Ethics in Communication
Understanding Ethical Principles in Personal and Professional
Group 3
Interactions
How important is
ethics in
communication in
the society?
Refers to the principles of
conduct that govern a person
or a group. It is a system of
moral principles that deals
with values relating to human
conduct, with respect to the
rightness and wrongness of
certain actions and to the
goodness and badness of the
motives and ends of
suchactions.
Communication
Communication is
simply the act of
sending information
from one person or
group to another. The
exchange of
communication varies
from person to person
depending on the needs
of the situation.
What is Ethics in Communication?
It is the principle governing
communication, the right
and wrong aspects of it, the
moral-immoral dimensions
relevant to communication.
A set of moral principles
guiding behavior and
interactions in conveying
information.
Ethics Code
are moral guidelines that
are used to help assist
people in making
decisions, to tell the
difference between 'right'
and 'wrong' and to utilize
this understanding to make
ethical choices.
Corporate Code of Ethics
1. Honesty
Professional communicators are honest, accurate and candid in all
communications. This practice encourages the free flow of important
information in the interest of the public.
Corporate Code of Ethics
2. Confidentiality
Protecting the confidence and privacy rights of employees and
customers is the duty of professional communicators. Additionally, they
must abide by legal requirements for disclosing information that affects
the welfare of others.
Corporate Code of Ethics
3. Credit - Give due credit to those whom you get ideas from.
4. Free Speech - Principles of free speech and free ideas should
be encouraged.
5. Courtesy - Sensitivity towards cultural values and beliefs are
crucial.
Principles of Ethics in Communication
Be Truthful and Honest
- being honest in communication can make the other
party trust in us with no intention of deceiving or just
presenting a part of the truth.
Active Listening
- for ethical communication to be effective it is
necessary for the recipient to listen attentively to the
speaker for the recipient to understand clearly the
message being shared and to clarify any questions.
Speak Non-Judgmentally
- Ethically and concisely means to speak non-
judgmental way to respect and not create unnecessary
conflict between both groups.
Speak from your own Experience
-Bringing your own experience into a
conversation with business listeners is vital since it
provides real support for your ideas.
Consider the Receiver's preferred
Communication Channel
-If you use a communication channel that is
not preferred by the receiver then the message is
unsuccessful.
Strive to Understand
-While proactive in listening we should also
strive to understand what are the messages shown
in to completely know the meaning behind those
messages.
Avoid Negative Voice
-In ethical communication, speakers should
present themselves as polite and professional.
- Self-control, a soft trait that helps
one to know how to respond to a terse business
message, tends to be associated with controlling
one's tone.
Do Not Interrupt Others
-Allowing others to speak is important as it
shows professional and respectful way to keep
the performance flow without interrupting.
Respect the Privacy and Confidentiality
-Ethical communication includes respecting
the privacy of others.
Accept Responsibility
-taking the actions that
result from one's choice of
words, whether it may be
good or bad.
WHAT IS ETHICAL COMMUNICATION?
includes all relevant information, true in
every sense, and notdeceptive in any
way.
Ethical message
is accurate and sincere. It avoids
language that manipulates,
discriminates, or exaggerates.
Core Principles of Ethical
Communication
Honesty - Present information accurately and truthfully, avoiding
deception.
Respect - Treat others with dignity and acknowledge differing
perspectives.
Integrity - Uphold your values and principles even when it’s
challenging.
Transparency - Be open about motives and intentions behind your
communication.
Responsibility - Take ownership of the effects of your messages.
WHAT IS UNETHICAL COMMUNICATION?
unethical communication can include falsehoods
and misleading information (or exclude important
information).
1. Plagiarism
2. Selective Misquoting
3. Misrepresenting Numbers
4. Distorting Visuals
Ethical Communication in Intrapersonal
Communication
Self-Honesty: Acknowledge your
own strengths and weaknesses
objectively.
Positive and Fair Self-Talk: Avoid
overly harsh self-criticism,
fostering self-compassion.
Self-Responsibility: Reflect on
personal goals and behaviors
ethically to promote growth.
Ethics in Interpersonal Communication
Empathy: Try to understand others'
perspectives, even in disagreements.
Constructive Feedback: Offer feedback that’s
helpful and respectful, avoiding hurtful
criticism.
Non-Verbal Cues: Body language and tone
should align with verbal messages.
Cultural Sensitivity: Recognize and respect
cultural differences to avoid
miscommunication.
Ethical Communication in Group Communication
Inclusivity: Ensure all voices are heard and
respected.
Fairness in Decision-Making: Avoid bias or
favoritism in group choices.
Transparency: Clearly communicate
intentions and decisions within the group.
Constructive Feedback: Offer feedback
respectfully to promote a positive
atmosphere.
Ethical Communication in Public Communication
Truthfulness: Present facts without
distortion.
Avoiding Manipulation: Respect the
audience's ability to think independently.
Respect for Diversity: Use inclusive language
and acknowledge cultural differences.
Public Responsibility: Aim to inform, inspire,
or entertain responsibly, with the public’s
best interests in mind.
Ethical Communication in Journalism and Media
Objectivity: Report facts
without bias, allowing
audiences to form their own
opinions.
Avoiding Harm: Minimize the
potential harm of reporting
sensitive or graphic
information.
Verification of Sources: Rely on
credible, verified sources to
prevent misinformation.
Ethical Challenges in Digital
Communication
Fake News and Misinformation:
Rapid online spread makes
accuracy crucial.
Privacy Concerns:
Digital platforms gather and
sometimes share personal
information.
Cyberbullying and Harassment:
Online anonymity can foster
unethical behavior.
Balancing Transparency and
Security:
Especially relevant in social media
and PR.
“How to be an Ethical Communicator?” by Richard
Johannessen (2017)
Ethical Communication in Journalism and Media
Ethical Communicators Consider their Consequences of their
Communications
Ethical Communicators Respect Truth
Ethical Communicators Use Information Properly
-Adequate information
-Accurate information
Ethical Communicators Do Not Falsify Information
Ethical Theories in Communication
Deontological Ethics (Emmanuel Kant, 1724-1804) :
Follows rules and duties as the basis for ethical actions.
Utilitarianism (Jeremy Bentham, 1747-1832):
Focuses on outcomes, choosing actions that benefit the
majority.
Virtue Ethics (Aristotle): Emphasizes moral character
and intent rather than actions alone.
Practical Tips for Ethical Communication
Think Before Speaking: Evaluate potential impacts of your
words.
Actively Listen: Show respect by fully engaging in
conversations.
Be Accountable: Acknowledge and correct mistakes.
Keep Learning: Stay updated on ethics trends, especially
in digital communication.
Questions?
