Communication Ethics Flashcards

A communicator is asked to write a ghostwritten op-ed for a CEO that contains opinions the communicator personally finds misleading. The best ethical response is to:

Answer: Raise concerns with the CEO and propose revisions to make it accurate

Even in ghostwriting, the communicator is ethically responsible for content accuracy and should raise concerns and seek revisions rather than passively comply.

The ethical principle of 'fairness' in communication most directly requires communicators to:

Answer: Respect diverse perspectives and avoid practices that exploit or harm stakeholders

Fairness means treating stakeholders with respect and avoiding exploitative practices, not necessarily requiring mechanical 'both-sides' presentation in every context.

When an employee communicator learns that their company is about to announce layoffs, using that advance information to sell company stock would violate:

Answer: Insider trading laws and professional ethics standards simultaneously

Using material non-public information for personal financial gain violates both securities law (insider trading) and professional ethics standards regarding conflicts of interest.

A communicator is preparing materials for a community meeting about a proposed facility that will have environmental impacts. Ethics requires that the materials:

Answer: Provide balanced information including both benefits and potential impacts

Ethical communication with affected communities requires balanced, honest information that respects their right to make informed decisions about issues that affect them.

Which scenario represents an appropriate use of persuasion rather than manipulation in business communication?

Answer: Presenting accurate evidence and sound reasoning to support a position

Ethical persuasion relies on accurate evidence and sound reasoning, while manipulation exploits biases, exaggerates, or withholds relevant information.

An agency communicator discovers that a competing firm is using fabricated testimonials in a campaign against their shared industry. The ethical obligation is to:

Answer: Report the unethical practice to relevant professional bodies and avoid participating

Ethical professionals are obligated to report known violations of professional standards and must not engage in similar unethical practices regardless of competitive pressure.

In the context of ABC exam preparation, 'ethical sensitivity' in communication primarily means:

Answer: Being able to identify when ethical issues are present in communication situations

Ethical sensitivity is the foundational ability to recognize when and where ethical considerations are at stake in communication situations, enabling appropriate response.