Ethical Consideration in

Professional Communication
Dr. Saba Hassan
Introduction

Professional communication involves the exchange of information in a

formal setting between individuals in a work environment. As a
professional, it is essential to conduct oneself ethically in all forms of
communication. Ethical considerations in professional communication
include a set of principles that govern how communication should be
carried out to ensure mutual respect, fairness, and honesty. In this
note, we will discuss some ethical considerations in professional
communication with examples.
Respect for Privacy and Confidentiality

One of the most critical ethical considerations in professional

communication is the respect for privacy and confidentiality. Professionals
should ensure that they do not share confidential information with
unauthorized parties. Examples of confidential information include medical
records, financial information, trade secrets, and personal data. A breach
of confidentiality can have severe consequences, such as legal action or
damage to a person's reputation.
Honesty and Integrity

Professionals should be truthful in all forms of communication.

They should avoid misleading or deceiving their audience. For
example, when making a sales pitch, a professional should not
exaggerate the features of a product to make it seem more
appealing. Similarly, in written communication, professionals
should avoid plagiarism and properly cite their sources.
Respect for Diversity and Inclusion:

Professionals should be sensitive to cultural differences and avoid

using language that is offensive or discriminatory. For example, a
professional should not use sexist or racist language in their
communication. In addition, professionals should ensure that their
communication is accessible to people with disabilities, such as
providing alternative formats for documents.
Fairness and Objectivity

Professionals should be fair and objective in their communication.

They should avoid bias and present information accurately. For
example, in a performance review, a professional should not let
personal feelings affect their assessment of an employee's
performance. They should focus on the facts and provide
constructive feedback.
Respect for Intellectual Property

Professionals should respect the intellectual property rights of

others. They should not use copyrighted material without
permission or properly cite their sources. For example, when
writing a report, a professional should not copy and paste
information from a website without giving credit to the original
source.
Responsible Use of Technology

Professionals should use technology responsibly in their

communication. They should avoid using technology to harass,
bully, or discriminate against others. For example, a professional
should not use social media to post derogatory comments about a
colleague or client.
Conclusion

In conclusion, ethical considerations are essential in professional

communication. Professionals should be mindful of their behavior,
language, and the impact of their communication on others. By
adhering to ethical principles, professionals can build trust and
credibility with their colleagues, clients, and stakeholders.