Opportunity to apply the IABC Code of Ethics
So this morning I was getting ready to present “Technology new frontiers, fads, and tipping points” to the IABC Minnesota members. As is my routine, I turned on the TV and selected CNBC as background noise and to catch any recent news that I should be aware of. How appropriate that as I was mentally preparing to deliver my communication technology discussion, I hear about Rahodeb’s Yahoo message board postings about Wild Oats.
A question that I always receive when delivering my technology presentation is “should all companies engage in new media?”
Well, Rahodeb has demonstrated that the answer to this question is “no.”
As professional communicators, we may be faced with situations in which we are asked to provide advice on whether or not communication methods or messages should be used by our companies. Unfortunately, with the ease and immediacy of new media, we may find out after embarrassing or damaging acts have been committed.
Good advice that we can share with our employees, executives, and clients comes from the IABC Code of Ethics: professional communication is legal, ethical, and in good taste. Regardless of “intent,” if communications meet all three criteria, our companies and clients’ companies will be able to prevent embarrassing or damaging situations resulting from inappropriate communications. And, proactive education/training on communication ethics will help you demonstrate your strategic and executive counseling capabilities and competencies.
July 17th, 2007 at 9:13 am
Each company should engage in whatever form of media that will cost-effectively help it achieve the specific business goals and strategies it lays out for itself.
If the company wishes to open up a candid dialogue with an audience, and the audience is already in the blogosphere or can be reasonably and cost-effectively brought to the blogosphere, by all means, consider a blog. If the audience isn’t there and it would take money and resources that the end results don’t merit to get the audience into the medium, then ask yourself what medium might make more sense. Second Life, podcasts, video podcasts, etc. all require the same questions you would ask about print, radio or television communication efforts.
That means understanding the tools. That task might mean that a company find a way to play in that sandbox — without having a blog or podcast just to have a blog or a podcast.
michael clendenin
July 17th, 2007 at 3:52 pm
Speaking of ethics, there’s a great conversation about ethics going on over at MyRagan. Too bad nobody in an official capacity with IABC has jumped into the conversation. It would be a great opportunity to talk about the importance of ethics and — oh, by the way — IABC’s Code of Ethics. I’ve mentioned our code as well as the PRSA Code of Ethics several times in the discussion, but several outspoken folks don’t seem too keen on the idea of an association’s code being thrust upon the profession in general.
Check it out in the Social Media Forum of MyRagan (and don’t worry — IABC has a large contingent of members who have formed a group on the MyRagan site).
July 18th, 2007 at 5:11 pm
So, did you call the Minnesota Bugle and ask for an interview about communications eithics?
After all, you’re the elected head of the world’s biggest multi-country association of professionbnal communicators.
Does IABC have any Whole Foods employees as members? Will IABC’s eithics people interview them to see how they are performing in light of the decptions of their boss?
Today’s Globe and Mail newspaper reprinted a Wall Street Journal story, meaning the story has no circulated to business leaders across this country, too.
Only two Whole Foods stores near me; both have public communications programs pushinging ethical, socially responsible, honest, “green” behaviour.
BAK
BAK