What are communication ethics?

Communication ethics can be defined simply as the inclusion of ethics in communication. Ethics are moral principles that govern a person's behavior and conduct. Therefore, ethics in communication or communication ethics are the moral principles that govern a person’s conduct.

Significance of communication ethics

Communication ethics are concerned with the creation and evaluation of goodness in all aspects of communicative interaction. Communication Ethics can be understood from the way a person uses language or media and creates relationships that are guided by one’s respective values and morals.

Ethics are crucial in keeping society civil and well-conduct. A recent example that highlights the importance or need for communication ethics is the fake news boom. With fake news becoming so prevalent, one can easily ask for an increased need of incorporating communication ethics into society.

Basics of communication ethics

Some of the basics of communication ethics are mentioned below:

• Communication is ethical when both or all parties are participating.
• Listening and understanding are important for communication ethics.
• Having a non-judgmental point of view when communicating is important for proper understanding and comprehension.
• One must express oneself clearly while maintaining personal boundaries.
• One must avoid interrupting others’ conversations and not try to speak on behalf of others.
• One must be honest and fair, and keep integrity in their words.

Business communication ethics and benefits

Enhanced image

There is an official universal code of conduct for some professions such as psychologists, teachers, doctors, auditors, and so on in many countries. Although not officially stated, communication ethics are infused in business communication as well. Communication ethics are of great concern to businesses and corporations. A business with unethical communication practices is considered ineffective when compared with one that follows ethical communication. For instance, a business with unethical communication practices may not be honest about the environmental destruction it caused. This lack of transparency will make affect its brand image as its clients and customers will lose trust in it. Hence, if a company communicates ethically, it can enhance its image among its various stakeholders.

Improved decision making

In the present-day business world, improved decision-making along with communication ethics is very important because of the highly informational and technological era. Modern times have made it quite easy to exchange information with other parties and take proper decisions. A company can aim to be socially and ethically responsible and may consequently prioritize ethical communication. It may decide to increase interactions both inside the company and with its customers.

Increased trust and credibility

Many consumers generally prefer doing business with companies having good communication ethics. Therefore, such ethical businesses will gain more trust and credibility in the market over others. Also, business communication ethics makes a good impression on superiors, clients, and customers. It also helps to avoid conflicts between the customers and the company. It helps to maintain a competitive edge for an organization as a whole because communication represents the culture of an organization.

Corporate social responsibility

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) can be understood as the responsibility of a company toward social and environmental concerns while acting in the company’s interests. The company ethics include the morals and standards, on which the company works, and the CSR is a management concept that creates responsible behavior within a company. Hence, business communication ethics and CSR are related to each other. CSR helps to build the brand image of companies and uplift their status in society.

Some of the common CSR actions include:

• Environmental sustainibility
• Human capital enhancement
• Community involvement
• Ethical marketing, and so on.

Principles of ethical business communication

The principles of ethical business communication are discussed below:

• The goals and objectives of corporate bodies should be shared properly. The desired message should be delivered in a significant manner. It will help retain a good relationship, based on trust, with the audience.
• Crucial information must not be withheld. Information is vital for all the parties involved in communication. Therefore, it is essential for organizations to not try withholding when communicating with the audience as it may end up damaging goodwill, and all crucial information must be passed on appropriately.
• Organizations must have a well-organized value system. It means the organization should have a value system that is built on mutual respect for both the top management and employees. A healthy value system leads to an effective way forward for the fulfillment of ethical business communication.
• For strong communication, the accuracy of information is also necessary. Information to be passed within the organization or out of the organization should be checked thoroughly for its accuracy. In case the information turns out to be inaccurate, it will be highly damaging for the organization. Therefore, identification of the source of information and testing the information beforehand is very important.

Consumer Behaviour towards non-durable goods

Gender plays a very important role in the behavior of consumers. As per the research,

Context and Applications

Communication ethics in business are specially stated as per the requirements in the businesses and corporate organizations. These ethics if applied throughout the business will help employees and customers feel heard and respected which will help gain more loyalty and a more successful business. Communication ethics in business are taught in management courses as part of the academic curriculum too.

Related Concepts

• Corporate social responsibility
• Ethics
• Business ethics
• Communication

Practice Problems

1. What is the significance of communication ethics?

1. creation and evaluation of goodness
2. crucial in keeping society's evil conduct
3. one’s respective goals
4. All of the above

Correct Answer: Option a

Explanation: Communication ethics are concerned with the creation and evaluation of goodness in all aspects of communicative interaction. Communication Ethics can be understood from the way a person uses language or media and creates relationships that are guided by one’s respective values and morals.

2. Which of the following is an example of corporate social responsibility (CSR)?

1. Supplying underprivileged kids with office supplies
2. Providing solar-powered lightbulbs in remote villages
3. Releasing pollutants into the local river
4. Both (a) and (b)

Correct Answer: Option d

Explanation: Supplying underprivileged kids with supplies and providing solar-powered lightbulbs in remote villages is an act of helping society and fulfilling the corporate’s obligation. These are thus examples of corporate social responsibility while releasing pollutants in the local river is an example of unethical business communication.

3. What is the benefit of communication ethics in business?

1. Increased loyalty
2. Increased business
3. Increased team spirit
4. All of these

Correct Answer: Option d

Explanation: All the above-mentioned options are the possible benefits of applying communication ethics in business. There are countless benefits of communication ethics anywhere, be it school, workplace, or personal life.

4. What will happen if a firm hides crucial information that the public must know?

1. The public will not care about it much.
2. The public will lose trust in the firm.
3. The goodwill of the firm will be damaged.
4. Both (b) and (c)

Correct Answer: Option d

Explanation: If a firm hides crucial information that the public must know, it will lose trust among the people and damage its goodwill, since it will be deemed as a breach of trust.

5. Which of the following is not an example of communication ethics?

1. Apologizing after you scratched someone’s car
2. Ordering politely your everyday coffee
3. Fighting over the phone with the customer care representative
4. None of the above

Correct Answer: Option c

Explanation: Fighting over the phone with the customer care representative is not an example of communication ethics. The situation must be handled by talking patiently.