Assertion (A): Public relations is a corporate strategy of mind management.

Reason (R): It is a profession based on truth, knowledge and accurate communication.

(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: (D)

Explanation:
Public relations plays a vital role in corporate and public communication. It builds trust between organizations and their audiences. However, describing it as “mind management” misrepresents its actual purpose. The assertion that PR serves as a strategy of mind control or manipulation is incorrect. It reduces a professional practice to a tool of persuasion without ethics. In reality, PR does not aim to deceive or manipulate thought.

Now, let’s look at the reason. Public relations truly is a profession grounded in truth, knowledge, and accurate communication. Ethical PR professionals prioritize honesty, transparency, and clarity. They manage information responsibly and aim to foster mutual understanding—not control minds. This approach strengthens long-term relationships between the public and the organization.

Moreover, professional bodies like the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and others emphasize ethical codes. They reject manipulation and endorse fact-based communication. So, the reason stands correct, while the assertion reflects a misconception of the profession’s core values.

To summarize, public relations seeks to inform, engage, and build credibility. It relies on ethical storytelling, not psychological tactics. Therefore, while the reason is true and explains the essence of PR, the assertion falsely labels PR as a tool for mind management.