Lesson One: Communication Processes, Principles and Ethics

Specific Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the lesson you are expected to:
a. identify the elements of communication processes; and
b. explain the principles and ethics of communication.

INPUT

COMMUNICATION PROCESS
Communication can be defined as the process of transmitting information and common understanding from
one person to another (Keyton, 2011). The word communication is derived from the Latin word, communis, which
means common. A person who transmits any message comes from a specific context and has a specific purpose.
This person communicates this message to a particular audience. As it is directed to a particular audience, a concrete
action or outcome is expected as a result. If the context and purpose are intentional or planned in advance for a
specific audience, then much careful thought and effort must go to how the message is delivered in order to achieve
the desired outcome. Today’s realities require a consistent mindfulness for the ethical use of language when
preparing for such a deliberate form of communication like a speech or a journalistic piece. Practicing ethics in
communication is anticipating and weighing the effects of one’s message on an audience. It is also using
information that come from credible, verifiable, and relevant sources. It is communicating with no intent to harm
another; It is being careful, attentive, and inclusive through the word choice and tone. It is looking at differences as a
way to understand each other and what matters to us. It never silences, and it welcomes disagreement as
opportunities for knowing others in a more respectful and thoughtful manner.

ETHICS IN COMMUNICATION

Ethics in communication as a concept refers to the state of ethical considerations in communication

practices. The terms ‘ethics’ and ‘communication’ have their diverse meanings and definitions. The dictionary
meaning of communication is – ‘the exchange of thoughts, messages or information, as by speech, signals, writing
or behavior’ while some defines communication as ‘process of increased commonality or sharing between
participants’. Similarly ethics is a system of principles that guides action while some relates ethics with
distinguishing between virtuous and non-virtuous characteristics of people.

A person who practices ethical communication advocates truthfulness, accuracy, and honesty; as these
foster and maintain the integrity of ethical communication. Being dishonest will only lead to more lies which can
really do damage. Lies are hard to keep straight unlike the truth does not change. It is important to support diversity
of perspective and freedom of expression in all forms: whether self-expression, lifestyle and ideas. Just because
someone is different does not mean they should be gossiped about. An idea or lifestyle may not work for one person
but that does not make it wrong.

Ethical Codes are moral guidelines that are used to help assist people in making decisions, to tell the
difference between right and wrong and to utilize this understanding to make ethical choices. There are three levels
of ethical codes: code of ethics( social issues), code of conduct (influence to behavior of employees), and codes of
practice (professional responsibility).
Pre-Tasks:
Read and Write!

A. Instruction: Read the four different dialogues and fill in the table that follows with the
information needed.

1
Hey Helen, did you
Yes Jane! I saw
the photo on 2Tommy, I’ve heard
know that Gina got Facebook earlier. that there will be no
married to Andrew?
exam this coming
Wednesday. Prof.
Ivanka is leaving for
California this
weekend.

3 Oh Mark, where
I heard the news
did you get that
Anna that you got
promoted, right? news? 4May I order two
pieces of fried
chicken and one
large iced tea.
Yes ma’am. Got it.
Would you like to
add something?

Dialogue Sender Message Receiver

4
 B. After filling in the dialogue boxes, write a short general description of the elements of communication.

Sender Message
Receiver

During Tasks:
Draw it!
 Read the different models of communication process.
 After reading, choose one model which would best fit the process of communication in your workplace.
 Then draw the model according to your own understanding.

Models of Communication Processes

A. Linear Model of Communication

The first theoretical model of communication was proposed in 1949 by Shannon and Weaver
for Bell Laboratories.[1] This three-part model was intended to capture the radio and television
transmission process. However it was later adapted to human communication and is now known as the
linear model of communication. The first part of the model is the sender, and this is the person who is
speaking. The second part of the model is the channel, which is the apparatus for carrying the message
(i.e., the phone or TV). The third part of the model is the receiver, and this is the person who picks up
the message. In this model, communication is seen as a one-way process of transmitting a message
from one person to another person. This model can be found in Figure 1.1. If you think about situations
when you communicate with another person face-to-face or when you give a speech, you probably
realize that this model is inadequate—communication is much more complicated than firing off a
message to others.
 B. Transactional Model of Communication

Models of communication have evolved significantly since Shannon and Weaver first proposed
their well- known conceptual model over sixty years ago. One of the most useful models for
understanding public speaking is Barnlund’s transactional model of communication.[2] In the
transactional model, communication is seen as an ongoing, circular process. We are constantly affecting
and are affected by those we communicate with. The transactional model has a number of interdependent
processes and components, including the encoding and decoding processes, the communicator, the
message, the channel and noise. Although not directly addressed in Barnlund’s (2008) original
transactional model, participants’ worldviews and the context also play an important role in the
communication process.
(https://courses.lumenlearning.com/publicspeakingprinciples/chapter/models-of-communication/)

Model of Communication
Post-Tasks:

Write about it!

 Based on the model you have drawn, list down some ethical guidelines of communication in the workplace.

 After listing, explain how the model of communication process you have drawn in the During-Task would
need the guidelines you have listed below.

Ethical Guidelines of Explanation

Communication in
the Workplace
1. Honesty

2.

3.

4.

5.