Ethical Values
Ethical Values
a. Honesty
and Truthfulness: We provide accurate information about products,
services, and business performance and avoid exaggeration or manipulation of
facts to influence stakeholders. Being truthful in advertising, marketing
materials, and sales pitches is also an ethical value in business. Similarly,
we should communicate openly about any limitations or potential drawbacks of
products or services.
b. Respect:
We listen actively and attentively to others' perspectives without
interrupting and use inclusive language, avoiding discriminatory or offensive
language. We also respect cultural differences and customs in communication
practices, giving credit to others for their contributions and ideas.
c. Integrity:
We should be honest and fair in all business dealings, including
negotiations and contracts, and avoid conflicts of interest and disclose any
potential conflicts transparently. We should be away from engaging in bribery,
corruption, or other unethical practices. We also hold ourselves and others
accountable for upholding ethical standards.
d. Confidentiality:
We must safeguard sensitive information, such as customer data, trade secrets,
and proprietary information. We also obtain consent before sharing personal or
confidential information with third parties. We can use secure communication
channels and encoding methods to protect sensitive data. We also properly dispose of the documents or electronic files containing confidential information.
e. Fairness
and Equity: We ensure equal opportunities for all employees regardless of
race, gender, religion, or other characteristics and avoid favoritism or
nepotism in decision-making processes. We also provide fair compensation and
benefits to employees based on merit and performance.
f.
g. Openness
and Transparency: We provide regular updates and communication about
business activities, developments, and changes, and also welcome feedback from
stakeholders and address concerns openly and honestly. We disclose any
potential conflicts of interest or biases in communication and maintain open
lines of communication with employees, customers, suppliers, and other
stakeholders.
h. Empathy:
We demonstrate empathy by acknowledging and validating others' emotions and
experiences, and also consider the impact of communication on different
stakeholders, including their feelings and perspectives. We modify
communication approaches to the needs and preferences of diverse audiences and
also offer support and understanding during challenging or sensitive
situations.
i.
Compliance with Laws and Regulations: We stay
informed about relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards related to
communication practices and also implement policies and procedures to ensure
compliance with data protection, consumer protection, and advertising
regulations. We conduct regular audits and assessments to identify and address
any compliance issues. We also seek legal guidance or advice when unsure about
the legal implications of communication activities.
j.
Social Responsibility: We support ethical
sourcing and sustainable business practices in supply chain communication. We
also engage in corporate social responsibility initiatives and communicate about them transparently. We contribute to community development and
philanthropic efforts through communication and outreach.
Ethical Dilemmas and Ethical Lapses
An
ethical dilemma in business communication often arises when there's a conflict
between what is morally right and what is advantageous for the company or
individual involved. Here's an example: Let's say a pharmaceutical company is
aware of the potential side effects of one of its medications but chooses not to
disclose this information in its marketing materials or communications with
healthcare providers. On one hand, disclosing this information could harm the
company's reputation and sales. On the other hand, withholding it could
endanger the health and safety of patients who take the medication without
being fully informed. This scenario presents an ethical dilemma where the
company must balance its financial interests with its responsibility to provide
accurate and transparent information to consumers and healthcare professionals.
On the other hand,
ethical lapses in business communication refer to instances where individuals
or organizations engage in unethical behavior or actions that violate
principles of honesty, integrity, transparency, or fairness in their
communication practices. The following are the different forms of ethical
lapses:
a.
Misrepresentation:
Providing false or misleading information about products, services, or
financial performance to stakeholders, customers, or investors.
b.
Conflicts of interest:
Failing to disclose personal or financial interests that could influence
communication or decision-making processes.
c.
Manipulative language:
Using language or communication techniques to manipulate emotions, perceptions,
or decisions of others for personal or organizational gain.
d.
Privacy violations:
Breaching confidentiality or privacy agreements by disclosing sensitive
information without authorization.
e.
Bullying or harassment:
Engaging in abusive or inappropriate communication practices that create a
hostile or intimidating work environment.
These
ethical lapses can damage trust, reputation, and relationships with
stakeholders, leading to legal consequences, financial losses, and long-term
harm to the organization's credibility. Upholding ethical standards in business
communication is crucial for fostering trust, transparency, and integrity
within an organization and its interactions with external parties. Excessive
focus on profit and the present world, lack of corporate loyalty and accountability,
influence of personal interest, and employees’ unwillingness to take a stand
are the major causes of ethical lapses, according to Leheman and Dufrene.
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