Final Answer:
The d. Public relations is the element in the promotional mix of a marketing plan that evaluates the public's attitudes, identifies issues that may elicit their concern, and executes programs to gain their understanding and acceptance.
Step-by-step explanation:
Public relations (PR) is the element in the promotional mix of a marketing plan that evaluates the public's attitudes, identifies issues that may elicit their concern, and executes programs to gain their understanding and acceptance. PR activities focus on managing and enhancing the relationships between an organization and its various publics, including customers, employees, investors, and the broader community.
PR involves strategic communication efforts to build and maintain a positive public image, address concerns, and promote understanding. This may include media relations, community engagement, crisis management, and other communication initiatives aimed at fostering goodwill and establishing a favorable perception of the organization.
The other options (personal selling, cooperative advertising, sales promotion) represent different elements within the promotional mix but do not specifically address the evaluation of public attitudes and the execution of programs to gain understanding and acceptance.
Therefore the correct option is d. Public relations