PUBLIC RELATION PROGRAMMES IN CUSTOMERS PATRONAGE OF FIRST BANK PLC IKOT EKPENE)

ABSTRACT This research work was on “Effectiveness of public relation in customer’s patronage”. (A study of First Bank Plc Ikot Ekpene) First Bank is a corporate organization with network of branches public relations role in first bank Plc cannot be over emphasized because the services of first bank must satisfy the aspirations of its public. This research work has identifies how public relations can help in creating and maintaining mutual understanding between the organization and its public through effective communication. As well as to ascertain the public relation programmes that can enhance customer’s patronage and satisfaction. The sample size of the study was 300. The random sampling procedure was used to get data. Social responsibility was used as the theoretical framework for this study. Instrument used to get data was questionnaire administration. A survey method was sued for the study. Based on the findings it was reveal that first bank of Nigeria PlcIkot Ekpene has a very strong vibrant public relation department which has created much profit to the bank through their programmes. It was recommended that, managements of these organization not play down or underestimate their public relations personnel as they can forecast, predict consequences of actions. Based on the findings it was concluded that, public relations is a very viable tool that can guarantees increase in customers patronage because the main responsibility of public relations in an organization is to ensure customers satisfaction by establishing goodwill, cordial relationship and good corporate image.