If you’re not being objective, and you are trying to communicate your opinion (or the opinion of others) as fact, then you are not being ethical. Just because you don’t put your name on it doesn’t mean you’re not responsible for facilitating an incorrect, untruthful message. But if you want further guidance as to what is and is not ethical in business communication, the International Association of Business Communicators outlines a code of ethics for all its members:[1]. For instance, if you craft a message that is not clear and concise, and you use tricky language that manipulates your consideration for your audience’s knowledge, then you are not being ethical. It determines whether or not you stay in business. One of the most egregious examples of bad corporate behavior in recent years is Wells Fargo & Co., which was fined $185 million in 2016 after it was discovered that bank employees had created 3.5 million fraudulent accounts over the prior seven years. When you post information online on behalf of your business, you owe your co-workers and all your external readers truthful information. As business practices become more transparent and the people behind those businesses become more public, customers and patrons begin to expect more from these businesses. The importance of business ethics reaches far beyond employee loyalty and morale or the strength of a management team bond. Business professionals at any stage of their careers can benefit through improved written, verbal and visual presentation skills that make them more effective in promoting ethical business practices and thus their careers. Some of these less-than-subtle fibs are easy to spot and debunk. Attracts customers. Business needs to be truly acting in a way which goes beyond purely profit-based motivations, towards a model which works for everyone – what we call the Triple Bottom Line: People, Planet, Profit. The New York Times reports that even after the bank’s firing of more than 5,000 employees and engaging in a “Re-Established” marketing campaign in the years that followed, Wells Fargo employees claim the bank’s unethical practices continue. If you have any question regarding the ethics of a particular message, these guidelines should serve you well. Communication is the central pillar of a successful business. Business ethics is a broad topic, covering everything from corporate governance to corporate social responsibility. Business ethics are vital because they help maintain a great reputation, help avoid significant financial and legal issues, and they ultimately benefit everyone involved. A successful business relies on communication in order to establish partnerships and market to customers. American Management Association, “Five Standards of Excellence for Ethical Leaders”, Bizfluent, “What Are Key Principles of Ethical Communication?”, Bizfluent, “What Are the Causes of Unethical Behavior in the Workplace?”, Bizfluent, “What Are the Goals of Ethical Business Communications?”, Entrepreneur, “Only Ethical Marketing Will Stand the Test of Time”, Houston Chronicle, “About Communication & Ethical Issues in Business”, International Association of Business Communicators, IABC Code of Ethics for Professional Communicators, Investopedia, “Why Is Business Ethics Important?”, National Center for Education Statistics, Annual Earnings of Young Adults, The Arizona Republic, “About Ethical Communication in Business”, Vox, “New Brand, Same Culture: Wells Fargo Workers Say the Company Is Still Toxic”. Companies use them to drive profits and force other companies to follow their lead or fall behind. Ethics in business communication is the foundation of decision-making and responsible strategic planning required to promote growth. Ethics refers to society’s sense of the right way of living our daily lives. Because of this, in order to be successful in today’s environment, a company has to be socially conscious and to behave ethically. Ethical issues of business communication is the way by which individuals or groups of people exchange information between them.From end-to-end the process, effective communicators try as clearly and accurately to pass on their ideas, intentions and, objectives to their receiver. Courses featured in the program that strengthen a businessperson’s communication ability include the following: To avoid becoming the next Wells Fargo, a company must ensure that ethical business communication becomes a fundamental part of all its operations. The internet provides all kinds of opportunity to trip up good communicators and drop them right into the middle of an ethical conundrum. My actions bring respect for and trust in the communication profession. That’s a trend whose thread is woven into every aspect of business, and that’s not a bad thing. Was it a mistake, or was it unethical? Whenever there is great pressure to do right instead of maximizing profits, this principle is … Never communicate anything that may be construed as demeaning, intolerant or hateful. As the American Management Association states, “Truth is Job One.”. I do not guarantee results that are beyond my power to deliver. Ethics also helps employees understand the standards in the business especially, in the communication aspect. It does this by establishing rules, principles, and values on which we can base our conduct. When you communicate, you work hard to develop a relationship of trust with your audience, whether they’re reading you or listening to you speak. The negative impact of corporate ethics scandals of the past heightens the need for skilled business communication professionals able to promote ethical communication with the public and other businesses, as well as in the organization itself. Ethics training for managers and employees is spearheaded by business communication professionals able to put into practice the real-world skills they’ve learned in programs such as Rider University’s online Master of Arts in Business Communication program. All rights reserved. Business ethics begin at the top of an organization. 18. Don’t take things off the internet and use them as your own. As with all business initiatives, the … Fact check information you pull off the internet. How Leaders Can Leverage Ethics in Communication To Promote Organizational Growth, Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership, Developing People and Organizations Concentration, Higher Education Leadership Concentration, Bachelor of Science Business Administration, Bachelor of Science in Allied Health Studies, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Organizational Psychology, Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Psychology, online Master of Arts in Business Communication. Bizfluent lists the “foundational elements” of ethical business communication: However, the most important principle of ethical business communication is a commitment by officers and senior managers to promote professional and personal ethics. Be careful about sharing proprietary information, information that violates patient confidentiality or attorney-client privilege. Of visuals in Module 5: Visual media and etiquette has increased more after dawn! 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