By Taitianna McGrath (Task 4)
Lawson, Gill, Feekery and Witsel (2019, p. 119) assert that ‘ethical communication and persuasion involve informing, not tricking, the receiver so that they can make decisions based on sound logical argument.’ Ethical communication maintains the focus on the greater good and on the best interest of the receiver (Lawson et al., 2019). Ethical communication is essential through all forms of professional communication, ranging from communication within the workplace, communicating with clients, business to business communication and through advertisements and political campaigns (Neher & Sandin, 2017). It is crucial that the communicator upholds strong moral codes, is fair, accurate and diligent when communicating a message in any setting, ensuring to not deliberately or inadvertently lie, omit or distort the truth for personal gain (Mikkelsen, 2017). For example, this is particularly relevant for advertising messages to the public. Advertisements through various channels are utilised to persuade the receiver to buy, use or engage with the organisation’s products or services. Truth and transparency in advertising is critical as it would be unethical to present false information in an effort to influence the receiver’s decision-making (Australian Competition & Consumer Commission, 2020). Not only is it unethical, but false advertising is also illegal under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth) which intends to protect consumers.
Professional communication should only present facts and legitimate figures and data which does not embellish the truth to present a better case to the receiver. Messages containing misleading, false or deceptive information would be considered tricking the receiver as they would have a false foundation to make decisions (Toledano, 2018; Lawson et al., 2019). Furthermore, publicly posted messages by businesses or stories through news outlets today can reach millions of people through the internet and social media so it is vital that they contain correct information. Ethical communication is crucial for a business when dealing with customers as it is important not to take advantage of people who do not have sufficient knowledge about a product or service. For example, when helping a customer choose a product, the salesperson must be transparent and honest. In order for the receiver to be fully informed with accurate information to make logical decisions, the message should be truthful, well researched, clear and easy to understand (Lawson et al., 2019).
LOST IN COMMUNICATION 