Lesson 4 (From Tentative Module)

Cards (16)

  • Ethics is defined as a set of rules or guidelines; these are theories as to which is right or wrong.
  • In communication, ethics is significantly important because it guides individuals toward effective communication. These ethical principles are universal in the sense that all people should consider them due to their importance in the communication process and effectiveness.
  • Communication ethics emphasizes that morals influence the behavior of an individual, group, or organization, thereby affecting their communication. For instance, given the unethical communication practice of a certain company concealing the non-remittance of deducted premiums from employees’ salaries to the SSS or GSIS, the company’s accountability to its employees is undoubtedly affected. It is important to note that one’s behavior should be regulated by honesty, decency, truthfulness, sincerity, and moral uprightness.
  • Communication ethics is the notion that an individual's or group's behavior is governed by their morals, which in turn affects communication. Generally speaking, communication ethics deals with the moral good present in any form of human communication. This includes interpersonal communication, mass-mediated communication, and digital communication.
  • “Questions of right and wrong arise whenever people communicate. Ethical communication is fundamental to responsible thinking, decision making, and the development of relationships and communities within and across contexts, cultures, channels, and media. Moreover, ethical communication enhances human worth and dignity by fostering truthfulness, fairness, responsibility, personal integrity, and respect for self and others." – from the National Communication Association credo
  • Bernales, Balon, and Biligan (2018) took the classic example of a charismatic, but immoral leader in explaining the concept of ethics in communication. He understands how to persuade his followers with dazzling rhetoric that appeals to their emotions. Is he an ethical communicator? NO.
  • Johnson (as cited in Bernales, Balon, and Biligan, 2018) developed ten basics of Ethical Communication using principles learned in Straight Talk and Nonviolent Communication, as well as best practices for small group work in general:
    1. Seek to “elicit the best” in communications and interactions with other group members.
    2. Listen when others speak.
    3. Speak non-judgmentally.
    4. Speak from your own experience and perspective, expressing your own thoughts, needs, and feelings.
    5. Seek to understand others (rather than to be “right” or “more ethical than thou”).
  • Johnson developed ten basics of Ethical Communication:
    • Avoid speaking for others, for example, by characterizing what others have said without checking your understanding, or by universalizing your opinions, beliefs, values, and conclusions, assuming everyone shares them.
    • Manage your own personal boundaries: share only what you are comfortable sharing.
    • Respect the personal boundaries of others.
    • Avoid interrupting and side conversations.
    • Make sure that everyone has time to speak, that all members have relatively equal “air time” if they want it.
  • Ethical Principles of Communication
    • Completeness
    • Concreteness
    • Courtesy
    • Correctness
    • Clarity
    • Consideration
    • Conciseness
  • Completeness
    • The message must be complete and geared to the receiver’s perception of the world. The message must be based on facts, and a complex message needs additional information and/or explanation. A good subdivision of subjects will clarify the message, resulting in a complete overview of what is said.
  • Concreteness
    • Concrete business communication is about a clear message. This is often supported by factual material such as research data and figures. The words used, as well as the sentence structure, can be interpreted univocally. Nothing is left to the imagination.
  • Courtesy
    • In addition to considering the feelings and points of view of the target group, it is also important to approach the audience in a friendly and courteous manner. The use of terms that show respect for the receiver contributes toward effective communication. The same goes for the manner in which you address someone. Not everyone will be charmed if you use a familiar form of address, and the use of a formal address could come across as too distant.
  • Correctness
    • A correct use of language is preferred. In written business communication, grammatical errors must be avoided, and stylistic lapses or incorrect use of verbs are unacceptable in verbal communication as well. A correct use of language increases trustworthiness, and the receiver will feel that they are taken seriously.
  • Clarity
    • Clear or plain language is characterized by explicitness, short sentences, and concrete words. Fuzzy language is absolutely forbidden, as are formal language and cliché expressions. By avoiding parentheses and staying on point, the receiver will get a clear picture of the message’s content. Briefly-worded information emphasizes the essence of the message. Coherence means the connection of ideas at the idea level, and cohesion means the connection of ideas at the sentence level.
  • Consideration
    • To communicate well, it is important to relate to the target group and be involved. By taking the audience into account, the message can be tailored toward them. Factors that play a role in this include professional knowledge, level of education, age, and interests.
  • Conciseness
    • A message is clear when the storyline is consistent and free from inconsistencies. When facts are mentioned, they must be supported by consistent information. Systematically implementing a certain statement or notation contributes to clear business communication. When statements are varied, they can confuse the receiver.