KRISTEN ANNE PADAYACHEE

COMMUNICATION IN BUSINESS CONTEXT

ASSIGNMENT ONE
UNIQUE NUMBER: 747605

1
 DECLARATION OF OWN WORK
I,
Kristen Anne Padayachee

(NAME and SURNAME) confirm that:

 this MODULE contains my own, original ideas and work

 those ideas, or work, that are not my own, have been cited through the prescribed
referencing system which I have familiarised myself with in the TL CMNALL/E/301
 I have not submitted the ideas or work contained in this MODULE for any other tertiary
education credit

Policy on Research
Ethics.pdf
 I have read the University’s Policy of Research Ethics
 I have read and understood the PLAGIARISM POWERPOINT FOR UNDER-GRADUATE STUDIES
(available under ADDITIONAL SOURCES on myUnisa)
 I have familiarised myself with the library guides ON PLAGIARISM AND ETHICS offered by
Unisa’s library: https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/research-support/plagiarism
 I have read and understood Unisa’s Policy for Copyright Infringement and Plagiarism, and I
am aware that plagiarism is punishable in terms of the Copyright Act (Act 98 of 1978) and I
have read the regulations of the University of South Africa in this respect, available online:

https://www.unisa.ac.za/static/corporate_web/Content/Apply%20for%20admission/Documents/P
olicy_copyright_infringement_plagiarism_16November2005.pdf

12534927
_________________

STUDENT NUMBER

K.A.Padayachee 0817082016 30 March 2021

_________________________________ _____________
Signature and contact number DATE

D Naidoo 0671601384 30 March 2021

________________________________ _____________
Witness name and contact number DATE

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TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE NO.
1 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................... 4

2 QUESTION 1 .......................................................................................................................................... 5

2.1 Part A: Discussions On Video Lessons ........................................................................................... 5

2.2 Part B: Activity Log and Screenshots on Interactions on Discussion Forums ............................... 6

3 QUESTION 2 ........................................................................................................................................ 12

3.1 Planning............................................................................................................................................. 12

4 QUESTION 3 ........................................................................................................................................ 14

5 QUESTION 4 ........................................................................................................................................ 15

6 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................................................... 17

7 SELF ASSESMENT AND SELF REFLECTION QUESTIONS........................................................................ 17

SOURCES CONSULTED ......................................................................................................................... 18

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1 INTRODUCTION
Business communication entails all of the communication that takes place both
internally between employers and their managers, and externally with the relevant
stakeholders. Communication in business context is a relevant module that addresses
appropriate communication within the business environment. Assignment one includes
four questions in total. Question 1 consists of two parts being Part A which includes
short questions and Part B which comprises the activity log for the discussion forum.
Question two includes the planning for the essay and the essay titled “Ethics Training
Plays an Important Role in the Field of Accounting”. The assignment also includes a
memorandum and a formal letter. The conclusion is followed by the self assessment
questions.

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2 QUESTION 1

2.1 Part A: Discussions On Video Lessons

1.1 Formal writing refers to the use of formal vocabulary in grammatically sound
statements that are articulated from a third person perspective.

1.2 In-text citations are used within the body of the document to indicate where the
information has been sourced from and bibliographic referencing is included in a list of
sources or references that follows after the assignment. The list of sources is presented
on a separate page. In-text citations only indicate the surname of the author, year and
page reference whilst the bibliographic referencing includes the author/authors surname
and initials, year the source was published

1.3 The recipient is not a passive receiver of the message but rather actively
participates in the process of communication. By decoding the verbal and non-verbal
messages, the recipient processes the information and offers a suitable response (du
Plessis, Dowling & Steinberg 2009:9).

1.4 This paper argues that an ethics training programme is necessary to support
adherence to ethical standards within organisations.

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 2.2 Part B: Activity Log and Screenshots on Interactions on Discussion Forums
Forum Topic Date of Responded to Screenshot of post
post (student
number/name)
1 Ethical
communication
in the
organisation
Aspects of 20/3/2021 T. Mahomed
ethical
communication

13/3/2021 T. Tyabashe

Post by 31/3/2021 K.Padayachee

K.Padayachee

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 Organizational 21/3/2021 M.Lubisi
culture

2 Noise
(definition and
types of
noises)
23/2/2021 S. Moatshe

Culture 21/3/2021 K.Musie

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 Technological 21/3/2021 C.Annandale
platforms

Post by K. 31/3/2021 K.Padayachee

Padayachee

3 Models of
communication
(linear and
transactional)
Model 19/3/2021 B. Skosana
Preference

“
Message and 21/3/2021 G. Tarume
model

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 Differences 20/2/2021 R. Sinclair
between the
models

Post by K. 31/3/2021 K. Padayachee

Padayachee

4 Referencing
(difference
between in-
text citations,
paraphrasing,
direct
quotations and
list of sources
consulted)
TURNITIN 22/3/2021 Van den
Heever

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 Quotations 22/3/2021 J. Courtney
exceeding two
lines

Post by K. 31/3/2021 K. Padayachee

Padayachee

5 Verbal and
nonverbal
communication
in the
workplace
(oral and
written)
Influence of 22/3/2021 L. Hendricks
communication
noise in non-
verbal
communication

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Post b y K. 31/3/2021 K. Padayachee
Padayachee

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3 QUESTION 2

3.1 Planning
Introduction: overview of the essay, and the thesis statement.

Ethical Workplace Behaviour: definition, four elements- truthfulness, sincerity, honesty

and fairness, examples of ethical and unethical workplace behaviour.

Ethical Messages in the Workplace

Ethical Challenges: Pressure from Management, The accountant as a whistleblower,

the effects of greed, omitting financial records.

Conclusion: Reinforce the thesis statement.

List of Sources

3.2 Ethics Training Plays an Important Role in the Field of Accounting

Grey areas or blurred lines exist for employees and organisations when deciding
between what is right and wrong in the world of profit. In this regard the need for ethics
training in the accounting field is highlighted. Accounting firms and employees have a
responsibility to adhere to ethical principles such as independence, objectivity, integrity,
confidentiality and competence (Gartenstein 2019a). Ethics training is not a popular
area of employee training and development, but it is vital for ethical decision making
and conduct to promote the sustainability of the organisation and protect the public. This
essay argues that ethical training is essential in the field of accounting. Business ethics,
workplace ethical behaviour, ethical communication and its four principles are
discussed, with an insight into ethical challenges in the workplace.

Business ethics encompasses the ethical principles, norms and standards that steer the
organisation with regard to the daily operations and interactions with stakeholders
(Rossouw,Prozesky,Van Heerden & Van Zyl 2006:6). According to Half (2017) there is
a need for organisations to develop a code of ethics that govern the business
transactions for all employees as the lack of a code of ethics contributes to a demise of
ethical clarity, accountability and transparency. According to Sherman (2019), when
companies have a code of ethics it tells employees what the organisation views as
ethically acceptable. In the case of accounting firms, business ethics is not only

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maintained within the organisation through the code of ethics, but is also governed by
external bodies. The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) is a
governing body within South Africa (SA) that monitors the rules for accounting practices
and professionals. Ethics training programs need to be aligned to both governing bodies
and the organisation code of ethics (Gartenstein 2019b).

Ethical workplace behaviour is behaviour that is morally right with regard to conduct and
decision making. Accountants should display personal and professional values that are
in keeping with the organisation’s code of ethics and SAICA (Krishnan 2019). Ethical
communication according to Du Plessis, Dowling and Steinberg (2009:27) highlights the
importance of truthfulness and honesty to ensure that the information provided from
audits and reports is factual and objective. Furthermore, sincerity and honesty supports
communication that promotes integrity. For example, the Gupta scandal and KPMG
reflected many unethical business transactions and communications made by senior
managers in KPMG (Anon 2018). This example further demonstrates unethical
leadership and the lack of positive role models (Ahmed 2019). Ethical training is not
highlighted as organisations are of the opinion that employees know what to do in
ethical dilemmas but employees may lack the moral compass needed to make the right
decision which can cause problems for the organisation. This is noted in the example of
the Enron scandal. The lack of ethical training allows employees to set their own
boundaries which highlights the need for ethics training that is particular to the field of
accounting.

The use of ethics experts is beneficial as employees understand that they are being
trained by leaders in the field who have adequate experience and knowledge. Russel
(2017) supports the use of practical exercises such as role playing for addressing
concrete ethical dilemmas. It is important for all employees to attend ethics training in
order to set the tone for acceptable conduct within the organisation. The benefit of
feedback, criticisms and suggestions from employees shows how the training sessions
can be improved in the future.

Ethics training holds many benefits for the employee and the organisation as shown
above. Therefore, incorporating it as a continuous professional development exercise
may benefit the employee and the organisation in the long run.

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4 QUESTION 3

Tshwane Municipality

MEMO

From: Kristen Anne Padayachee

To: All staff

Date: 30 March 2021

Procedure and Protocol for Expense Claim Processing

There have been several irregularities noted in the processing of claims for expenses
incurred. These irregularities include, but are not limited to expenses related to
accommodation, car hire, recreational trips and business meals that include the
consumption of alcohol. The above claims are not in accordance with the ethical
guidelines offered for the allowable expenses that can be claimed. In addition, the lack
of documentary evidence to support the expense claim is noted. There is a significant
consumption of resources allocated to the processing of expense claims. Therefore, the
sorting of invalid claims has proven to be a fruitless and wasteful expenditure in the
accounts department. In accordance with the ethical code of conduct for the processing
of expense claims, the procedures and protocol for the processing of expense claims is
provided.

As per the guideline provided, only expenses that are related to business travel, four-
star hotel accommodation, business meals and foreign dignitary gifts can be claimed
through the accounts department. All other expenses incurred may not be processed as
an expense claim and should not be submitted to the accounts department. When
submitting the expense claim, the relevant supporting documentation such as receipts
and invoices must be attached. The documentary evidence should be clear and legible
to facilitate the claims process. In the unlikely event that supporting documentation was
not attached to the expense claim, the accounts department will make a written request
for the documentation via an email. A period of 10 working days will be provided for
submission of the supporting documentation from the employee. A failure to provide the
appropriate supporting documentation will result in the cancellation of the expense claim
as per the guidelines. A copy of the guidelines for claims processing will also be
forwarded to all employees to avoid any further irregularities and wastage of resources
in the near future. The Tshwane Municipality is committed to ethical standards and
transparency in the processing of expense claims.

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5 QUESTION 4
14 Stanmore Drive

Stanmore

Phoenix

Unit 17

4068

30 March 2021

The Manager

South African Board for People Practices (SABPP)

Willowbrook House

1st floor Constantia Office Park

Corner of 14th Avenue & Hendrik Potgieter Streets

Weltevredenpark

Roodeport

1715

Dear Sir/Madam

Complaint Relating to the Lack of Feedback Following Job Interviews

I am a recent graduate from the University of South Africa (UNISA) who has attended
interviews for vacancies advertised at various organisations. However, no written or
verbal feedback was provided regarding the outcome of the interview. I consulted with
advisors in the field of human resources, labour law and ethics regarding the above
complaint, who indicated that this practice is unethical.

It is important for organisations to engage in ethical human resource practices during

the process of recruitment. Therefore, this matter has been brought to your attention to
ensure that this practice is discontinued. I would like to request your intervention in this

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matter so that companies follow ethical practices in the near future and inform the
candidate of whether they were successful or not.

I hope that you will give this matter your careful consideration.

Yours faithfully

Kristen Anne Padayachee

Kristen Anne Padayachee

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6 CONCLUSION
Assignment one includes four questions and a self assessment/reflection component.
Question one entailed a discussion on the video lessons and the completion of an
activity log. Question two entailed an argumentative essay followed by a memo for
question 3. Question 4 incorporated a formal letter and the last question was based on
the self-assessment and evaluation.

7 SELF ASSESMENT AND SELF REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1 What have you learnt (what knowledge have you gained) by doing this assignment?

The formal layout for a memo and business letter was reinforced. These formal writing
examples were learnt at school but the tutorial letter and the prescribed text provided a
comprehensive overview of the format and layout.

2 What skills, abilities and orientations (attitudes and values) have you acquired?

Written communication is an important skill that is needed in everyday life for personal
and work requirements. The discussion forums encourage the written communication
and promote the development of this skill.

3 Which strengths could you apply in your future life and work environment?

Learning the format for the formal letter and the memo will be useful in the work
environment within an accounting organization. I will also be able to assist other
colleagues at work who may not have learnt this in their course of studies.

4 Which shortcomings do you need to address in future?

The argumentative essay was challenging and I need to work on my writing skills. Time
management is of the essence with distance learning. I need to manage my workload
so that I work with order and reduce the stress of last minute assignment completion. I
need to sharpen my skills with speed reading.

5 To what extent have you achieved the learning outcomes formulated for this module

I was able to achieve the learning outcomes.

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LIST OF SOURCES CONSULTED
Ahmed, A. 2019. Ethics Training for the Workplace.Available:http:// Ethics Training for
the Workplace.How to Create a Code of Ethics (bizfluent.com)

Anonymous. Big 4 Accounting Scandals (2018). Available:http://Big 4 Accounting

Scandals (2018) | The Big 4 Accounting Firms. Accessed 2021/04/03

Gartenstein,D. 2019a. Definition of Ethics in Accounting. Available:http:/Definition of

Ethics in Accounting.pdf - Definition of Ethics in Accounting De nition of Ethics in
Accounting Szepy\/iStock\/GettyImages By Devra | Course Hero. Accessed on
2021/04/03

Gartenstein,D. 2019b. Importance of Ethics in Accounting and Financial Decision

Making. Available:https://bizfluent.com/about-6463277-importance-accounting-financial-
decision-making.html. Accessed on 2021/04/03

Half, R. 2017. Ethical Issues in Accounting:4 pieces of advice. Available

at:https://www.roberthalf.com/blog/salaries-and-skills/ethical-issues-in-accounting-4-
pieces-of-advice.Accessed on 2021/04/03

Krishnan, K. Why is ethics an important part of accounting?.Available:http://What is

ethics and why is it an important part of accounting? (sundarambusinessservices.com).
Accessed 2021/04/03

Rossouw, Prozesky, Van Heerden & Van Zyl .2006. Ethics for Accountants and
Auditors. Oxford Publishers Southern Africa: Cape Town

Russell, R. 2017.How to Create a Code of Ethics. Available at:http//How to Create a

Code of Ethics (bizfluent.com). Accessed 2021/04/03.

Satar, A.A. 2021. Applied Writing Skills Part 2.[Video recording].Pretoria

Sherman, F. 2019. What Are the Benefits of a Code of Conduct? Available:http://What

Are the Benefits of a Code of Conduct? (bizfluent.com).Accessed 2021/04/03

University of South Africa. Department of Communication Science.2021. CMNALLE.

Tutorial Letter 301/4/2021 FOR CBC 1501. Pretoria

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