Question

the manufacturer of athletic shoes donates money, bottled water, and t-shirts for runners in connection with a 5k race to raise awareness of prostate cancer. what type of public relations activity does this illustrate?

Answer 1

The manufacturer's donation to the 5k race represents a public relations activity focused on social responsibility and cause-related marketing. It helps the company improve its image while supporting a charitable cause. However, this type of activity can also lead to pinkwashing allegations if the company's actions or products contradict the cause's values.

Step-by-step explanation:

The athletic shoes manufacturer's contribution to the 5k race for prostate cancer awareness is an example of a public relations activity. Specifically, this represents a type of social responsibility and cause-related marketing, where the company supports health and social issues. Such activities are aimed to enhance the company's image and build community goodwill by associating the company with charitable causes. In this instance, the manufacturer is not only promoting the brand but also contributing to a meaningful cause and demonstrating corporate social responsibility.

This kind of marketing can sometimes lead to accusations of pinkwashing if the public perceives that a company's products or actions contradict the values of the cause they are supporting. The term pinkwashing was highlighted when BCA suggested that consumers should avoid products that might contribute to the same illness they intend to fight against, as seen with KFC's collaboration with Susan G. Komen for the Cure.