining a company’s public image, it can also be used for damage control and crisis management rather than pure transparency. Thus, Assertion (A) is true.

However, the Reason (R) is false because public relations (PR) is not merely a tool of advertising. PR focuses on strategic communication to build relationships between an organization and its stakeholders. Ethical PR practices prioritize truthful messaging, credibility, and reputation management, rather than exaggeration or distortion. While some companies misuse PR for misleading promotions, responsible PR professionals follow ethical standards to ensure accurate representation.

Since Assertion (A) is correct, but Reason (R) is incorrect, the right answer is (C): (A) is true, but (R) is false.

In conclusion, corporate communication remains crucial in globalization, but PR should not rely on misinformation. Ethical PR practices help companies maintain authenticity, credibility, and long-term goodwill in a competitive business environment.