Ethics in Business Communication

GROUP 9 GP Nithin Joytirmoy Nandi Shreya Deb Srinivas Venoth J.

INTRODUCTION

Communication is central to human experience

Visible and subtle issues related to communication are important Ethics helps us communicate effectively

ETHICAL COMMUNICATION
Be sensitive to your audience Maintain and sustain relationships

Do not deliberately withhold vital information

Ethics are related to values Ensure information researched and accurate

ETHICAL CODE
No defined code for ethical communication. Corporate houses follow the following principles

for communicating ethically:

Truthfulness Accuracy Honesty Reason

CODES
Understand and respect other communicators

before evaluating and responding to message.

Create climate of care, mutual understanding and

respect and serve the unique needs of individual communicators.

Do not resort to distortion, intolerance,

intimidation, coercion, hatred and violence during communication

CODES conti
Stick to personal convictions and be fair and just in all

dealings.
Provide opportunities to all to contribute.

Use resources and opportunities for harnessing the best of

human potential
Unethical communication threatens the quality of all

communication and well being of individuals and the society in which we live.

ETHICAL COMMUNICATORS
Descriptive rather than evaluative

Problem oriented
Spontaneous Respectful Empathic Provisional

COMMON ETHICAL PERSPECTIVE

Religious

Economic
Legal Utilitarian Universalistic Humanistic Dialogic Situational

ETHICAL ISSUES IN BUSINESS COMMUNICATION

Honesty

Respect
Sensitivity to cultural differences Complying with law

PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATORS
Practice honest, candid, timely communication

Correct erroneous information

Stick to cultural values & beliefs Avoid unethical undertakings Protect confidential information Dont guarantee result beyond their power to

deliver Work honestly

ETHICAL DILEMMAS FACED BY MANAGERS

Secrecy

Whistle blowing
Leaks Rumors and Gossip Lying Ambiguity

STRATEGIC APPROACH TO CORPORATE ETHICS

Cultural

Policy Based
Personal

INTERNET
Communication is the most popular use of the

Internet. Types of communication technologies used are: I. Email discussion groups.

II. Usenet news.

III. Chat groups.

IV. Video and audio conferencing

V. Internet telephony.

ETHICAL COMMUNICATION OVER INTERNET

Areas of concern:
Digital Divide Cultural Domination Freedom of Expression Internet Journalism Susceptible to monitoring Abusive or offensive communication

EMAIL ETHICS
Respect confidentiality

Do not flame
Do not use anonymous re-mailers Do not look at others messages Do not misinterpret or lie Follow guidelines Consider the presentation of a message Application of computer ethics to problem

identified

ADVERTISING
Advertising serves 2 basic purposes: 1) To inform 2) To persuade KINDS OF ADVERTISING: a) Commercial Advertising b) Public service Advertising c) Political Advertising

BENEFITS OF ADVERTISING
Economic benefits. Cultural benefits. Moral and Religious benefits.

HARMS DONE BY ADVERTISING

Economic harms Cultural harms Moral and Religious harms

SOCIAL RESPOSIBILTY
Social responsibility is a long term commitment to

the betterment of society imbibed in the strategic goals of an organization

Organizations have a more vital role to play in the

modern context with growing linkages between what they do as business entities and what society expects from them.