Public relations refers to a. a seller-directed flow of communication, often in a face-to-face encounter, designed to promote a product with the purpose of making a sale. b. an individualized communications program specifically designed for a single customer because the item being sold is unique to that person. c. a mass selling approach that has been tailored to meet the more select needs of a target market based on age, gender, ethnicity, or occupation. d. a form of communication that is intended to counteract any negative information or misinformation that has been instigated by competitors or disgruntled customers. e. a form of communication management that seeks to influence the feelings, opinions, or beliefs held by customers, prospective customers, stockholders, suppliers, employees, and other publics about a company and its products or services.