ET

HICAL

ISSUESC O D E S , C

O N D U C T , AN D C

O M M U N I CA T I O

N

ETHICS:The science of morals; the department of study

concerned with the principles of human duty.

In a narrower sense…a. The moral principles or system of a particular leader or school

of thought. b. The moral principles by which a person is guided.c. The rules of conduct recognized in certain associations or

departments of human life.

Source: Oxford English Dictionary

Note: Your textbook outlines four moral standards that can help you make ethical decisions: Rights, Justice, Utility, and Care.

LAYERS OF ETHICS

What factors contribute to ethical conduct and communication?

AN ETHICS OF C

ONDUCT?

Ethica

l Cod

es an

d Profes

sionali

sm

“The greatest way to live with honor is to be what we pretend to be.”

(Socrates)

CODES OF ETHICS AND CONDUCT

CODES OF ETHICS:L A Y O U T B E L I E F S , V A L U E S A N D

M O R A L P R I N C I P L E S T H A T G O V E R N A G R O U P O R O R G A N I Z A T I O N .

E S T A B L I S H S T A N D A R D S O F B E H A V I O R B A S E D O N S H A R E D V A L U E S A N D M O R A L P R I N C I P L E S .

CODES OF CONDUCT:

LIMITATIONS OF CODES

• Many codes use vague language or “placeholder” words.

• Some codes protect the members of an organization (or its shareholders) more than the public.

• Some codes fail to provide any penalties for violations.

AN ETHICS O

F LOGIC?

AN ETHICS OF LOGIC… R E Q U I R E S P R O V I D I N G S U F F I C I E N T A N D V A L I D E V I D E N C E …

AND…I T A L S O R E Q U I R E S A V O I D I N G L O G I C A L FA L L A C I E S * .

* Fallacy: An error in reasoning.

AN ETHICS OF DICTION?

But, can we tell a “factually inaccurate” story, even if it’s a compelling one, and still be communicating ethically?

A compelling story,

even if factually inaccurate, can be more

emotionally compelling than a dry

recitation of the

truth.

Fran

k Lu

ntz,

Polit

ical P

ollst

er

“SOME PEOPLE CALL IT GLOBAL WARMING; SOME PEOPLE CALL IT CLIMATE CHANGE. WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?”

Global Warming Climate ChangeRich People Job CreatorsEstate Tax Death Tax

Government WashingtonDrilling for Oil Exploring for Energy

Privatization Personalization

So, what IS the difference?

Why Outsource? Over-taxation, over-regulation, too much litigation,

and not enough innovation or quality education

DRY TRUTH…

The search for truth implies a duty. One must not conceal any part of what one has recognized to be true. (Albert Einstein)

OR COMPELLING STORY?

OUR TASK:

Find a way to tell the truth compellingly…

To provide our readers with accurate information, but to do so in an engaging way.

BENEFITS OF ETHICAL OPERATIONS

ETHICAL COMMUNICATION*• Obey relevant laws.• Abide by the Appropriate Code of

Conduct.• Adhere to your organization’s policies.• Take advantage of ethical resources.• Tell the truth.• Avoid misleading your readers.• Use design to emphasize important

information.• Be clear.• Avoid discriminatory language.• Acknowledge the aid and ideas of

others.

* Source: Markel, Mike. Technical Communication.

HERE’S TO ETH

ICAL CONDUCT &

COMMUNICATIONS.

© B. Maxey-Billings, January 2013