Which of the following is a primary goal of public relations?

Enhancing the organization’s image and reputation is a fundamental goal of public relations. This discipline focuses on building relationships and effective communication between an organization and its various stakeholders, including the public, media, employees, and customers. By improving the organization's image, public relations practitioners create trust and credibility, which can lead to greater support, positive media coverage, and a more favorable public perception.

This strategic focus on reputation is crucial because a strong, positive image can facilitate many aspects of business, from attracting talent to fostering customer loyalty. Additionally, a well-managed reputation helps organizations weather crises and mitigate negative press, making it an indispensable element of sustained organizational success.

The other options, while they may have relevance in certain contexts, do not represent the core objective of public relations. For instance, increasing sales figures may be an outcome of effective PR but is not the primary focus. Similarly, minimizing competition or limiting community engagement runs counter to the principles of transparency and relationship-building that are central to public relations practices.