Communication Processes, Principles, and Ethics: Uep - Edu.ph
Communication Processes, Principles, and Ethics: Uep - Edu.ph
MODULE 1
COMMUNICATION PROCESSES, PRINCIPLES, AND ETHICS
Welcome to the first module of Purposive Communication. As this is the first lesson in this
subject, we will discuss about Communication and its processes, principles, and ethics. We will
discuss these topics so that we can get a better picture of what communication is and how it
works. It is important for us to gain better understanding of communication as it is integral to
become a better communicator not only inside the classroom but also in real life as members of
the community as you encounter situations that will need you to do so. I am hoping that you will
learn and enjoy this lesson as this module takes you to a fresh insight about communication
processes, principles, and ethics.
Learning Outcomes:
After studying this module, the students should be able to:
1. give the meaning of communication and explain why it is a complicated process;
2. recall the elements of communication and identify them in different texts;
3. name and interpret the principles of communication; and,
4. discuss the ethical issues in communication.
Definition of Communication
There are many definitions of the word communication in
several texts. The word itself provides a clue to what it is - commun
implies “something in common” and ication suggests “understanding,”
so communication hints at the meaning “a common understand of
something” (Chase & Shamo, 2013, p. 6).
For our subject, as we approach with out purposes in the next
lessons, we will settle with this definition: Communication is the
process of creating and sharing meaning by using verbal and
nonverbal symbols in varied contexts. In order to have an
effective communication in certain contexts, the verbal and the
nonverbal symbols must be understood by the communicators.
To have a better understanding of the process and to know how miscommunication may
happen, go to https://youtube.com/watch?v=gCfzeONu3Mo for Katherine Hampsten’s video clip
(TED-ED, 2016).
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Ethics in Communication
Deirdre D. Johnston (1994) pointed out ten ethics in communication that you should bear in
mind to avoid being labeled “unethical” (as cited in Chase & Shamo, 2013, pp. 140-141).
1. Mutuality. Pay attention to the needs of others, as well as yours.
2. Individual dignity. Do not cause another person embarrassment or a loss of dignity.
3. Accuracy. Ensure that others have accurate information. Tell them everything they have a
right and need to know, not just what is true.
4. Access to information. Never bolster the impact of your communication by preventing
people from communicating with one another or by hindering access to the supporting
information.
5. Accountability. Be responsible and accountable for the consequences of your
relationships and communication.
6. Audience. As audience or receiver of the information, you also have ethical
responsibilities. The sender and the receiver of the message are both responsible in ensuring
the message to be understood, and that, of course, ethics are followed.
7. Relative truth. As either sender or receiver of information, remember that your own point
of view may not be share by others and that your conclusions are relative to your perspective,
so allow others to respectfully disagree or see it differently.
8. Ends vs. means. Be sure that the goal of your communication and the means of getting to
that end are BOTH ethical although no rule can be applied without reservation to ANY
situation.
9. Use of power. In situations where you have more power than others, you also have more
responsibilities for the outcome.
10. Rights vs. responsibilities. Balance your rights against your responsibilities even if you
live in a wonderful society where your rights are protected by law; not everything you have a
right to do is ethical.
Activity 1.3
Using Johnston’s ten ethics as guide, suggest ways to correct the unethical behaviors shown in
the Illustration 1.1
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FEEDBACK TIME
Tell us what you think about Lesson 1 and Module 1. Do you have questions or comments that
you want to share with the class? We can discuss them further.
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REMEMBER!
Communication is the process of creating and sharing meaning by using verbal and nonverbal
symbols in varied contexts.
Effective communication happens when both verbal and nonverbal symbols are understood in
much the same way by both involved in the interaction.
To achieve effective communication, one must understand the communication process that
involves eight parts and steps - (a) source, (b) message, (c) encoding, (d) channel, (e) decoding,
(f) receiver, (g) feedback, and (h) context.
The five elements of communication are the [a] sender (the source), [b] message (the idea being
communicated), [c] channel (through what the message is relayed), [d] receiver (to whom it is
directed), and [e] effect (the desired result of the communication).
There are key principles in communication showing that there are factors and instances that are
bound to happen once the interaction has been done.
While morals is the set of one’s rule that can be required to not follow and ethics is the set of rules
that are approved by the society, these code of conducts are essential in ensuring discipline to everyone
especially in communication.
D.D. Johnston pointed out ten ethics in communication that should bear in mind to avoid being
“unethical” when communicating or interacting with others.
References:
Padilla, M.M., Dagdag, L.A., & Roxas, F.R. (2018). Communicate and Connect! Purposive Communication.
Potrero, Malabon City: Mutya Publishing House Inc.
Kind, D. (2000). Four principles of interpersonal communication. Retrieved from http://www.
pstcc.Edu/facstaff/dking/interpr.htm