Ethics are important in everything,
including communication.
Ethics involves right and wrong
decision – making behaviors, especially in educational and business
environment.
All communication is based on what to
say, what not to say, and how to say it.
Ethics play a huge role in defining a
technical writer's character.
Whenever you try to write or say
anything about your field, you are engaged in technical communication.
You are challenged to write and speak
about highly technical subjects in a way that a beginner- a non- specialist –
could understand.
This ability to "translate"
technical information to non – specialists is a key skill for any technical
communicator to possess.
Once you have defined these two basic
elements, purpose and audience for a specific work of technical communication,
you will need to analyze and clarify each before making a decision on what to
say and how to say it.
Good ethical communication, whether
in an oral, written, or visual form or some combination of the three includes honesty,
clarity, accuracy, comprehensiveness, accessibility, conciseness, and
professional appearance.
A document can explain its purpose
well, address its audience correctly and look very appealing.
But an unethical document puts the
reader at a disadvantage, not allowing him/her to make the best decision.
The choices made will reflect back on
the writer and can make or break a reputation.
