Communication ethics is the notion that people’s behaviour are governed by their

morals which in turn affects communication. It deals with the good that is present in any
form of human communication.

This includes:(1) interpersonal communication;

(2) mass mediated communication; and

(3)digital communication

What do ethics have to do with communication?

Is it possible to be an effective communicator and yet not an ethical

communicator?

“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.”
“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.”

For example, there is a charismatic leader but he is also immoral. He understands how to
persuade his followers with dazzling words that appeals to their emotions. Is he an ethical
communicator?

The charismatic leader may possess persuasive communication skills, but if he is using
those skills to manipulate or deceive his followers for immoral purposes, then he is not an
ethical communicator.

Ethical communication involves more than just being charismatic or persuasive. It requires
adhering to moral principles such as honesty, integrity, respect, and fairness. If the leader
is knowingly exploiting his followers' emotions or manipulating them with false promises
or deceptive tactics, then his communication practices are unethical.
While charisma and persuasive communication can be powerful tools for inspiring and
motivating others, they must be used ethically and responsibly. True ethical
communication involves sincerity, transparency, and a genuine concern for the well-being
of others, rather than solely focusing on personal gain or manipulation.

Communication ethics concerns not only the individual. It also concerns businesses,
corporations, and professional entities. A business with unethical communication practices is
not as effective as the one with ethical communication practices. For example, a
business with unethical communication practices may withhold evidence that it is
harming the environment or breaking a law through a lack of transparency;
while a business with ethical communication practices will immediately press a
release to the affected parties. In this example, transparency makes the business
more effective because it notifies its clients and suppliers about an environmental hazard or
law violation. Transparency will encourage trust and good faith. Transparency will show that
effective business will not conceal what is in the interest of its audience

SLIDE 1

Advocating for truthfulness, accuracy, honesty, and reason as essential to the integrity of
communication is fundamental in the ethics of communication because these principles
uphold the core values of integrity, respect, and fairness. Here's why each of these qualities
is essential and an example to illustrate:

Truthfulness: Truthfulness ensures that information exchanged in communication accurately

represents reality. When individuals are truthful, they provide others with an accurate
understanding of the world, enabling informed decision-making and fostering trust. For
example, in a business setting, a company must provide truthful information about its
products or services to consumers to maintain credibility and trust in the marketplace. If a
company misrepresents its products' features or capabilities, it violates trust and
undermines its integrity.

Accuracy: Accuracy ensures that information communicated is reliable and free from errors
or distortions. Accurate communication helps prevent misunderstandings and
misinterpretations, allowing individuals to make well-informed decisions based on reliable
information. For instance, in journalism, accuracy is crucial to maintain the credibility of
news reporting. If a journalist publishes a story with inaccurate facts or misleading
information, it damages the publication's reputation and undermines its integrity as a source
of trustworthy news.

Honesty: Honesty involves being sincere, transparent, and truthful in communication.

Honest communication builds trust and fosters authentic relationships based on openness
and integrity. For example, in interpersonal relationships, honesty is essential for building
trust and maintaining emotional connections. If one partner is dishonest or deceitful, it
erodes trust and damages the relationship's integrity, leading to conflict and resentment.

Reason: Reason involves using logic, critical thinking, and rational analysis in communication.
Reasonable communication promotes constructive dialogue, mutual understanding, and
informed decision-making based on evidence and sound judgment. For instance, in public
debates or discussions on social issues, presenting reasoned arguments backed by evidence
encourages respectful discourse and promotes the exchange of diverse perspectives.
Conversely, relying on fallacious reasoning or emotional manipulation undermines the
integrity of communication and inhibits meaningful dialogue.

In summary, advocating for truthfulness, accuracy, honesty, and reason in communication is

essential in the ethics of communication because these principles uphold integrity, promote
trust, and foster meaningful interactions based on mutual respect and understanding.
Examples from various contexts illustrate how adhering to these principles contributes to
ethical communication and maintains the integrity of interpersonal, professional, and
societal relationships.

SLIDE 2

Endorsing freedom of expression, diversity of perspective, and tolerance of dissent is crucial

in the ethics of communication because it fosters an environment where individuals can
engage in open, honest, and constructive dialogue. This environment allows for informed
and responsible decision-making, which is fundamental to a civil society. Here's why these
principles are important, along with a real-life example:

1.Freedom of Expression: Freedom of expression ensures that individuals have the right to
voice their opinions, ideas, and beliefs without fear of censorship or retaliation. This
freedom encourages the exchange of diverse viewpoints and promotes innovation,
creativity, and intellectual growth. For example, in democratic societies, freedom of the
press allows journalists to report on important issues, hold those in power accountable, and
facilitate public discourse on matters of public interest.

2.Diversity of Perspective: Embracing diversity of perspective means valuing and respecting

the multitude of viewpoints, experiences, and backgrounds that individuals bring to the
table. Diversity of perspective enriches discussions, expands understanding, and encourages
empathy and tolerance towards others' viewpoints. For instance, in academic settings,
encouraging diverse perspectives in classroom discussions enables students to consider
different viewpoints, challenge their assumptions, and develop critical thinking skills.

3.Tolerance of Dissent: Tolerance of dissent means respecting the right of individuals to

disagree and express opposing viewpoints without fear of retribution or marginalization.
Tolerance of dissent encourages healthy debate, facilitates the exchange of ideas, and
prevents the suppression of minority viewpoints. For example, in a workplace setting,
fostering an environment of tolerance allows employees to voice dissenting opinions, offer
constructive criticism, and contribute to decision-making processes without fear of
retaliation, ultimately leading to more innovative and effective outcomes.

In summary, endorsing freedom of expression, diversity of perspective, and tolerance of

dissent in the ethics of communication is essential for promoting open, inclusive, and
democratic societies. Real-life examples demonstrate how these principles contribute to
informed and responsible decision-making by fostering environments where individuals feel
empowered to express themselves, engage in meaningful dialogue, and consider diverse
viewpoints.

SLIDE 3
Condemning communication that degrades individuals and humanity through distortion,
intimidation, coercion, violence, intolerance, and hatred is crucial in the ethics of
communication because it upholds principles of respect, dignity, and human rights. Such
communication undermines mutual understanding, fosters division, and can incite harm or
violence. Here's why it's important, along with a real-life example:

1.Respect and Dignity: Condemning communication that degrades individuals and humanity
reinforces the importance of treating others with respect and dignity. It promotes empathy,
compassion, and consideration for the feelings and well-being of others, fostering a culture
of mutual respect and understanding.

2.Prevention of Harm: Communication that employs distortion, intimidation, coercion, or

violence can have harmful consequences, both psychologically and physically, for individuals
and society as a whole. By condemning such communication, we aim to prevent harm,
protect vulnerable individuals, and promote a safe and inclusive environment for all.

3.Promotion of Tolerance and Understanding: Expressions of intolerance and hatred breed

division and animosity within society. Condemning such communication promotes tolerance,
acceptance, and understanding of diverse perspectives, beliefs, and identities. It fosters a
sense of unity and solidarity, contributing to social cohesion and harmony.

Real-life Example: The rise of online hate speech and extremist rhetoric poses a significant
challenge to ethical communication. Social media platforms have become breeding grounds
for the spread of hateful ideologies, misinformation, and incitement to violence.
Condemnation of such communication is essential to combatting online radicalization,
protecting vulnerable individuals from harm, and promoting a digital environment where
respectful dialogue and constructive discourse can thrive. Initiatives by tech companies,
governments, and civil society organizations to monitor and remove hate speech online, as
well as promote digital literacy and online civility, are examples of efforts to address this
issue and uphold ethical standards in communication.

SLIDE 4

It's crucial in the ethics of communication to emphasize that communicators should accept
responsibility for the short and long-term consequences of their communication and expect
the same from others because:

Promotes Integrity: Taking responsibility for the effects of our communication demonstrates
integrity and honesty. It shows that we stand by our words and are willing to face the
consequences of our actions.

Builds Trust: When communicators acknowledge and take responsibility for the
consequences of their communication, it builds trust with their audience. People are more
likely to trust and respect individuals who are accountable for their actions.

Encourages Ethical Behavior: By expecting accountability from communicators, it encourages

ethical behavior in communication. When people know that they will be held responsible for
their words and actions, they are more likely to engage in ethical communication practices.

Real-life example:
Consider a scenario where a public figure makes a statement that incites violence against a
particular community. This statement leads to protests, unrest, and harm to innocent
individuals. If the public figure refuses to acknowledge their role in inciting violence and fails
to take responsibility for their words, it exacerbates the situation and erodes trust in their
leadership. However, if the public figure accepts responsibility, apologizes for the harm
caused, and takes steps to rectify the situation, it demonstrates accountability and helps to
mitigate the damage caused by their communication.