ETHICS OF

COMMUNICATION
 The term Ethics comes from the
Greek word ethos, which means custom,
habit, character or outlook. Albeit peoples
from different cultures vary in their moral
philosophies , people in general expect to
be treated with dignity, fairness, respect or
with basic courtesy in their communication
encounters.
 Ethics in Communication
1. Adhering to the golden rule or the platinum rule.
The Golden rule asserts to always treat others in the
same way You want to be treated while the platinum
rule According to Bennett (1980) Stresses on treating
others the way they wish to be treated. Ethical
Communicators addresses people of other
cultures with the same respect that they would like to
receive themselves ( Jandt.2013.37).
 Ethics in Communication

2. Considering the feelings of the receiver.

Humans are not only cognitive but also emotional
beings . If we are less careful with our words, tone,
and non-verbal gestures, people could be
negatively affected. To be ethical in communicating
with others, it will be best to maintain tact and
diplomacy in our Communications.
 Ethics in Communication

3. Acknowledging the source of idea and

information.
Sources of ideas and information should be
Acknowledged appropriately at all times. It is
unethical and unlawful for someone to convey
other people’s intellectual property without
recognizing the authors names or organization.
 Ethics in Communication
4. Speaking the truth.
This is the universal rule. Unfortunately, there are
Also those who ( for whatever reason) seem to
Enjoy propagating falsehood. Take for instance the
abundance of fake news or what others call
alternative facts on the internet. Obviously,
this is a violation of communication ethics and
should be stopped by all means.