Lannon begins with explaining how it is unethical to win at any costs. That presenting only what advances the case, and ignoring the disadvantages. This is unethical because it prevents the customer from making an informed decision. "keep it accurate, honest, and fair".
Unethical communication ranges from the "black and white" of exaggerating credentials on a resume, down playing hazards of a product, or hiring people based on a relationship; to product safety and quality like amount of maintenance. One of the biggest examples in unethical communication exemplified in this book is the financial scandals where executives hid the looming bankruptcy from employees and investors.
Major causes of unethical communication are when people are compelled by an employer, coworkers, or bad judgement-- winning at any cost mentality influences the ethical values of the business. Often miscommunication of information is in the argument between production and safety. There is also a difference between teamwork and "groupthink". Groupthink is where pressure prevents individuals from questioning, it is another form of peer pressure. This pressure gives others the excuse to deny responsibility and often hide behind it.
Potential communication abuse needs to be predicted. When walking the line between what the company wants and what the customers need to know.
- suppressing knowledge the public needs
- hiding conflicts of interest
- exaggerating claims about technology
- falsifying or fabricating data
- using visual images that conceal the truth
- stealing or divulging proprietary information
- misusing electronic information
- withholding information people need for their jobs
Critical thinking is a major part of avoiding unethical communication. Weighing what could happen if you release or don't release certain information.
Judgement Criteria
- obligation to self
- obligation to customers
- obligation to company
- obligation to company
- obligation to community
- obligation to society
Hard choices are a part of being ethical.
You can't depend only on legal guidelines. legal guidelines are just the basics, and have no ethical responsibility.
Plagiarism is a simple thing to do but a huge unethical thing to do. taking credit for the ideas of others and their work. all resources should be identified and given credit.
where do you draw the line? decide for yourself where you stand on each subject. ALWAYS do research on a company and their reputation before accepting a job.
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