Intercultural Communication Chapter 12: Can Judgments of Right and Wrong Be Made When Dealing with Other Cultures?
Ethics refers to the means or moral standards by which actions may be judged good or bad, right or wrong. They are the rules of conduct that govern our lives.
Six Golden Approaches to Ethics: Golden Purse (power makes right) Golden Mean (moderation is a virtue) Golden Public (the headline test) Golden Law (universal means over ends) Golden Consequence (ends over means) Golden Rule (treat others as would want to be treated)
The Relationship between Ethics and Communication? One of constraint? One of empowerment? One of both constraint and empowerment?
Universalism: Seeing ethics as entirely separate from culture Ethics and Culture Universalism: Seeing ethics as entirely separate from culture What challenges does this perspective create?
Ethics and Culture Relativism: Seeing ethics as entirely bound to the beliefs of a particular culture What challenges does this perspective create?
Ethics and Culture Treating universalism and relativism as a dialectical tension that fits on a continuum and encourages conversation, rather than as isolated concepts that involve exclusive categories and have no room for conversation, produces key principles for intercultural relations.
Three Ethical Principles for Consideration: Effort to understand Peaceful disagreement Loving relationships
Effort to Understand: Teachable attitude Accepting mutual legitimacy Engaging in dialogue Considering the context
Peaceful Disagreement: Nonviolence (not as a behavior, but as an attitude) Truth and openness (avoiding secrecy and deception)
Loving Relations: A willingness to be inconvenienced for the benefit of others A recognition of the importance of relationships and connection for everyone
Intercultural marriage as an exemplar of key ideas: Good motives Common goals Sensitivity to the other’s needs Flexibility Spirit of adventure Positive self-image Sense of humor Commitment to the relationship Willingness to communicate