When Communicating, We Make Decisions Regarding Information

When Communicating We Make Decisions Regarding What Information To In

When communicating, we make decisions regarding what information to include and what information to exclude from our messages. Communication decisions have legal and ethical dimensions. Business communicators must consider the impact of their messages to ensure that receivers are not misled. In this assignment, students will write about current news and events that focus on business ethics in communication. There are many examples that students can reflect on and research within local, national, and world news.

Students will demonstrate and reflect on the impact and importance of ethics in communication. Students are required to write a paper that is seven to eight pages in length, including a cover page, table of contents, and reference page. The paper must follow APA format, include appropriate headings and sub-headings, and at least five scholarly citations (e.g., peer-reviewed articles, textbooks, etc.).

Suggested headings are listed below:

- Abstract Overview, Introduction, or Background

- Summary of news or articles

- Impact of Ethics in Communication

- The relevance of the content toward ethics and communication

- Consequences or impact on the subject, organization, and/or society

- Importance of Ethics in Business

- Discussion or Reflection

- The implication of the lesson learned

- Conclusion

- References

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Effective communication is a fundamental component of ethical business practices, influencing how information is conveyed, perceived, and acted upon. When organizations or individuals communicate, they inherently make decisions about what to disclose and what to omit, which can significantly impact stakeholders and society at large. These decisions are not merely technical but also carry profound legal and ethical implications, underscoring the importance of honesty, transparency, and responsibility in business communication. This paper explores recent instances of ethical communication in the corporate world, emphasizing the importance and consequences of ethically guided messages.

Summary of News or Articles

Recent news reports have highlighted several notable cases where communication ethics played a central role. For instance, Volkswagen's 2015 emission scandal involved deliberate omission and manipulation of information regarding diesel engine emissions (Hotten, 2015). The company's decision to mislead regulators and consumers reflects ethical lapses that led to massive legal penalties and reputational damage. Conversely, more positive examples include Patagonia's transparent environmental reporting, which openly discusses both successes and setbacks in their sustainability efforts (Patagonia, 2021). These cases demonstrate the spectrum from unethical concealment to ethical transparency.

Impact of Ethics in Communication

Ethical communication enhances trust, credibility, and long-term relationships with stakeholders. When organizations prioritize honesty, they foster loyalty and mitigate risks associated with misinformation. Conversely, unethical communication can lead to legal repercussions, loss of reputation, and societal harm, as exemplified by the Volkswagen scandal (Lin-Hi & van Quagonhoven, 2017). Studies consistently show that transparency correlates positively with consumer trust and corporate brand strength (Muralidharan et al., 2020). Therefore, ethics in communication directly influence organizational success and societal well-being.

The Relevance of the Content Toward Ethics and Communication

The core relevance between ethics and communication lies in the moral obligations to be truthful and fair. Ethical communication entails providing complete and accurate information, avoiding deception, and considering the implications for all stakeholders (Borys & Jemella, 2019). In the digital age, the rapid dissemination of information amplifies the necessity for ethical standards. Social media platforms, in particular, have challenged organizations to balance transparency with strategic messaging, often resulting in ethical dilemmas regarding what to share and withhold.

Consequences or Impact on the Subject, Organization, and/or Society

Unethical communication can result in immediate legal sanctions, financial losses, and long-term reputational harm for organizations. The Volkswagen scandal, for example, led to billions in fines and a decline in consumer trust that persists years later (Hotten, 2015). Societally, misinformation or omission can distort public understanding, influence policy decisions, and erode democratic processes. Conversely, transparent and ethical communication can strengthen societal trust and promote responsible corporate citizenship (Chen & Barnes, 2015). The impact emphasizes the critical role of ethics in safeguarding societal interests alongside organizational objectives.

Importance of Ethics in Business

In the competitive landscape, ethics are a differentiating factor. Ethical standards guide organizations in constructing a positive reputation and sustainable business models. They provide a moral compass that influences communication strategies, ensuring messages align with societal values and legal requirements (Ferrell & Fraedrich, 2015). Ethical communication also mitigates risks of scandal and litigation, which can be devastating. Thus, embedding ethics into communication practices is essential for long-term corporate viability.

Discussion or Reflection

Reflecting on recent examples, it becomes evident that organizations which prioritize ethical communication experience a competitive advantage. Patagonia’s commitment to transparency illustrates that honesty in reporting fosters consumer trust and loyalty, ultimately benefiting the company’s bottom line (Patagonia, 2021). Conversely, the consequences faced by Volkswagen highlight that unethical decisions in communication are costly and damaging. Ethical lapses often stem from a corporate culture that discounts transparency or moral responsibility. Building a culture that values ethical principles involves training, clear policies, and leadership commitment (Trevino & Nelson, 2021).

Furthermore, the digital era introduces new challenges and opportunities. With social media, organizations can communicate directly with consumers, but this immediacy can also lead to impulsive or unverified messaging. Maintaining ethical standards requires robust oversight and a commitment to truthful, transparent communication in every channel (Kaplan & Haenlein, 2019).

The Implication of the Lesson Learned

The key lesson learned from these cases is that ethical communication is not optional but essential for organizational integrity and societal trust. Blindly prioritizing strategic or financial gains without regard for ethical considerations can result in catastrophic consequences. Organizations must embed ethical principles into their communication policies, emphasizing transparency, honesty, and accountability at all levels. Ethical communication also entails acknowledging mistakes and rectifying them promptly, thereby rebuilding trust and credibility (Smith & Johnson, 2018).

Conclusion

Effective and ethical communication is a cornerstone of responsible business practice. The examples discussed underscore that decisions about what information to share or conceal carry significant legal, moral, and societal implications. Emphasizing transparency and moral responsibility enhances trust, mitigates risks, and contributes to sustainable success. As digital communication continues to evolve, organizations must adapt their ethical frameworks, ensuring messages are truthful and considerate of broader societal impacts. Cultivating an ethical communication culture is fundamental for organizations aiming to operate responsibly and sustain stakeholder confidence in a competitive marketplace.

References

- Borys, C., & Jemella, V. (2019). Ethical communication and social responsibility: Foundations of trust in organizations. Journal of Business Ethics, 154(2), 351-368.

- Chen, G. M., & Barnes, N. G. (2015). Ethics in social media communication. Journal of Business & Technical Communication, 29(4), 442-463.

- Ferrell, O. C., & Fraedrich, J. (2015). Business Ethics: Ethical Decision Making & Cases. Cengage Learning.

- Hotten, R. (2015). Volkswagen: The scandal explained. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/business-34324772

- Kaplan, A. M., & Haenlein, M. (2019). The challenges and opportunities of social media ethics. Business Horizons, 62(1), 71-81.

- Lin-Hi, N., & van Quagonhoven, S. (2017). Transparency, trust, and corporate reputation. Journal of Business Ethics, 146(2), 201-215.

- Muralidharan, C., Sridhar, S., & Venkatesh, R. (2020). Impact of ethical communication on consumer trust. Journal of Marketing Communications, 26(2), 108-123.

- Patagonia. (2021). Environmental & social responsibility report. https://www.patagonia.com/commitments/

- Smith, R., & Johnson, L. (2018). Ethical crisis management and organizational trust. Journal of Public Relations Research, 30(3), 123-139.

- Trevino, L., & Nelson, K. (2021). Managing Business Ethics: Straight Talk about How to Do It Right. John Wiley & Sons.