In this digital age an ethical communicator means...
- Communication is honest - Communication is accurate - Communication is fair that aids in understanding and respect In order to be ethical as a communicator we must ensure we are not untruthful or inaccurate. Note that in this digital age it is easy to lie and falsify information online, however, we should ensure we are not conforming to these unethical communicators. IABC has a Code of Ethics that can help guide us to be ethical in our communication as professionals (see below). |
Ethical communication can be achieved in this digital age...
- By passing information along as soon as you get it - By sending accurate information - By sending complete information - By speed in dissemination of important information - By storage and archiving of communications You can choose to be unethical by lying and cheating in this digital age or you can choose to be ethical by doing the right thing and being honest and moral. One test to ensure you are an ethical communicator is the "well-lit room" test. This test operates under the understanding that you would not do something unethical with someone watching so act and communicate as though someone always is watching you (Sundrud 2014). Another important thing to remember is that what we post online most likely will live online forever (unless intentionally removed). Be cognizant of what and how you say it. |
According to the IABC Code of Ethics for Professionals, an Ethical committee that writes the "policies and bylaws of ethics", the full list of Articles are below. These articles are guidelines for being a professional ethical communicator and provide more guidelines and rules as to what an ethical communicator is. The following can be found on IABC's website at http://www.iabc.com.
- "Professional communicators uphold the credibility and dignity of their profession by practicing honest, candid and timely communication and by fostering the free flow of essential information in accord with the public interest.
- Professional communicators disseminate accurate information and promptly correct any erroneous communication for which they may be responsible.
- Professional communicators understand and support the principles of free speech, freedom of assembly, and access to an open marketplace of ideas and act accordingly.
- Professional communicators are sensitive to cultural values and beliefs and engage in fair and balanced communication activities that foster and encourage mutual understanding.
- Professional communicators refrain from taking part in any undertaking which the communicator considers to be unethical.
- Professional communicators obey laws and public policies governing their professional activities and are sensitive to the spirit of all laws and regulations and, should any law or public policy be violated, for whatever reason, act promptly to correct the situation.
- Professional communicators give credit for unique expressions borrowed from others and identify the sources and purposes of all information disseminated to the public.
- Professional communicators protect confidential information and, at the same time, comply with all legal requirements for the disclosure of information affecting the welfare of others.
- Professional communicators do not use confidential information gained as a result of professional activities for personal benefit and do not represent conflicting or competing interests without written consent of those involved.
- Professional communicators do not accept undisclosed gifts or payments for professional services from anyone other than a client or employer.
- Professional communicators do not guarantee results that are beyond the power of the practitioner to deliver.
- Professional communicators are honest not only with others but also, and most importantly, with themselves as individuals; for a professional communicator seeks the truth and speaks that truth first to the self." (IABC 2014)
Sources:
2014. "IABC Code of Ethics for Professional Communicators". IABC International Association of Business Communicators. Accessed October 10, 2014. http://www.iabc.com/about/code.htm. 2014. "Our Ethics". Envzion-Marketing. Accessed October 10, 2014. http://envzion-marketing.com/Niche/ethics.html Sundrud, Nolan. 2014. Ethics lecture from COMM 4020. University of Denver. |