Communication ethics is the

notion that people’s

behaviour are
governed by their morals which
in turn affects communication.
It deals with
the good that is present in any
form of human communication.
This includes:
(1) interpersonal
communication; (2) mass
mediated communication; and
(3)
digital communication
(https://en.wikipedia.org).
What do ethics have to do with
communication? How can
ethics, the
consideration of right and
wrong, help us in crafting our
communication? Is it
possible to be an effective
communicator and yet not
an ethical
communicator?
Communication ethics is the notion that people’s behaviour are governed by their morals which
in turn affects communication. It deals with the good that is present in any form of human
communication.

This includes:(1) interpersonal communication;

(2) mass mediated communication; and

(3)digital communication

What do ethics have to do with communication?

Is it possible to be an effective communicator and yet not an ethical communicator?

“Questions of right and wrong

arise whenever people
communicate. Ethical
communication is fundamental
to responsible thinking,
decision making, and the
development of
relationships and
communities within and
across contexts, cultures,
channels, and media.
Moreover, ethical
communication enhances
human
worth and dignity by fostering
truthfulness, fairness,
responsibility, personal
integrity, and respect for self
and others.”
“Questions of right and wrong arise whenever people communicate. Ethical communication is
fundamental to responsible thinking, decision making, and the development of relationships
and communities within and across contexts, cultures, channels, and media. Moreover,
ethical communication enhances human worth and dignity by fostering truthfulness, fairness,
responsibility, personal integrity, and respect for self and others.”

For example, there is a

charismatic leader but he is also
immoral. He
understands how to persuade his
followers with dazzling words
that appeals
to their emotions. Is he an
ethical communicator?
Communication ethics
concerns not only the
individual. It also
concerns businesses,
corporations, and professional
entities. A business with
unethical communication
practices is not as effective as
the one with ethical
communication practices. For
example, a business with
unethical
communication practices may
withhold evidence that it is
harming the
environment or breaking a
law through a lack of
transparency; while a
business with ethical
communication practices will
immediately press a
release to the affected
parties. In this example,
transparency makes the
business more effective because
it notifies its clients and
suppliers about an
environmental hazard or law
violation. Transparency will
encourage trust and
good faith. Transparency will
show that effective business
will not conceal
what is in the interest of its
audience
For example, there is a charismatic leader but he is also immoral. He understands how to persuade his
followers with dazzling words that appeals to their emotions. Is he an ethical communicator?

The charismatic leader may possess persuasive communication skills, but if he is using those skills to
manipulate or deceive his followers for immoral purposes, then he is not an ethical communicator.

Ethical communication involves more than just being charismatic or persuasive. It requires adhering to
moral principles such as honesty, integrity, respect, and fairness. If the leader is knowingly exploiting
his followers' emotions or manipulating them with false promises or deceptive tactics, then his
communication practices are unethical.

While charisma and persuasive communication can be powerful tools for inspiring and motivating
others, they must be used ethically and responsibly. True ethical communication involves sincerity,
transparency, and a genuine concern for the well-being of others, rather than solely focusing on
personal gain or manipulation.

Communication ethics concerns not only the individual. It also concerns businesses,
corporations, and professional entities. A business with unethical communication practices is not as
effective as the one with ethical communication practices. For example, a business with
unethical communication practices may withhold evidence that it is harming the environment
or breaking a law through a lack of transparency; while a business with ethical
communication practices will immediately press a release to the affected parties. In this
example, transparency makes the business more effective because it notifies its clients and suppliers
about an environmental hazard or law violation. Transparency will encourage trust and good faith.
Transparency will show that effective business will not conceal what is in the interest of its audience

SLIDE 1

Advocating for truthfulness, accuracy, honesty, and reason as essential to the integrity of
communication is fundamental in the ethics of communication because these principles uphold the core
values of integrity, respect, and fairness. Here's why each of these qualities is essential and an example
to illustrate:

Truthfulness: Truthfulness ensures that information exchanged in communication accurately represents

reality. When individuals are truthful, they provide others with an accurate understanding of the world,
enabling informed decision-making and fostering trust. For example, in a business setting, a company
must provide truthful information about its products or services to consumers to maintain credibility
and trust in the marketplace. If a company misrepresents its products' features or capabilities, it violates
trust and undermines its integrity.

Accuracy: Accuracy ensures that information communicated is reliable and free from errors or
distortions. Accurate communication helps prevent misunderstandings and misinterpretations, allowing
individuals to make well-informed decisions based on reliable information. For instance, in journalism,
accuracy is crucial to maintain the credibility of news reporting. If a journalist publishes a story with
inaccurate facts or misleading information, it damages the publication's reputation and undermines its
integrity as a source of trustworthy news.

Honesty: Honesty involves being sincere, transparent, and truthful in communication. Honest
communication builds trust and fosters authentic relationships based on openness and integrity. For
example, in interpersonal relationships, honesty is essential for building trust and maintaining emotional
connections. If one partner is dishonest or deceitful, it erodes trust and damages the relationship's
integrity, leading to conflict and resentment.

Reason: Reason involves using logic, critical thinking, and rational analysis in communication.
Reasonable communication promotes constructive dialogue, mutual understanding, and informed
decision-making based on evidence and sound judgment. For instance, in public debates or discussions
on social issues, presenting reasoned arguments backed by evidence encourages respectful discourse
and promotes the exchange of diverse perspectives. Conversely, relying on fallacious reasoning or
emotional manipulation undermines the integrity of communication and inhibits meaningful dialogue.

In summary, advocating for truthfulness, accuracy, honesty, and reason in communication is essential in
the ethics of communication because these principles uphold integrity, promote trust, and foster
meaningful interactions based on mutual respect and understanding. Examples from various contexts
illustrate how adhering to these principles contributes to ethical communication and maintains the
integrity of interpersonal, professional, and societal relationships.

SLIDE 2

Endorsing freedom of expression, diversity of perspective, and tolerance of dissent is crucial in the
ethics of communication because it fosters an environment where individuals can engage in open,
honest, and constructive dialogue. This environment allows for informed and responsible decision-
making, which is fundamental to a civil society. Here's why these principles are important, along with
a real-life example:

1. Freedom of Expression: Freedom of expression ensures that individuals have the right to voice
their opinions, ideas, and beliefs without fear of censorship or retaliation. This freedom
 encourages the exchange of diverse viewpoints and promotes innovation, creativity, and
intellectual growth. For example, in democratic societies, freedom of the press allows
journalists to report on important issues, hold those in power accountable, and facilitate
public discourse on matters of public interest.

2. Diversity of Perspective: Embracing diversity of perspective means valuing and respecting the
multitude of viewpoints, experiences, and backgrounds that individuals bring to the table.
Diversity of perspective enriches discussions, expands understanding, and encourages
empathy and tolerance towards others' viewpoints. For instance, in academic settings,
encouraging diverse perspectives in classroom discussions enables students to consider
different viewpoints, challenge their assumptions, and develop critical thinking skills.

3. Tolerance of Dissent: Tolerance of dissent means respecting the right of individuals to

disagree and express opposing viewpoints without fear of retribution or marginalization.
Tolerance of dissent encourages healthy debate, facilitates the exchange of ideas, and
prevents the suppression of minority viewpoints. For example, in a workplace setting,
fostering an environment of tolerance allows employees to voice dissenting opinions, offer
constructive criticism, and contribute to decision-making processes without fear of retaliation,
ultimately leading to more innovative and effective outcomes.

In summary, endorsing freedom of expression, diversity of perspective, and tolerance of dissent in the
ethics of communication is essential for promoting open, inclusive, and democratic societies. Real-life
examples demonstrate how these principles contribute to informed and responsible decision-making
by fostering environments where individuals feel empowered to express themselves, engage in
meaningful dialogue, and consider diverse viewpoints.

SLIDE 3

Condemning communication that degrades individuals and humanity through distortion,

intimidation, coercion, violence, intolerance, and hatred is crucial in the ethics of communication
because it upholds principles of respect, dignity, and human rights. Such communication undermines
mutual understanding, fosters division, and can incite harm or violence. Here's why it's important,
along with a real-life example:

1. Respect and Dignity: Condemning communication that degrades individuals and humanity
reinforces the importance of treating others with respect and dignity. It promotes empathy,
compassion, and consideration for the feelings and well-being of others, fostering a culture of
mutual respect and understanding.
2. Prevention of Harm: Communication that employs distortion, intimidation, coercion, or violence can
have harmful consequences, both psychologically and physically, for individuals and society as a
whole. By condemning such communication, we aim to prevent harm, protect vulnerable individuals,
and promote a safe and inclusive environment for all.
3. Promotion of Tolerance and Understanding: Expressions of intolerance and hatred breed division
and animosity within society. Condemning such communication promotes tolerance, acceptance, and
understanding of diverse perspectives, beliefs, and identities. It fosters a sense of unity and solidarity,
contributing to social cohesion and harmony.
Real-life Example: The rise of online hate speech and extremist rhetoric poses a significant challenge
to ethical communication. Social media platforms have become breeding grounds for the spread of
hateful ideologies, misinformation, and incitement to violence. Condemnation of such
communication is essential to combatting online radicalization, protecting vulnerable individuals
from harm, and promoting a digital environment where respectful dialogue and constructive
discourse can thrive. Initiatives by tech companies, governments, and civil society organizations to
monitor and remove hate speech online, as well as promote digital literacy and online civility, are
examples of efforts to address this issue and uphold ethical standards in communication.

SLIDE 4

It's crucial in the ethics of communication to emphasize that communicators should accept responsibility
for the short and long-term consequences of their communication and expect the same from others
because:

Promotes Integrity: Taking responsibility for the effects of our communication demonstrates integrity
and honesty. It shows that we stand by our words and are willing to face the consequences of our
actions.

Builds Trust: When communicators acknowledge and take responsibility for the consequences of their
communication, it builds trust with their audience. People are more likely to trust and respect
individuals who are accountable for their actions.

Encourages Ethical Behavior: By expecting accountability from communicators, it encourages ethical

behavior in communication. When people know that they will be held responsible for their words and
actions, they are more likely to engage in ethical communication practices.

Real-life example:

Consider a scenario where a public figure makes a statement that incites violence against a particular
community. This statement leads to protests, unrest, and harm to innocent individuals. If the public
figure refuses to acknowledge their role in inciting violence and fails to take responsibility for their
words, it exacerbates the situation and erodes trust in their leadership. However, if the public figure
accepts responsibility, apologizes for the harm caused, and takes steps to rectify the situation, it
demonstrates accountability and helps to mitigate the damage caused by their communication.