Overview
The lecture discusses the principles of ethics in communication, highlighting key concepts, importance, and guidelines for ethical behavior in communicative contexts.
Introduction to Ethics in Communication
- Ethics in communication refers to the moral principles guiding interactions and message delivery.
- Ethical communication ensures honesty, fairness, and respect in all forms of interaction.
- Applying ethics helps build trust and credibility between individuals and organizations.
Core Principles of Ethical Communication
- Honesty involves presenting information truthfully without deception or omission.
- Integrity means maintaining consistency between one's words, actions, and values.
- Respect requires consideration of others’ perspectives, rights, and privacy.
- Responsibility is acknowledging the impact of one's communication and taking accountability for outcomes.
- Fairness ensures equal treatment and avoids biased or prejudicial language.
Importance of Ethics in Communication
- Ethical communication prevents misunderstandings and misinformation.
- Maintaining ethical standards strengthens relationships and organizational reputation.
- Unethical communication can lead to loss of trust, legal issues, or damaged reputations.
Guidelines for Ethical Communication
- Always fact-check information before sharing.
- Disclose conflicts of interest and avoid plagiarism.
- Listen actively and without prejudice.
- Maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive information.
- Accept feedback and correct mistakes promptly.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Ethics — moral principles guiding actions and decisions.
- Integrity — consistency between words, actions, and personal values.
- Confidentiality — keeping sensitive information private.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the provided examples of ethical and unethical communication.
- Prepare answers for discussion questions on ethical dilemmas in communication.
- Read assigned textbook chapter on ethical communication practices.