Research A Recent Newsworthy Event That Questioned Ethics

Research a Recent Newsworthy Event That Questioned The Ethics Of A Comp

Research a recent newsworthy event that questioned the ethics of a company. Write a 350- to 700-word paper (not including title and reference page) on the event you have chosen. Explain the situation of the event. Describe the company's ethical obligation in their communications to the public. Answer the following questions: Did you find any evidence of communications to the general public? How effective was the communication in terms of establishing credibility? If not, what approach would you suggest the company take to communicate to the public to gain credibility? Cite and reference at least two sources. Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines. Use one of the templates for APA papers provided in the Center for Writing Excellence.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The contemporary corporate landscape increasingly faces scrutiny over ethical conduct, especially when allegations or revelations threaten public trust. Recently, a notable event involving the multinational corporation Facebook (now Meta Platforms, Inc.) exemplifies this phenomenon. The controversy centered on the company’s handling of user data and its response to allegations of privacy violations, drawing widespread media attention and public concern. This incident underscores the crucial role of ethical communication in maintaining credibility and trust with stakeholders.

The Event and Its Ethical Implications

In October 2021, disclosures from a whistleblower, Frances Haugen, revealed that Facebook prioritized growth and engagement over user safety and privacy (The New York Times, 2021). Haugen's documents indicated that Facebook was aware of how its platforms could harm users, particularly adolescents, through exposure to misinformation and harmful content, yet failed to act decisively. The company faced accusations of ethical neglect, especially regarding transparency with the public about the risks associated with its platforms.

The ethical dilemma revolved around the company's obligation to provide truthful, comprehensive information to its users and stakeholders, and to prioritize user welfare over profits. Facebook’s internal documents suggested a pattern of concealing certain data and downplaying the negative impact of its algorithms, which further eroded trust and raised questions about corporate accountability.

Company's Ethical Obligations in Communication

Given the controversy, Facebook’s ethical obligation was to communicate transparently with its users, regulators, and the public about the nature of the issues and steps being taken to mitigate harm. Ethical communication entails honesty, clarity, and accountability—values that underpin public trust (Miles, 2022). Facebook needed to acknowledge shortcomings openly, provide factual updates, and outline concrete actions to improve data privacy and content moderation.

In this context, responsible corporate communication should have included regular, detailed disclosures about platform safety measures and ongoing efforts to address ethical concerns (Fombrun & Van Riel, 2004). Failing to do so not only undermines credibility but also hampers efforts to regain public confidence.

Evidence of Public Communication and Its Effectiveness

Following the revelations, Facebook issued several public statements addressing the allegations. However, critics argued that these responses were often vague, defensive, or insufficiently transparent. For instance, the company's initial responses focused on denying or minimizing the issues without providing detailed evidence or concrete timelines, which limited their credibility (Vise & Ghaisar, 2021).

This approach was largely ineffective in establishing trust. The public and policymakers remained skeptical, perceiving the company's responses as attempts to deflect criticism rather than genuinely address concerns. Transparency, timeliness, and an empathetic tone are essential components of effective communication, especially in crisis situations. Facebook’s failure to adopt these principles at the outset diminished its credibility.

Recommendations for Improved Public Communication

To enhance credibility, Facebook should implement a strategic communication approach rooted in transparency and accountability. Firstly, adopting a proactive disclosure strategy—sharing regular updates about progress and challenges—can foster trust. Such transparency demonstrates respect for public concerns and a commitment to ethical standards (Heath & Johansen, 2018).

Secondly, embracing an empathetic tone that acknowledges harm and commits to remedial actions can improve public perception. When organizations openly admit mistakes and articulate clear steps for correction, they reinforce their ethical obligations and rebuild stakeholder confidence. Using accessible language and providing evidence-based information are also crucial to enhancing credibility.

Conclusion

The Facebook privacy controversy exemplifies the critical importance of ethical communication in maintaining public trust. While the company issued public statements post-crisis, these were insufficient to establish credibility due to their vague and defensive nature. Moving forward, organizations faced with ethical lapses must prioritize transparent, honest, and empathetic communication strategies to uphold their ethical duties and regain stakeholder confidence.

References

Fombrun, C. J., & Van Riel, C. B. M. (2004). Fame & fortune: How successful companies build winning reputations. Pearson Education.

Heath, R. L., & Johansen, W. (2018). Strategic issues management: Organizations and public policy challenges. Routledge.

Miles, S. (2022). Transparency and accountability in corporate communication. Journal of Business Ethics, 170(3), 367-381.

Vise, D. A., & Ghaisar, M. (2021). Inside Facebook’s efforts to combat damaging content. The Washington Post. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com

The New York Times. (2021). Facebook whistleblower provides testimony on privacy and content. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com