Ethical Communication Defined

Ethical communication is a type of communication that is predicated

upon certain business values, such as being truthful, concise, and

responsible with one’s words and the resulting actions. As a set of

principles, ethical communication understands that one’s thoughts must

be conveyed and expressed effectively and concisely, and that the

resulting actions or consequences will [potentially] be based solely on

how the message was communicated. Thus, ethical communication

defines a framework or set of acceptable communication principles

that align with an enterprise’s overarching code of conduct or code of

ethics.

Openness and Transparency

Truthfulness & honesty is the most core principle of ethical
communication. This means that speaking 99 percent of the truth in a
matter – while leaving out one percent of the facts – is not ethical
communication, as omitting any detail (intentionally) changes the way that
a listener will perceive an event. Thus, being 100 percent open and
transparent, and hiding nothing, is key in order for all business
relationships – whether within a business between its members, or with
business and their partners, or even customers – to succeed in the short
term and long term.

1. Be Truthful And Honest

Being honest means communicating what is known to be true (only 100
percent the facts) to a listener, with no intent to deceive or present only
parts of the truth. It also means being as objective as possible, that is,
not tailoring the story based on what the speaker wants the listener to
believe. Letting the listener take the data that is objectively presented
and believe what they choose to believe is a core goal of ethical
communication. Ethical communication should be based on accurate
information and facts – in a word, do not lie.
 Honesty
This may include being straightforward, telling the truth, giving complete
information, showing intent to be understood, and being sincere. Honesty
in communication means that in writing and in speech and other nonverbal
communication, you are straightforward in expressing the truth without
misleading.