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Ethics of Communication

Dr. Amanda G. McKendree

Welcome to Ethics of Communication. Geared toward working professionals in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors, Ethics of Communication covers key topics in the modern world of business. Areas of focus include an in-depth examination of the ethical dimensions of professional communication, self-examination of individual conflict styles and preferences, and crisis management scenario analysis and strategy. You will develop and enhance skills related to these concepts through lectures conducted by Notre Dame Professor, Dr. Amanda G. McKendree, written communication exercises, self-reflection, peer-graded assignments, and a variety of readings.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Foundations of Communication Ethics
This week, you will begin to learn how to adopt a communication ethics literacy mindset and address the question, “What is communication ethics?” You will be guided through a self-analysis of your own values through video lectures, activities, and peer-graded exercises. You will also learn to use communication ethics terminology.
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The Ethics of Listening
This week is structured according to three learning objectives. The first objective will encourage you to reflect on your own values related to listening in personal and professional settings through summative reflection. The second learning objective will guide you through distinguishing between different listening types through a summative reflection assignment. The third learning objective asks you to create an action plan for improving your listening skills through a peer discussion.
Conflict Communication
This week has three primary components: (1) Assessing organizational/professional communication in conflict scenarios, (2) considering your own preferred style of conflict communication, and (3) planning strategic communication responses, including using appropriate tools to respond.
Crisis Communication
This week's topics explore the dynamics of managing a crisis in a digital communication era with an integrated crisis communication framework. You will examine major scholars and crisis resources, and document your understanding of crisis communication ethics through a crisis scenario response. You will explore the major concepts and theories of crisis communication, identify best practices for creating crisis messages, and articulate the meaning and practice of communication ethics for crisis events. There will be one cumulative peer-graded assignment to assess your knowledge of all the learning objectives in this week. While completing this assignment, you will apply crisis concepts and devise strategies for communicating with various stakeholders. Acquiring these new interpretation skills will strengthen your responses to crisis scenarios and reinforce your understanding of the crisis planning and managing phases, as well. Additionally, you will learn about the primary components and definitions of crisis and differentiate between risk, problem, disaster, and paracrisis. You will use your new interpretation skills to shape responses to crisis scenarios using technology tools.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Geared towards executives, management, and human resources personnel
Provides a foundation in the ethical dimensions of business communication
Develops skills in conflict management and crisis communication
Features lectures by an experienced communication professor
Includes peer-graded assignments for practical application
Requires self-reflection and analysis of personal values

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Career center

Learners who complete Ethics of Communication will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Public relations manager
Public relations managers are responsible for shaping a company's public image and maintaining relationships with the media. They work closely with journalists, bloggers, and other influencers to get their clients' messages out to the public. The Ethics of Communication course can help public relations managers develop the skills they need to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences. The course covers topics such as ethical decision-making, crisis communication, and conflict resolution. This knowledge can help public relations managers build strong relationships with the media and manage their clients' reputations in a positive way.
Marketing Communications Manager
Marketing communications managers are responsible for developing and executing marketing campaigns. They work with a variety of teams, including product development, sales, and customer service, to create marketing materials and campaigns that will reach the target audience. The Ethics of Communication course can help marketing communications managers develop the skills they need to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences. The course covers topics such as ethical decision-making, crisis communication, and conflict resolution. This knowledge can help marketing communications managers create effective marketing campaigns that are aligned with the company's ethical values.
Corporate Communications Manager
Corporate communications managers are responsible for communicating with the public on behalf of a company. They work with a variety of teams, including public relations, marketing, and customer service, to develop and execute communication strategies. The Ethics of Communication course can help corporate communications managers develop the skills they need to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences. The course covers topics such as ethical decision-making, crisis communication, and conflict resolution. This knowledge can help corporate communications managers build strong relationships with the media and manage their companies' reputations in a positive way.
Speechwriter
Speechwriters are responsible for writing speeches for politicians, business leaders, and other public figures. They need to be able to write speeches that are clear, concise, and persuasive. The Ethics of Communication course can help speechwriters develop the skills they need to write effective speeches. The course covers topics such as ethical decision-making, crisis communication, and conflict resolution. This knowledge can help speechwriters write speeches that are not only persuasive but also ethical and responsible.
Technical Writer
Technical writers create instruction manuals, help files, and other documentation for software, hardware, and other products. They need to be able to write clear, concise, and accurate documentation that is easy for users to understand. The Ethics of Communication course can help technical writers develop the skills they need to write effective documentation. The course covers topics such as ethical decision-making, crisis communication, and conflict resolution. This knowledge can help technical writers write documentation that is not only clear and concise but also ethical and responsible.
Journalist
Journalists write and report on news stories for newspapers, magazines, and other media outlets. They need to be able to research and write stories that are accurate, fair, and unbiased. The Ethics of Communication course can help journalists develop the skills they need to be successful in their careers. The course covers topics such as ethical decision-making, crisis communication, and conflict resolution. This knowledge can help journalists to report on the news in a responsible and ethical manner.
Lawyer
Lawyers advise clients on legal matters and represent them in court. They need to be able to communicate effectively with clients, judges, and other lawyers. The Ethics of Communication course can help lawyers develop the skills they need to be successful in their careers. The course covers topics such as ethical decision-making, crisis communication, and conflict resolution. This knowledge can help lawyers to communicate effectively with their clients and represent them in court in a professional and ethical manner.
Doctor
Doctors diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries. They need to be able to communicate effectively with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals. The Ethics of Communication course can help doctors develop the skills they need to be successful in their careers. The course covers topics such as ethical decision-making, crisis communication, and conflict resolution. This knowledge can help doctors to communicate effectively with their patients and provide them with the best possible care.
Teacher
Teachers educate students in a variety of subjects. They need to be able to communicate effectively with students, parents, and other teachers. The Ethics of Communication course can help teachers develop the skills they need to be successful in their careers. The course covers topics such as ethical decision-making, crisis communication, and conflict resolution. This knowledge can help teachers to create a positive and productive learning environment for their students.
Social Worker
Social workers help people to cope with difficult life challenges. They need to be able to communicate effectively with clients, families, and other professionals. The Ethics of Communication course can help social workers develop the skills they need to be successful in their careers. The course covers topics such as ethical decision-making, crisis communication, and conflict resolution. This knowledge can help social workers to provide effective support to their clients.
Counselor
Counselors help people to deal with personal and emotional issues. They need to be able to communicate effectively with clients and build strong therapeutic relationships. The Ethics of Communication course can help counselors develop the skills they need to be successful in their careers. The course covers topics such as ethical decision-making, crisis communication, and conflict resolution. This knowledge can help counselors to provide effective support to their clients.
Human Resources Manager
Human resources managers oversee the hiring, firing, and training of employees. They need to be able to communicate effectively with employees, managers, and other stakeholders. The Ethics of Communication course can help human resources managers develop the skills they need to be successful in their careers. The course covers topics such as ethical decision-making, crisis communication, and conflict resolution. This knowledge can help human resources managers to create a positive and productive work environment for employees.
Sales Manager
Sales managers oversee the sales team and develop sales strategies. They need to be able to communicate effectively with customers, sales representatives, and other stakeholders. The Ethics of Communication course can help sales managers develop the skills they need to be successful in their careers. The course covers topics such as ethical decision-making, crisis communication, and conflict resolution. This knowledge can help sales managers to build strong relationships with customers and close deals.
Customer Service Manager
Customer service managers oversee the customer service team and develop customer service strategies. They need to be able to communicate effectively with customers, customer service representatives, and other stakeholders. The Ethics of Communication course can help customer service managers develop the skills they need to be successful in their careers. The course covers topics such as ethical decision-making, crisis communication, and conflict resolution. This knowledge can help customer service managers to build strong relationships with customers and resolve complaints in a professional and ethical manner.
Event Planner
Event planners plan and coordinate events such as weddings, conferences, and trade shows. They need to be able to communicate effectively with clients, vendors, and other stakeholders. The Ethics of Communication course can may be useful for event planners. The course covers topics such as ethical decision-making, crisis communication, and conflict resolution. This knowledge can help event planners to manage their events in a professional and ethical manner.

Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Ethics of Communication.
This textbook introduces the fundamental principles of ethical communication, covering topics such as truth-telling, privacy, confidentiality, and social responsibility.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of conflict communication, covering topics such as the psychology of conflict, conflict management strategies, and the role of communication in conflict resolution.
This textbook provides a practical guide to crisis communication, covering topics such as crisis management planning, media relations, and reputation management.
Provides a spiritual perspective on communication, exploring topics such as mindful listening, compassionate speech, and the power of forgiveness.
Provides practical advice on how to have difficult conversations in a productive and respectful way.
Provides a step-by-step guide to resolving conflicts in a positive and constructive way.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the ethical issues involved in public relations and marketing, covering topics such as truthfulness, fairness, and social responsibility.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of communication ethics, covering topics such as the history of communication ethics, the different approaches to communication ethics, and the ethical issues facing communication professionals.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of communication ethics, covering topics such as the history of communication ethics, the different approaches to communication ethics, and the ethical issues facing communication professionals.

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