What is Ethics?
To know if we communicate ethically, we must first understand what "ethics" really is. According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary website, ethics is ”A set of moral principles: a theory or system of moral values." So what does ethics, or being ethical, really mean?
What is Ethical Communication?
So what does ethics, or being ethical, really mean? Professor Nolan Sundrud
teaches that ethical communication includes four key elements: 1) Accuracy,
2) Completeness, 3) Speed in disseminating important information and
4) Proper storage and archiving of communications (COMM 4020 Class Lecture, 2013).
In simple terms, being ethical means being honest, respectful, timely,
not harming anyone, doing the right thing (in accordance with your ethical
paradigm of choice), not being intrusive, making moral decisions,adding
to the greater good, and being culturally sensitive.
No matter the situation, you are constantly communicating, and using the four
key elements listed above will keep your communication professional and ethical.
Professional communication done ethically will help you further
yourself in life. According to the International Association of Business
Communicators (IABC), professional communication should be 1) legal,
2) ethical and 3) in good taste (IABC Website 2013).
teaches that ethical communication includes four key elements: 1) Accuracy,
2) Completeness, 3) Speed in disseminating important information and
4) Proper storage and archiving of communications (COMM 4020 Class Lecture, 2013).
In simple terms, being ethical means being honest, respectful, timely,
not harming anyone, doing the right thing (in accordance with your ethical
paradigm of choice), not being intrusive, making moral decisions,adding
to the greater good, and being culturally sensitive.
No matter the situation, you are constantly communicating, and using the four
key elements listed above will keep your communication professional and ethical.
Professional communication done ethically will help you further
yourself in life. According to the International Association of Business
Communicators (IABC), professional communication should be 1) legal,
2) ethical and 3) in good taste (IABC Website 2013).