Public Relations and the Banking Industry in Nigeria (A Study of Selected Banks in Lagos).

Abstract

This is a research project carried out to determine the public relations practices/activities used in banking industry. It is a study of selected banks (First Bank Plc and Union Bank Plc) Lagos. A sample size of 190 respondents all randomly selected from the sta ff/management and customers of First bank plc, and union Bank Plc, Lagos. Both primary and secondary data were collected and analysed 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, good employee relations, stake holder forum, customer awards/nights, employees awards, training and re-training programme etc that the customers and employees are of the view that public relations is inevitable tool/strategy, 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 plays 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 on the bank's 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.