Consequences of Communication Violations

There can be serious consequences for communication violations. Besides violating a code of ethics, these violations can also violate laws.

Communication Violations

Communication is a business tool that requires a sense of responsibility on the part of the messenger to adhere to ethical guidelines. Violations of communication such as libel (written defamatory statement) and slander (verbal defamatory statement) damage the reputation of an individual and can result in criminal charges.

Violations on Social Media

With the increase of social media use in businesses, it is not uncommon for business communicators to post comments on social media sites like Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and blog platforms like SlideShare and Reddit. Most of these platforms do not have employees assigned to monitor content and often posts are not screened. To ensure a communication violation does not occur, business communications should take the following steps to ensure communications are accurate and valid.

Fact-check information for truthfulness.
Do not post any information that is considered confidential.
Avoid posting jokes that would be offensive to a group of individuals.
Do not maliciously defame due to conflicts.

The same rules apply for audio tools such as YouTube, podcasts, vlogs, mobile apps that permit users to upload videos, record audio, and upload images.

Takeaway

As you utilize social media tools to communicate, make sure to consider security and legal issues that could result from posting information that is offensive or unauthorized. Protect yourself by reviewing the social media guidelines established by your school or business, have an authorized administrator view the content before you publish the communication, and remember that once a communication is sent via social media, it cannot be retrieved.

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