Ethical Communication

Ethics is the difference between what you

have a right to do and what is right to do.
- Potter Stewart
 Ethical Communication

Communication - the imparting or interchange of thoughts,

opinions or information by speech, writing or signs.
Ethical Communication - a system of morals 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 such actions.
Unethical communication threatens the quality of all
communication and consequently the well-being of the
individuals and our society.

Academia.com
 Ethical Communication - Definition
Ethics are the moral principles
which guide the conduct of
individuals and moral behavior. It is
a set of standards that offer guidance
about the choices we make and
explain why we behave as we do.
It is the application of ethical
standards to the messages.
Is a fundamental to responsible
thinking, decision making, and the
development of relationships.
It enhances human worth and
dignity. www.carnegiecouncil.org
Characteristics of Ethical Communication:
includes all relevant information,
is true in every sense and is not
deceptive in any way.
accurate and sincere.
avoids language that manipulates,
discriminates or exaggerates.
does not hide negative
information behind an optimistic
attitude.
does not state opinions as facts
portrays graphic data fairly.
www.lookfordiagnosis.com
4 Standards to ethical communication decision
1. Political perspective- Helps us understand ethical practices based on
a value system freedom of speech, religion and press.
2. Dialogical perspective - Based on the ability to improve mutual
understanding and dialog between participants for which intellectual
tolerance is necessary.
3. Human perspective- Consider implications of our message and
weigh costs and benefits of exercising our right to free speech.
4. Situational perspective - Audience analysis and context of the
communication event, needs to be considered.

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 Factors Influencing Ethical Communication
1. Truthfulness, accuracy, honesty and reason are essential to the
integrity of ethical communication.
2. Endorse freedom of expression, diversity of perspective and tolerance
of dissent to achieve informed and responsible decision making.
3. Strive to understand and respect other communicators before
evaluating and responding to their messages.
4. Access to ethical communication resources and opportunities are
necessary to fulfill human potential and contribute to the well-being
of families, communities and society.
5. Condemn communication that degrades individuals and humanity
through distortion, intolerance, intimidation, coercion, hatred,
and violence.
Ethical Dilemmas in Communication

Secrecy
Whistle-blowing
Leaks
Rumour and gossip
Lying
Ambiguity

brelson.com
 Guidelines to handle Communication
Ethics Dilemmas
Legal Considerations
Moral Considerations
Keep Messages Accurate
Avoid Deception
Behave Consistently
Keep others Confidences
Ensure Timeliness of
Communication
Confront Unethical Behavior
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 References
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethics_in_business_com
munication
www.rysec.org/10-basics-of-ethical-communication/
www.mhhe.com/socscience/comm/group/students/ethi
cs.htm
study.com/academy/lesson/ethical-communication-in-
the-workplace.html