Module I

Lesson 3- Communication Ethics

LESSON OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, the students must be able to
1. define communication ethics
2. explain the four ethical principles
3. learn the different unethical communication in the workplace

Let’s Engage!

“
Communication-the human connection-is the key to personal and career
success.’( Paul J. Meyer)
Communication is one of the most basic of human activities, a process by which we
engage ourselves with others for understanding, for cooperation, and the accomplishment of a variety
of goals. To exist as a human being is to interact with others, to influence others, and to be subject to
their influence upon ourselves.

Let us remember that every time we communicate we must consider the

consequences of our actions. If you will be more responsible in your use of communication ,
then there will be less conflict in this world As a student, you must therefore know the
difference between ethical and unethical communication.

Let’s Explore

Let’s imagine the world without communication. What happens if you were not given
the gift of speech to express what you want to say. And in the opposite , if you will be given
the chance to express your feelings and ideas, to have connections with everybody are you just
free to say anything you want for the sake of communication ?

In this age of communication and information technology, it is important for us to

have human connection. And to maintain the personal attachment to our friends
and love ones, families and acquaintances we must be watchful with what we are trying
to say . When communicating, we do not simply choose words; we choose words for the effect they will
have on our audiences, on ourselves, and ultimately, on society. Thus, when we communicate, we
cannot escape ethical questions, questions which ask how helpful or harmful our actions are. An
awareness of the ethical dimensions of communication provides us with a deeper understanding of
ourselves and of our potential as human beings. Communicating ethically is important because it has the
greatest positive impact for others and, ultimately, ourselves.
 Let me Explain

What is Communication Ethics?

Communication ethics is the notion that an individual's or group's behavior are

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. The principles governing communication , the right and wrong
aspects of it , the moral and immoral dimensions relevant to interpersonal communication are
called the ethics of interpersonal communication.

Communication ethics may also be maintaining balance between speaking and listening, the
legitimacy of fear and emotional appeal and the degree of criticism and praise.

Four Ethical Principles of Communication

There are four ethical principles of communication that are especially relevant for students
today

a. First it advocates truthfulness, accuracy, honesty and reason . This principle is

very essential to the integrity of communication (NCA,1999). Nowadays, social
media and speeches in public have been so filled with black propaganda and
whitewashing that there is a need for truth and honesty.
b. Second, it endorses freedom of expression, diversity of perspective, tolerance of
dissent to achieve the informed and responsible decision-making fundamental to
a civil society
c. Condemn communication that degrades individuals and humanity through
distortion, intimidation, coercion and violence and through the expression of
intolerance and hatred. This condemnation is important because it safeguards
society from racism, sexism and violence against oppressed peoples.
d. Communication should accept responsibility for the short and long term
consequences of our own communication and expect the same from others. All
too often, there are people who do not feel accountable of their actions.
Therefore if one risks to communicate maliciously, spread fake news, or incite
hatred or violence, he or she should be ready to face consequences of their
actions.
The fundamentals of Ethical Communication
 Responsible thinking
 Decision making
 Development of relationship and communities
 Context
 Cultures
 Channels
 Media
 Ethical Frameworks

UTILITARIAN ETHICS DEONTOLOGICAL ETHICS

VIRTUE ETHICS
o Focuses on the The most frequented basis of our desicion
Concerned with moral
result and whether making process, expressing a
character and
or not it would commitment to the most basic
places, more
benefit the principles
weight and value on
majority
the dignity of the
o Focuses on the It is regarded as universal, always
individual and a
consequences of applicable whatever the
humanity’s task of
caring for one each action or circumstance is
another decision

It emphasizes character
as imposed to duty
or consequence

Unethical Communication in the Workplace

The following are the examples of unethical communication in the workplace

Types Example
Coercive Intimidating and threatening other
Destructive Backstabbing and inappropriate jokes
Deceptive Euphemism and lying
Intrusive Eavesdropping, tapping telephones or
monitoring internet use
Secretive Hoarding information and cover-ups
Manipulative-exploitative Acts which attempt to gain
compliance or control through
exploitation
Let’ takes a look at this situation :

1. A friend reveals to you that she has a six pack of beer hidden in her dormitory room, and you
both know alcohol is prohibited by regulation on campus. Later, the resident counselor comes to you and
asks if you know of anyone on the floor who has alcohol in her room. What would you say or do in
response? How would you frame your communication with your friend and the counselor?

Activity: In three sentences write your answer to the following questions in the preceding
paragraph.

____________________________________________________________________________ .
____________________________________________________________________________ .
_____________________________________________________________________________ .
It does not take long, however, before we find ourselves in situations in which we must attempt
to satisfy conflicting demands. Then we come consciously face to face with the ethical issues in
communication.

2. How do you respond when a friend comes to you and asks, "How do you like this shirt?" and you think
the shirt is hideous? How do you balance the conflict between sparing the person's feelings and saving
the person from public embarrassment? What do you say or do?

____________________________________________________________________________ .
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Ethics as an Integral Part of Communication
Major ethical issues" that most of us will face will be matters of how to behave in our daily lives and in
our relationships with those with whom we have personal contact at home, at school, or at work.
To make the best decisions in our communication, to communicate ethically, we must give thought to
the manner in which we communicate. Formulating a list of rules to be applied in the different
communication situations in which we find ourselves would be a futile endeavor. The situations are too
vast and too varying. Rather, we would do better to suggest guidelines for ethical communication,
considerations which should shape communicating practice.

Ethical Communicators Consider the Consequences of Their Communication.

We do not communicate in vacuums. Our communication endeavors are never isolated one
from the other. How we respond at school influences how we respond at home and that in turn
affects how we respond in our public lives. Having considered the natures of our audiences, we
need to consider further the effect of our communication on them and upon ourselves.

Let’s Elaborate

After you have read the different essential points on communication ethics , note the following
questions and answer them as briefly as you can.

1. Why is it important to be ethical in your communication today?

__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
2. Can you site some type of unethical communication observed or experienced in your
community? What is your idea about?

__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________.
3. Ethical communication advocates truthfulness, accuracy, honesty and reason . Does this
principle apply to the information you read in social media? Yes or No? Explain your answer.

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
4. When you think of politicians today , do you think they speak in an ethical manner? Yes or
No. Explain
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
5. Why do people communicate in an unethical manner ? List at least 3 reasons.
 1.
2.
3.

Insights:
For the sake of our audiences, ourselves, and the people affected by our interactions we
need to recognize the ethical component of our communication. Ethics is not just a matter of
political or social policy but is a part of our personal policies as well, an integral part of our
behaviors and our regard for others. Ethical communication will incorporate a respectful view of
its audiences, a consideration of the consequences of the communication for all parties involved,
and a respect for truth. Such a view is both a challenge and a reward.
Let’s Evaluate!

Learning Task: (choose only 3 out of 4 task presented)

1. Choose one ethical principle and explain what will happen if this is violated. Answer in 3 to five
sentences.
______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
2. Create a situation or real life experience where you apply fundamentals of ethical
communication. Example: Decision making.
3. What do you think are the qualities of an ethical communicator? Make a paragraph of 5 to 7
sentences.
_______________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
4. Create your own Code of Conduct when you are attending a conference, listening to a lecture
or any activity like attending a formal event in your community .
( Write your answers on a yellow pad paper and place it in a brown envelop with names,
course and section)

Sources and References:

Anderson, Kenneth E. "Communication Ethics: The Non-Participant's Role." The Southern Speech
Communication Journal 44 (1984): 219-228.
Aristotle. Nicomachean Ethics. Trans. Martin Ostwald. Indianapolis: Bobbs-Merrill Company, Inc.,
1962.
Arnett, Ronald C. "The Practical Philosophy of Communication Ethics and Free Speech as the
Foundation for Speech Communication." Communication Quarterly 38 (1990): 208-17.
---. "The Status of Communication Ethics Scholarship in Speech Communication Journals
from 1915 to 1985.
Central States Speech Journal 38 (1987): 44-61. Bok,
http:/www.wordiq.com/definition interpersonal _communication
Sissela. Lying: Moral Choice in Public and Private Life. New York: Vintage Books, 1989
Uychoco ,Marikit Tara A.;Santos ,Maria Lorena,Communication for Society