communication ethics for managers chapter three: communication ethics j.s. o’rourke university...

Communication Ethicsfor Managers

Chapter Three: Communication Ethics

J.S. O’RourkeUniversity of Notre Dame / USA

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Business Ethics“It is the application of what is good

and right to that assortment of institutions, technologies, activities, and pursuits which we call business.”

Manuel VelasquezSanta Clara University

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Business Ethics“Ethics” refers most often to a domain

of inquiry, or discipline, in which matters of right and wrong, good and evil, virtue and vice, are systematically examined.

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Business Ethics“Morality,” by contrast is most often

used to refer not to a discipline but to patterns of thought and action that are actually operative in everyday life. In this sense, morality is what the discipline of ethics is about. And so, business morality is what business ethics is about.

K.E. Goodpaster

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Integrity in BusinessThe Hudson Institute and Walker

Information surveyed 3,000 workers across the U.S. about their experiences and attitudes. Less than half said they believe their senior leaders are people of high integrity.

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Integrity in BusinessIn a recent poll, 53% of about 1,800

communications professionals said top management is an organization’s conscience. Their other responses, however, reveal that employers may be sending mixed messages.

Source: BusinessWeek

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In My Organization . . .“Discussion of ethical / unethical

conduct is encouraged” Agree: 46% Undecided: 28% Disagree: 26%

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In My Organization . . .“Unethical behavior that results in

personal gain is reprimanded” Agree: 68% Undecided: 23% Disagree: 09%

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In My Organization . . .“Unethical behavior that results in

corporate gain is reprimanded” Agree: 51% Undecided: 36% Disagree: 13%

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Three Levels of Inquiry The Individual

The Organization

The Economy

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Three Levels ofDecision-Making A moral point-of-view

An economic point-of-view

A legal point-of-view

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Three Kinds ofMoral Principles Utilitarianism

Rights

Justice

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The Nature ofMoral Judgments Normative judgments:

Conclusions involving values.

Non-normative judgmentsConclusions that are value-neutral.

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The Characteristics ofMoral Principles They have serious consequences for

human well-being. Their validity rests on the adequacy

of the reasons used to support and justify them.

They override self-interests. They are based on impartial

considerations.

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Making Moral Judgments Moral Awareness Moral Imagination Moral Identification and Ordering Moral Evaluation

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Making Moral Judgments Tolerating moral disagreement and

ambiguity. Integrating managerial and moral

competence. A sense of moral obligation.

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Applying Ethical Standards to Communication Oral communication. Organizational policies. Correspondence. Rituals, ceremonies, and

celebration. Slogans, symbols, corporate credos.

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Applying Ethical Standards to Communication Evaluations, promotions, and

rewards. Interaction with other organizations. Interaction with the government, the

press, and the public.

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