TOWARD IMPROVING

ETHICAL BEHAVIOR AND

SOCIAL/PUBLIC
RELATIONS
GROUP 4
Action indeed is the
sole medium of
expression for ethics.
by Jane Addams
 Ethical Behavior
Ethical behavior refers to actions that align with moral
principles and values. It involves making decisions based
on fairness, honesty, and respect for others. Ethical
behavior transcends legal requirements, focusing on what is
right and just. It is a cornerstone of building trust and
maintaining integrity in personal and professional
relationships.
 Importance of Ethical Behavior in Organizations
Financial Stability: Ethical behavior can lead to financial stability by attracting
investors and maintaining a high company valuation. Investors are more likely to support
organizations with a strong ethical foundation, which can protect the business from
hostile takeovers.

Social Impact: Organizations with ethical practices contribute positively to society by

eliminating social evils such as child labor and workplace harassment. Ethical behavior
aligns business practices with societal values and expectations.

Improved Leadership: Ethical organizations tend to have effective leaders who

prioritize fairness, integrity, and transparency. This fosters a culture of respect and trust
among employees, leading to better decision-making and overall performance.
 Code of Ethics in Business

• A code of ethics is a set of guiding

principles that helps a company
and its employees maintain a high
standard of ethical behavior and
integrity.
 Purpose of Code of Ethics
1. Guidance on Ethical Conduct: A code of ethics serves as a compass for individuals
within an organization, guiding them on the expected ethical behavior and decision-
making processes. It sets the standard for how employees should act, ensuring
consistency and integrity in their actions.

2. Establishing Organizational Values: A code of ethics helps define and reinforce the
core values and principles that an organization stands for. It communicates the company's
commitment to honesty, fairness, respect, and responsibility, shaping the organizational
culture and identity.

3. Protecting Stakeholder Interests: By outlining ethical standards and expectations, a

code of ethics safeguards the interests of various stakeholders, including employees,
customers, shareholders, and the community. It ensures that the organization operates in a
manner that respects the rights and well-being of all parties involved.
 Common Ethical Principles in Business Conduct
1. Integrity: Acting with honesty and honor without
compromising the truth.
2. Transparency: Being open and honest in communications and
avoiding deceit.
3. Fairness: Treating all stakeholders justly and without favoritism
or discrimination.
4. Accountability: Accepting responsibility for one's actions and
decisions.
5. Respect for Others: Valuing the rights, dignity, and views of all
individuals.
Role of Ethical Principles and Values in Decision Making
Ethical principles and values play a crucial role in decision-making across various aspects of
life, including business, personal relationships, and societal interactions. Here are some key
roles of ethical principles and values in decision-making:

1. Guiding Behavior: Ethical principles provide a moral framework that guides individuals in
making decisions that align with values such as honesty, fairness, and respect.
2. Ensuring Accountability: Ethical values hold individuals accountable for their actions and
decisions.
3. Building Trust: Upholding ethical principles fosters trust among stakeholders.
4. Promoting Fairness and Justice: Ethical decision-making ensures fairness and justice for
all parties involved.
5. Enhancing Reputation: Ethical decisions contribute to building a positive reputation for
individuals and organizations.
 Strategies for Improving Ethical Behavior
*Clear guidelines
*Conducting ethics training
*Fostering leadership commitment
*Establishing an ethics hotline
*Providing a decision-making framework
*Developing ethical leadership
*Promoting open communication.
 Ethical Communication Practices
Ethical communication practices refer to the principles and
guidelines that govern honest, transparent, and respectful
interactions between individuals or within organizations. These
practices prioritize integrity, accuracy, fairness, and
accountability in all forms of communication, including verbal,
written, and non-verbal exchanges. Ethical communication
involves being truthful, avoiding deception or manipulation,
respecting confidentiality, and considering the impact of
messages on all stakeholders.
 Ethical Dilemma in the Workplace
An ethical dilemma in the workplace refers to a situation where
an individual or a group of individuals face a choice between
two conflicting moral principles or values. In these scenarios,
there is often no clear right or wrong answer, making it
challenging to make a decision that aligns with ethical
standards. Ethical dilemmas in the workplace can arise due to
various factors, such as conflicting interests, personal biases,
organizational policies, or societal expectations.
 Corporate Social Responsibility
Social Responsibility (CSR) is a concept that refers to a company's commitment
to operating ethically, sustainably, and responsibly while contributing positively
to society and the environment.
CSR emphasizes the importance of ethical behavior in all aspects of business
operations. This includes transparency, honesty, fairness, and compliance with
legal regulations and ethical standards. Overall, Corporate Social Responsibility
is about going beyond profit-making objectives to consider the broader impact of
business activities on society and the environment. By embracing CSR,
companies can enhance their reputation, build trust with stakeholders, attract and
retain talent, differentiate themselves in the market, and contribute to a more
sustainable and equitable world.
 Social Public Relations

Social Public Relations (PR) is a strategic communication

approach that focuses on building relationships, enhancing
brand reputation, and engaging with target audiences through
social media platforms and digital channels. It involves
leveraging social media content, influencer marketing, and
online engagement to connect with customers, drive brand
awareness, and amplify brand messages in a shareable and
engaging manner.
 Benefits of Social Public Relations
1. Increased Brand Visibility: Social PR helps boost brand visibility by leveraging social
media channels to reach a broader audience, engage with followers, and amplify brand
messages. Through strategic content creation and distribution, businesses can enhance their
online presence and attract new customers.

2. Audience Engagement and Interaction: Social PR enables brands to engage with their
audience in real time, initiate conversations, and cultivate relationships with followers. By
actively participating in online discussions, responding to comments, and soliciting feedback,
companies can create a sense of community and loyalty among their customers.

3. Influencer Collaboration: Social PR leverages influencer partnerships to extend brand

reach, drive engagement, and increase brand awareness. Collaborating with influencers
allows brands to tap into their followers' networks, gain credibility through endorsements,
and leverage influencers' authority to promote products or services effectively.
 Role of Social/Public Relations in the Society
● Enhancing Communication: Social PR facilitates open and transparent
communication between organizations and the public.
● Building Trust and Credibility: Social PR helps organizations build trust and
credibility with their stakeholders by sharing authentic and engaging content on
social media.
● Community Engagement: Social PR enables organizations to engage with the
community, support social causes, and participate in philanthropic initiatives.
● Crisis Communication: Social PR plays a vital role in managing crises,
addressing public concerns, and mitigating reputation risks during challenging
situations
● Advocacy and Activism: Social PR can be used to advocate for social issues,
promote awareness, and drive positive change in society.
 Role of Ethics in Public Relations
• Enhancing Communication: Social PR facilitates open and transparent
communication between organizations and the public.
• Building Trust and Credibility: Social PR helps organizations build trust and
credibility with their stakeholders by sharing authentic and engaging content
on social media.
• Community Engagement: Social PR enables organizations to engage with the
community, support social causes, and participate in philanthropic initiatives.
• Crisis Communication: Social PR plays a vital role in managing crises,
addressing public concerns, and mitigating reputation risks during challenging
situations
• Advocacy and Activism: Social PR can be used to advocate for social issues,
promote awareness, and drive positive change in society.
 Ethical Challenges in Public Relations
1. Balancing Client Interests and- Public Information PR professionals
often face the challenge of balancing the interests of clients with the
need to provide accurate and transparent information to the public.
2. Managing Online Reputation - With the rise of social media, PR
practitioners must navigate online reputation management ethically,
addressing issues of privacy, accuracy, and trust.
3. Dealing with Misinformation - PR professionals need to combat
misinformation and fake news ethically, ensuring that their
communications are accurate, trustworthy, and aligned with ethical
standards.
 Ethical Communication in Public Relations
Ethical communication in public relations (PR) is crucial for maintaining trust, credibility,
and integrity with various stakeholders.

*Transparency*: - Providing accurate and complete information. - Being open about

motives, sponsorships, and potential conflicts of interest.
*Honesty*: - Avoiding misleading or deceptive information. - Correcting any
misinformation promptly.
*Fairness*: - Ensuring that all relevant parties have access to information. - Avoiding bias
and ensuring balanced representation of facts.
*Respect for Privacy*: - Protecting confidential information. - Being mindful of
individuals' rights to privacy and not disclosing personal information without consent.
*Accountability*: - Taking responsibility for the outcomes of communication strategies
and campaigns. - Being prepared to explain and justify actions and decisions.
As a student, how can you
demonstrate Ethical Behavior
within the school
environment?
 Thanks!
Do you have any questions?

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