Ethical Speaking Analysis

Rupert Murdoch gave a speech in 2011 that defines ethics in a manner that many individuals would likely find quite enlightening. In that speech, Murdoch states "There is simply no excuse for unethical behavior. There are real issues that we must confront and are confronting. We could not be taking this more seriously or listening as intently to criticisms" (Murdoch, 2011, p. 436). The violation of ethical conduct that Rupert was referring to were the actions taken by a number of journalists in his employment.

The journalists were accused of hacking into personal telephone voicemails. Having harboured a secret desire to be a professional journalist at sometime in my life, I followed closely the allegations, as well as Mr. Murdoch's response to those allegations. In his speech to shareholders of the company that he runs, Murdoch states "if we hold others to account, then we must hold ourselves to account" (p. 436). As a wanna-be journalist, I find Murdoch's response to the allegations a 'breath of fresh air'.

I am impressed that the man would readily acknowledge the fact that a company as large as his has a burden, a duty, to do more than just generate profits. As Murdoch explains "we cannot be just a profitable company -- we must be a principled company" (p. 436). In business it is important that the customer have faith in the company; faith to deliver a product that meets the customer's desire, as well as the customer's acceptable measurements of price and quality.

Other considerations are important as well; in fact the CEO of Dow Chemical Company agrees with Murdoch on the importance of ethics in business. Adrew N. Liveris gave a speech and in that speech states that the work that the Center for Business Ethics "is a constant reminder that all of our institutions- including those in the business world -- must be built on a culture of trust" (Liveris, 2010, p. 35).

Building a culture of trust, being a principled company, according to Murdoch and Liveris, are important aspects to running a company. The question could be asked, 'why'? Why is ethics so important, not only in managing the affairs of business but in every aspect of life. In the case of Murdoch's journalists, building a culture of trust would almost necessarily be important because readership, or viewership is a two-way street. One party is the provider of information, while the other party is the receiver of that information.

If the receiver of the purveyed information does not trust the source, then would the receiver continue to purchase the information, would the receiver continue to watch the cable television shows, read the newspapers or magazines containing the information or stories...probably not. A loss of viewership or readership would mean lower revenue for the company, lower profits for the shareholders and could lead to a decline in other areas as well.

If a company is not trusted in one area, could that distrust flow into other areas as well? The answer may well be a resounding yes. Rupert knew that and gave the solution to such a scenarion in his speech when he stated "that is why we must admit to and confront our mistakes, and establish rigorous and vigorous procedures to put things right" (p. 436). Rupert's statement does not just pertain to the business world, but to other areas as well.

A strong cynicism is palpable and discernible concerning the current political environment in Washington, D.C. The President of the United States was recently awarded 'The Lie of the Year' for constantly reminding citizens that with his new healthcare program they could keep their insurance and their doctors if they so desired. Because of this lie, the administration is now suffering through its lowest approval ratings since taking office. Now many citizens are doubtful as to the truth as the administration states it.

This lack of trust does not just concern the POTUS however. Citizens now are disinclined to listen to or believe what any of the politicians in Washington, D.C. have to say. Such a lack of trust in their leadership allows for a citizenry that is very cynical and much less amiable to whatever plans or strategies their leaders promote. That lack of trust could be even more important in foreign affairs rather than domestic issues.

One recent report found that "maintaining a positive global image for the United States should be an important goal for.