Examples of ethical communication issues in business
In the sales industry, privacy and confidential information can be touchy ethical situations. When a company receives your personal information such as social security number, credit card number, etc. you are assured that your information will remain confidential. Unfortunately, there are times when these companies may be offered money in exchange for your personal information. The quick profit-generation can be tempting to companies facing these offers. However, it is important that the company and its employees consider their own morals and how they would feel if the same action was taken against them. If you do have a policy against sharing confidential information, how will you communicate that policy to your employees as well as your clients? What protections will you utilize to guarantee the safety of personal information?
In sales, another hypothetical situation could be the inflation of finances when presented to stakeholders or potential investors. A perfect example of this is the Enron scandal of the early 2000’s; hiding debt, fabricating revenues and so on. It is important to be honest with the people who are investing in your company as well as in YOU! Consider the values you look for in a business partnership- respect, honesty, and integrity. Always remember the "Golden Rule"!
For the full story on Enron, visit http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/1517868/Enron-What-Happened-Year-In-Review-2002
In the sales industry, privacy and confidential information can be touchy ethical situations. When a company receives your personal information such as social security number, credit card number, etc. you are assured that your information will remain confidential. Unfortunately, there are times when these companies may be offered money in exchange for your personal information. The quick profit-generation can be tempting to companies facing these offers. However, it is important that the company and its employees consider their own morals and how they would feel if the same action was taken against them. If you do have a policy against sharing confidential information, how will you communicate that policy to your employees as well as your clients? What protections will you utilize to guarantee the safety of personal information?
In sales, another hypothetical situation could be the inflation of finances when presented to stakeholders or potential investors. A perfect example of this is the Enron scandal of the early 2000’s; hiding debt, fabricating revenues and so on. It is important to be honest with the people who are investing in your company as well as in YOU! Consider the values you look for in a business partnership- respect, honesty, and integrity. Always remember the "Golden Rule"!
For the full story on Enron, visit http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/1517868/Enron-What-Happened-Year-In-Review-2002
For ten tips to ensure strong ethics and ethical communication in your business, refer to this article: http://www.ethics.org/resource/ten-things-you-can-do-avoid-being-next-enron