Abstract:
This is a research work project carried out to determine the public relations practices/activities used in banking industry. It is an evaluative study of selected banks (First Bank and Union Bank Plc) in Enugu metropolis. A sample size of 190 respondents all randomly selected from the staff/management and customers of First Bank Plc, and Union Bank Plc. Enugu. Both primary and secondary data were collected and analyzed using chi square test. The researcher, based on the data collected and analyzed, found out that both the banks employees and customers have full knowledge and understanding of public relations; that both employees and customers have observed public relations practices in the banks understudy and that these among other things include; good customer relations employee relations, stake holder forum, customer award/nights, employees awards, training and re-training programme e.t.c that the customers and employees are of the view that public relations are inevitable tools/strategies used in enhancing the growth and development of the banking industry. Very importantly, public relations practices help in building the image of the banking industry, public relations play encouraging role towards restoring mutual confidence between the banks and their publics and as such justifies the view that the success of the banks is dependents of the banks’ image. Based on the above, organizations, especially the banking industry should as much as possible try to recognize and utilize most adequately appropriately, effective/efficiently public relations practices/activities as inevitable and indisputable weapon that determines to a great extent the success and excellence of the banking industry.
