Ethics in business communication

Ethical issues in business communications are the ethical considerations in business communication that allow communication to be successful for both the sender and the receiver. ^[1] From end-to-end effective communicators try as clearly and accurately to pass on their ideas, intentions and, objectives to their receiver in a clear, transparent and truthful way.

In the business world, effective communication skills are necessary due to the highly informational and technological era, which has made it easier for exchanging of information between the parties using non face-to-face methods. ^[2]

Overview

Some of the vital characteristics of ethical communication are discussed below. ^[3]

Making a point without offense

While communicating with the audience and expressing the desired message in a significant manner is of primary importance. Strong conversation skills can make a big difference in the workplace. ^[4] Knowing how to share an attentive, friendly discussion will give more confidence and help build better relationships. Key skills, include more thoughtful listener, giving sharper responses, and handeling common mistakes. For instance, the employees in a company can be asked to increase their efficiency in a demanding manner whereas managers and executives will feel offended if the same tone is used on them. There are different ways to explain the exact things to them in a much smoother manner. ^[5]

Building rapport

Maintaining the same wavelength with the audience is very important for a communicator to ensure the audiences feel at home. Experienced communicators immediately build a relationship based on trust with the audience as soon as they start speaking. As the audience shares, ask relevant questions to give them further chances to express themselves. Good communicators should be curious about the audience! For instance, by asking for feedback such how they felt when they finished doing a presentation. ^[6]

Transparent and accurate

Avoid withholding crucial information, information is vital for all decision. Hence, it is essential for any organization to be cautious when communicating with titanic. The related information should be absolute, and all crucial information must be passed on appropriately. Purposely withholding crucial information might result in the public conceiving a bad image. ^{[7] [8]}

Clear organizational values

In order to ensure that this concept is successfully practiced and understood in an organization, a well-organized value system must be established throughout the organization by the top management. If an organization functions on the base of value systems common to both the top management and the employees, mutual respect between them will be present. A sound and healthy value system can make way for ethical communication. ^{[9] [10]}

References

1. Eadie, W.F. (2009). 21st Century Communication: A Reference Handbook.San Diego, CA. SAGE Publication Inc.
2. Hereford, Z. "Good Communication Skills - Key to Any Success". Archived from the original on 2022-12-07.
3. Principles of Communication. Retrieved November 30th, 2014.
4. "Online etymology Dictionary".
5. Raman, Meenakshi; Singh, Prakash (2006). Business communication (2. impression. ed.). [S.l.]: Oxford University Press. ISBN   0-19-567695-5.
6. Rogin, Patricia; Guffey, Mary Ellen; Rhodes, Kathleen (2009). Business communication : process and product (3rd brief Canadian ed.). Toronto: Nelson Education. ISBN   978-0-17-650046-7.
7. al.], A. C. "Buddy" Krizan (2006). Business communication (7th ed.). Mason, OH: Thomson South-Western. ISBN   0-324-37485-2.
8. Thompson, S. About ethical communication in business. Azcentral: A Gannett Company. Retrieved from http://yourbusiness.azcentral.com/ethical-communication-business-8553.html
9. Jethwaney, Jaishri (2010). Corporate communication : principles and practice. Oxford University Press. ISBN   978-0-19-806365-0.
10. IABC code of ethics for professional communicators. (2014). Retrieved from http://www.iabc.com/about/code.htm Archived 2012-10-06 at the Wayback Machine