Communication is a key ingredient in the organizational setting. Efficient communication facilitates the transference of information in a timely manner. From the shared information, organizations are able to make enduring and appropriate decisions. Some of the communication ethos that guide interactions in an office setting include the need to never intentionally deceive, to refrain from intentionally hurting others, to apply the golden rule and consider the corporate culture in instituting communication. The case study involving Samoya Enterprises reflects back on the mentioned ethics of communication.
Case Study
In the case study, an employee is faced with the hard choice of concealing information from their co-worker, or revealing such information against the wishes and expectations of the owner of the organization. Mr. Herb is informed of the impending sale of Samoya Enterprises by Mr Samoya, the company owner. One of the conditions set by the company owner, and accepted by Mr. Herb, was to maintain such knowledge in secrecy up until the sale had been completed. However, soon Mr. Herb soon learns that his co-worker and friend, Joyce, seeks to acquire a new house. Such a decision reflects Joyce’s confidence in the stability of Samoya Enterprises. Since Herb had promised Mr. Samoya to keep information about the sale to himself, would informing Joyce constitute an unethical act? The dilemma is presented in the form of indecisiveness regarding the need to help a friend, and the need to uphold the promise rendered to Mr. Samoya.
Never Intentionally Deceive
Deception is a major cause of communication breakdown within the organization (Cheney, May & Munshi, 2010). The unethical practice occurs when an individual deliberately relays information that is false to the victim, with the intention of gaining from the deceit. Withholding information that may be used to help the next person also constitutes an act of deception. This rule of ethics forms a part of this analysis because it reflects back on Mr. Herbs’ choices. Abiding by the promise made to the company owner would be an act of deception against Joyce. The information would have been an efficient intervention given that the sale of the company would result in a period of instability in the company. Essentially, if he chooses to inform Joyce of the impending sale, she is likely to postpone the purchase of a home up until she is on a stable ground once more. The decision not to inform Joyce is an act of deception because Joyce would be compelled to bear financial repercussions for the purchase, if the company is sold and she loses her job in the process. Given the need to practice honestly and the avoidance of deception, Mr. Herb should inform Joyce of the impending sale. From the information, Joyce will be able to make a decision that is predicated on true knowledge.
Do Not Purposely Hurt Others
Individuals are expected to act in a manner that does not render the next individual in trouble. Communication is intended to benefit both the recipient and the sender (Cheney, May & Munshi, 2010). Purposely hurting others is an act of malice.
In the case study, Herb recognizes that withholding information from Joyce would constitute purposeful hurting. Joyce is likely to suffer severe financial repercussions given that her decision to acquire a new house is predicated on the belief that the company is stable. The sale of Samoya Enterprises is likely to result in a period of job and financial insecurity. Such insecurity may expose Joyce to the risk of losing the newly acquired house and in turn, the investment committed to the venture. Given the demands of the communication rule which declares that an individual shall not intentionally deceive, Herb ought to inform Joyce of the impending sale. The initiative allows Joyce the opportunity to prepare herself well against the outcomes that will be borne after the sale of Samoya Enterprises. Herb can base his decision on the utilitarian principle of ethics. His actions should be able to generate maximum benefit (Cheney, May & Munshi, 2010). In the case study, his action would constitute a betrayal to Mr. Samoya. However, most good would be served by preventing Joyce from acquiring a house that she may not be able to sustain in the long run.
Practice the Golden Rule
The Golden Rule forms a critical part of the communication process. It addresses the need to act in a manner that is humane. Essentially, it advocates for the treating of others just as one would wish to be treated. Informing Joyce of the impending sale would be in alignment with the Golden Rule. Expectedly, Herb would be keen on being informed of issues that may affect his future. The losses borne by Joyce, if instability persisted upon the sale of the company, would significantly jeopardize her future and that of her family. Herb should inform Joyce because it constitutes the morally upright thing to do. Such a decision provides a reflection of the deontological framework in ethics. The deontological principles calls for the engagement of actions that are right irrespective of the consequences. Since Joyce would be the major victim in the case study, informing her constitutes an act of kindness.
Corporate Culture
Corporate culture at Samoya Enterprises demands the integration of secrecy in the execution of duties within the organization. In sharing information on the impending sale, Mr. Samoya had hoped that Herbs would keep the information unto themselves. However, in relaying such information, the owner assumed a personal rather than professional approach. He failed to engage the appropriate steps which dictate the formal steps to be applied in disseminating information (Cheney, May & Munshi, 2010). Since the information was not predicated on formal metrics, informing Joyce of the impending sale would not be a breach of corporate culture. The corporate culture calls for transparency. A major decision such as the sale of a company demands that the employees are informed of the event. Such information allows them the opportunity to reflect on their future and make prior arrangements which act to mitigate the effects of such decisions.
Conclusion
The case study ‘Samoya Enterprises’ reflects the importance of communication in an organization. The company owner, Mr. Samoya, informs an employee, Mr. Herbs, of the impending sale. However, Mr. Herbs is made to commit to secrecy regarding the information. He soon becomes aware that a fellow employee seeks to acquire, a decision that may lead to significant financial repercussions when the company is sold. There are four communication rules which are applicable in the case study. The principles include the Golden Rule, the need to never intentionally hurt others, the promotion of corporate culture and never intentionally deceive others. From the consideration of all factors, it would be more appropriate if Herbs informed Joyce of the impending sale.
References
Cheney, G., May, S., & Munshi, D. (eds). (2010). The Handbook of Communication Ethics (ICA Handbook Series) 1st Edition. London: Routledge.
