ABC Communication Ethics 3

Question 1

A communicator is asked to write a ghostwritten op-ed for a CEO that contains opinions the communicator personally finds misleading. The best ethical response is to:

Accepted Answer

Raise concerns with the CEO and propose revisions to make it accurate

Answer

Even in ghostwriting, the communicator is ethically responsible for content accuracy and should raise concerns and seek revisions rather than passively comply.

Question 2

The ethical principle of 'fairness' in communication most directly requires communicators to:

Accepted Answer

Respect diverse perspectives and avoid practices that exploit or harm stakeholders

Answer

Fairness means treating stakeholders with respect and avoiding exploitative practices, not necessarily requiring mechanical 'both-sides' presentation in every context.

Question 3

When an employee communicator learns that their company is about to announce layoffs, using that advance information to sell company stock would violate:

Accepted Answer

Insider trading laws and professional ethics standards simultaneously

Answer

Using material non-public information for personal financial gain violates both securities law (insider trading) and professional ethics standards regarding conflicts of interest.

Question 4

A communicator is preparing materials for a community meeting about a proposed facility that will have environmental impacts. Ethics requires that the materials:

Accepted Answer

Provide balanced information including both benefits and potential impacts

Answer

Ethical communication with affected communities requires balanced, honest information that respects their right to make informed decisions about issues that affect them.

Question 5

Which scenario represents an appropriate use of persuasion rather than manipulation in business communication?

Accepted Answer

Presenting accurate evidence and sound reasoning to support a position

Answer

Ethical persuasion relies on accurate evidence and sound reasoning, while manipulation exploits biases, exaggerates, or withholds relevant information.

(ABC) Accredited Business Communicator Practice Test

(ABC) Accredited Business Communicator Practice Test

ABC Communication Ethics 3