Chapter 10 discusses communication ethics in business and the professional arena. Professional and Business communication ethics relates to organizational communication ethics since organizations are usually business related or at a somewhat professional level. However, organizational communication ethics concerns a large area in organizations from structural to social dimensions. Business and professional communication ethics "deals primarily with specific written and spoken task-related communicative activities and emerges pedagogically..."(175). This is to say that the ethics in this area is discovered or learned by understanding what is effective in micro level communication. Business and professional communication ethics is mainly task focused and what their brand promotes, not how a company's social dimension is created.
This year, I have noticed a lot of companies taking a different approach to Black Friday. Many camping and outdoor outlets like REI or GrandTrunkHammocks are closing down on Black Friday. Instead of taking part in this shopping day, they have offered smaller sales, that are more specific to seasonal needs, leading up to this day. They are promoting a "Day to be Outside" and enjoy the arena in which they promote. It has worked to reinforce peoples desire for the outdoors and necessity for their products. It makes people want to buy their products when they aren't on sale because they believe it will better their experience in the outdoors. I am a sucker for this advertising even though I understand what is going on. They use written ads, personalized to it's members(like myself) to reinforce our value of nature.
I like your example of the Black Friday approach REI has imposed. It reminds me of a discussion generated between two radio hosts the other day. They were conversing on whether or not this act by REI is applaudable or a publicity stunt in order to be seen in a more positive light.
ReplyDeleteWhat are your thoughts on this discussion? Do you believe this is entirely for the good of society to promote the enjoyment of nature?
As noted in the chapter, business' have to evolve in order to survive. Therefore, my opinion on this subject has changed since reading the chapter, reading your blog and the statements made by both radio hosts. As REI is a recreational/outdoor store, promoting to take advantage of nature also seems to promote the need for their products (as you have stated). In conclusion, this approach appears to be not for the interest of the relationship of society and nature OR can be categorized as a publicity stunt - it is merely just another way to advertise.
Nice job comparing organizational ethics to business ethics. I agree with the fact business ethics is more tasked focused on what their brand promotes versus a social dimension. In addition, in order for the business to be an ethical competitor, the business must engage in both. However, based on the standards of each culture business are not always ethical and are often times more profit driven than helping consumers. A lot of times depending on the culture, business have a lot of aspects to consider within that culture, such as what does society need? what types of services does a business want to provide for society? These questions, along with many others all begin to dictate the types of business that are established and promoted.
ReplyDeleteFor example, the fast food market is a really interesting topic within the American culture. First of all, in American culture people really value time and sometimes it feels like everyone is constantly running around--people are always busy. Thus, fast food is a quick and reliable way to get some type of food while still making it to the next business meeting. In addition, fast food restaurants provide a lot of jobs for people all over the world, especially people who are at a low economic status. From an outsiders perspective other than selling un-nutritional food, fast food corporations can appear to have a good purpose. However, even though people are able to have a job working in fast food, the power structure within fast food corporations often reflect and reinforce how the people of a lower social class are treated. For example, workers get paid minimum wage and conditions and treatment in the work place can often be harsh. Thus, this goes to show how American culture works by leaving the majority of the power and decisions to be made by people at the top--giving those underneath little say. Yes, it is important to have leaders, but it is also important for that leader to consider the lives of those underneath him in order to create an ethical environment.