Tasks:
First, try to make a list of the different ethical obligations writers might have in relation to their readers. What actions might writers be responsible for in different contexts?
Second, consider how writers should address their ethical obligations to stakeholders.
Ethical obligations as a writer in relation to their audience:
Be as factual as possible, reduce the spread of misinformation by citing your sources.
Be transparent, don’t try to persuade readers with ill intent or motives.
Ensure information is up to date, and relevant.
Update information as it becomes available.
Avoid and be conscious of copyright infringement, along with plagiarism.
Recognize bias in your writing.
Acknowledge others’ viewpoints.
Don’t assume your audience.
Use inclusivity in your writing such as “businessperson” rather than “businessman”.
Only use reputable sources.
Acknowledge the audience able to view your work, recognize diversity and avoid stereotypes.
Post/publish with reputable platforms if posting publicly.
Accept and own your work as your own.
Give your audience a warning before mentioning a subject that is sensitive or offensive.
Present any media with these same ethics applied.
Writers may be responsible for media used on their behalf, therefore should limit who uses it fictitiously.
Speeches presented should strongly consider a translator and/or hard copy present, allowing deaf/hard-of-hearing, and blind audiences to be included.
Written peices should consider an audio format to include blind and low-vision audiences.
Ethical obligations as a writer in relation to stakeholders:
Never threaten, or give an ultimatum when seeking a certain goal.
Keep in mind who will be directly impacted, negatively, positively, and unnaffected.
Use transparancy, stating exactly what your motive is.
Use professional, respectful, and appropriate language.
Consider your values and morals when suggesting ideas.
Use language particular to your stakeholders, for example children or those with slow-processing, or devolopmental delay disorders may not understand sophisticated language.
Reccomend a solution to a problem resulting in little to no emotional, physical, societal, or financial harm to others, if harm is inevitable.
Present reputable sources and fact-check evidence.
Allow your communication to be backed by others’ views and opinions.
Never coerse another or others into making decisions or actions.
Consider how stakeholders might best want to view your communition, and proceed accordingly.
Refrain from insider information, or conflicts of interest.
Understand certain policies, rules, and or laws regarding communication with your stakeholders.
Infer how your communication might be percieved, and plan accordingly.
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