Ethics: Why it matters in the workplace
Ethics is a term that every journalist and communications professional is introduced to at the early stages of their career. It involves guiding principles from which we operate. And, it’s not limited to journalism or public relations, it’s a critical tenet in every industry from entertainment to Wall Street.
As the political and social climate continues to shift, the issue of ethics remains a topic of discussion. So what is ethics?
The term “ethics” is derived from the Greek word “ethos,” meaning custom, habit, character, or disposition. Ethics is the branch of philosophy that examines right and wrong moral behavior, moral concepts (such as justice, virtue, duty), and moral language.
Ethics is based on what society (or your organization) deems to be ethical. Oftentimes, our own moral beliefs also play a role. Essentially, it involves doing the right thing and operating with integrity.
This is especially true for PR practitioners.
In fact, the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) believes that successful public relations hinges on the ethics of its practitioners. Specifically, the PRSA Code of Ethics provides guidance on how public relations practitioners should conduct themselves based on the following values: Advocacy, Honesty, Expertise, Independence, Loyalty, and Fairness.
We can all probably name a public crisis or two that erupted as a result of dishonest business practices. No need to mention it here, but if we asked you to name one of the most highly publicized ethical violations involving a corporation, you would likely mention one having to do with discriminatory practices, embezzlement, or fraud.
Yet, oftentimes we tend to overlook, minimize or deem “harmless” ethical violations that occur on a daily basis, such as intentionally spreading misinformation as an influencer or not fact-checking a breaking news story before publishing it. The repercussions of unethical behavior could tarnish your brand, reputation and even end your career. Remember, just because a particular situation is legal doesn’t make it ethical.
One thing is for sure, we will all face ethical dilemmas at some point in our careers and in our lifetimes. When it does happen, will you be ready?
About the authors:
Dr. Toya Webb, is a seasoned, award-winning marketing and communications executive. Dr. Webb, former breaking news reporter, and fervent keynote speaker serves as the Ethics Committee Chair for the Chicago Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).
With a combined passion for higher education and storytelling, Dr. Webb is the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Elgin Community College. Additionally, she is a member of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee for the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR), where she serves as a board member and District Director. Dr. Webb, who has a strong reputation as a change agent, is a systems’ disrupter, status quo killer, and social justice advocate. Dr. Webb is a recipient of numerous awards including a YWCA leadership award in Communications and Technology. She was named one of the Best Under 40 by the Kane County Chronicle and was recognized as a mover and shaker (40 under 40) by the American Association for Women in Community Colleges. She is married to her high school sweetheart (a Yalie and an Army combat veteran) and the couple has three sons.
Bukie Towolawi is a newly established public relations professional who specializes in media strategy, content creation, and event activation. With her ten years of public relations experience, she has built a solid reputation as a successful communications specialist. During her budding career, she has spearheaded strategic initiatives and activations for top-tier organizations such as McDonalds, ORS Hair Care, and SXSW. Through her keen knowledge of media, Bukie has landed her clients placements in publications such as Huffington Post, CBS News Radio, and Getty Images. Bukie received her B.S. in Broadcast Journalism with a concentration in African American Studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and an MBA with a concentration in Marketing and Project Management from Lewis University. She received a Paralegal Certificate from Roosevelt University and Women in Entrepreneurship Certificate from Cornell University. In her spare time, Bukie enjoys content creating, traveling, and blogging. In addition to being a member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Chicago Ethics Committee, she is also a mentor for Chicago Scholars and a member of the Metropolitan Board of Chicago Urban League.
