What is Ethics in Communication?

Summary

This video delves into the concept of ethical communication, defining ethics as moral principles guiding right and wrong, and communication as the exchange of messages. It emphasizes the universality of ethical communication, expecting dignity and respect across cultures. The video outlines four key expressions of ethical communication: adhering to the Golden or Platinum Rule, considering the receiver's feelings, acknowledging sources of ideas, and speaking the truth with care. These principles are illustrated through a school scenario, highlighting the importance of understanding and respecting individual preferences in communication.

Takeaways

• 🔖 Ethics in communication is derived from the Greek word 'ethos', relating to moral character, and it involves discerning right from wrong in human actions.
• 💬 Communication is defined as the act of sending and receiving verbal or non-verbal messages, both online and offline, with interpretations made during the process.
• 🌟 Ethical communication involves being clear, concise, truthful, and responsible in all forms of messaging.
• 🌐 Ethical communication is a universal concept, applicable across cultures, where individuals expect to be treated with dignity, fairness, respect, and basic courtesy.
• 👉 The Golden Rule suggests treating others as you would like to be treated, focusing on one's own preferences in interactions.
• 💁‍♀️ The Platinum Rule emphasizes treating others the way they wish to be treated, which requires understanding and respecting others' preferences.
• 🤝 An example given illustrates the difference between the Golden and Platinum Rules, showing how each can be applied in social interactions to build relationships.
• 🧡 Considering the feelings of the receiver is crucial for ethical communication, as it involves being mindful of the emotional impact of words, tone, and gestures.
• 📜 Acknowledging the source of ideas or information is essential to avoid plagiarism and to give credit where it's due, upholding ethical standards in communication.
• 🗣️ Speaking the truth is a fundamental aspect of ethical communication, but it must be done with care and consideration for the feelings of others and the appropriateness of the situation.

Q & A

What does the term 'ethics' originate from and what does it represent?

The term 'ethics' comes from the Greek word 'ethos,' which means character or moral nature. It is concerned with the questions of right and wrong, good and bad in human action.

How is communication defined in the context of this video?

Communication is defined as the human act of sending verbal or non-verbal, online or offline messages, and receiving them, with interpretations made during the process.

What is the difference between the Golden Rule and the Platinum Rule in communication?

The Golden Rule focuses on treating others as one would like to be treated, emphasizing one's own preferences. The Platinum Rule, on the other hand, focuses on treating others the way they wish to be treated, emphasizing the preferences of the other person.

Why is it important to adhere to the Platinum Rule in certain communication scenarios?

Adhering to the Platinum Rule is important because it takes into account the unique preferences and desires of the person being communicated with, which can lead to more effective and respectful interactions.

How does considering the feelings of the receiver demonstrate ethical communication?

Considering the feelings of the receiver demonstrates ethical communication by ensuring that one's words, tone, and nonverbal gestures are mindful and respectful, thus avoiding negative emotional impacts.

Why is it unethical to not acknowledge the source of ideas or information?

Not acknowledging the source of ideas or information is unethical because it involves using someone else's intellectual property without giving them credit, which is both disrespectful and potentially illegal.

What is the importance of speaking the truth in ethical communication?

Speaking the truth is important in ethical communication as it makes a person reliable and trustworthy. However, it should be done carefully, considering the feelings of others and the appropriateness of the situation.

Can you provide an example from the script that illustrates the difference between the Golden Rule and the Platinum Rule?

In the script, Ryan uses the Golden Rule by treating Paul kindly because that's how he wants to be treated. Mary, however, uses the Platinum Rule by asking Paul about his interests before suggesting the music club.

What are the four ways to express ethics in communication mentioned in the video?

The four ways to express ethics in communication are: 1) adhering to the Golden Rule or the Platinum Rule, 2) considering the feelings of the receiver, 3) acknowledging the source of ideas and information, and 4) speaking the truth.

How does the video suggest one should approach people who are not comfortable dealing with anyone?

The video suggests that one should first get to know such people and treat them as they wish to be treated to avoid conflict and ensure ethical communication.

Why is it important to observe ethics in communication across cultures?

Observing ethics in communication is important across cultures because people in almost every culture expect to be treated with dignity, fairness, courtesy, and respect when communicating with others.