Chapter 10: Communication Ethics

Synopsis
This chapter addresses the various ethical dilemmas facing the manager, such as whistle-blowing, leaks, rumors, and gossip. While there is no guarantee that an organization or its employees will behave ethically, the chapter suggests a model of the "ethical organization". An organization, striving for ethical behavior, integrates individuals with personal integrity in an organizational culture of strong principles, governed by organizational policies that support the principles. These policies must address three critical issues: First, what information should be gathered? Second, how should the information be gathered? And third, how should the information be used?

Outline

1. Foundations
1. First, every communication decision has some ethical dimension to it, acknowledged or not.
2. Second, communication ethics inevitably involves both motives and impacts.
3. Third, the ethical nature of communication must be considered within the context of "who, what, when and where".
   
   
2. Ethical Dilemmas
   
1. Secrecy
2. Whistle-blowing
3. Leaks
4. Rumors and Gossip
5. Lying
6. Euphemisms
7. Ambiguity
8. Apology
   
   
3. A Strategic Approach To Corporate Ethics
   1. Corporate Culture
   2. Organizational Policy
   1. Policy Issue 1: What information should be gathered?
   2. Policy Issue 2: How should the information be gathered?
   3. Policy Issue 3: How should the information be used?
      
   3. Individual Character
   1. Discretion
   2. Relevancy
   3. Accuracy
   4. Fairness
   5. Timeliness
      
      
4. Conclusion
   
   

Take the Chapter 10 Self Test