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# EthicalVoices

Real Ethics Stories from Real PR Pros

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Why kindness may be the most overlooked principle in ethical AI leadership](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2026/06/01/why-kindness-may-be-the-most-overlooked-principle-in-ethical-ai-leadership/) - This week on EthicalVoices, Loren King, digital marketing supervisor for AI and insights at MorganMyers, discussed: 1) How coffee talks can build a healthy AI adoption culture 2) Why organizations need an AI philosophy, not just policies 3) Why communicators must balance AI innovation with humanity, empathy, privacy, and environmental impact
- [Ethical Lessons from the Front Lines of Healthcare Communications](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2026/05/04/ethical-lessons-from-the-front-lines-of-healthcare-communications/) - This week on Ethical Voices, Linda Staley, APR, Fellow PRSA, corporate communications manager at Carilion Clinic discusses: 1) Why trust is the real currency in healthcare communications 2) How transparency in a crisis can protect your reputation more than perfection 3) How the ethical risks of AI and misinformation will shape our future calling
- [The PR Industry Wasn’t Built for Us—So We’re Rebuilding It](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2026/03/09/the-pr-industry-wasnt-built-for-us-so-were-rebuilding-it/) - This week on EthicalVoices, Damaryan Benton, the founder of The PR Habitat, Co-Chair of the Queer Frontier Collective, and an account executive for Anomaly, discusses: 1) Why you shouldn’t confuse access with alignment 2) How early-career professionals can effectively challenge tone-deaf campaigns 3) Why authentic storytelling—not social metrics—must guide the use of AI in communications 4) Where young communicators can find a group built for them
- [Truth Under Fire: Ethics in Cybersecurity Communications](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2026/03/03/truth-under-fire-ethics-in-cybersecurity-communications/) - This week on Ethical Voices Bill Keeler, senior director of PR and communications with Semperis a leader in AI powered identity security, and cyber resilience, discusses: 1) Why “vaporware” claims are the fastest way to lose credibility in cyber PR 2) The ethics issues involved in ransomware attacks 3) The issues CISOs face – and how it is coming to the big screen 4) The power of transparency
- [This Week in PR Ethics (2/3/26): Fake posts, fake experts and fake photos](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2026/02/03/this-week-in-pr-ethics-2-3-26-fake-posts-fake-experts-and-fake-photos/) - Some interesting ethics stories over the past few weeks including Fake experts, fake entries, fake photos and more. CIPR deserves credit for calling out some of the most egregious issues. Unethical Wikipedia editing – CIPR calls out firms for the unethical use of subcontractors for wikilaundering Fake experts – CIPR and PRCA responded to a
- [Climate, Truth, and the Ethics of Saying No](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2026/01/12/climate-truth-and-the-ethics-of-saying-no/) - Joining me on this week’s episode of Ethical Voices is Mike Farber, the co-founder of GreenStory. He discusses a number of important ethics issues, including: 1) Why the most important ethics decision happens before you hire a person or client 2) Why “It’s legal” is one of the most dangerous phrases in communications 3) Why comms leaders must reclaim the truth
- [This Week in PR Ethics – 1/7/26: Robots, Start Ups and Oh So Many Failures](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2026/01/07/this-week-in-pr-ethics-1-7-26-robots-start-ups-and-oh-so-many-failures/) - This Week in PR Ethics is back from its long vacation with a number of interesting stories, including many AI ethics failures.
- [Somebody Has to Ask the Question: Mentorship, AI, and Ethical Courage](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2026/01/05/somebody-has-to-ask-the-question-mentorship-ai-and-ethical-courage/) - This week on Ethical Voices, Kristin Amico, a writer, editor, content strategist, and the most traveled person I know discusses a number of important ethics issues, including: 1) Why most ethics failures don’t start with scandals 2) What the “Wild West” of AI really looks like inside organizations under pressure to perform 3) How fear, job insecurity, and “do more with less” environments quietly undermine ethical decision-making 4) Why mentorship is the most effective ethics safeguard for junior staff
- [Why Communicators Deserve the Same Privilege as Lawyers](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2025/10/20/why-communicators-deserve-the-same-privilege-as-lawyers/) - This week on EthicalVoices, Amie Hoffner, Vice President of Corporate Communications at American Dairy Queen Corporation, shares why communicators need the same protections as lawyers — and how to stay ethical when the lines between PR, marketing, and media blur. She discusses: 1) Why communicators should have the same legal protections as lawyers 2) How to avoid “on background” disasters 3) Why trusting your gut isn’t enough 4) How to counsel executives in media interviews 5) Why crisis simulations should include an ethical dilemma
- [Lessons from a PR Legend: Dick Martin on Ethics, Accountability, and Finding the Hard Truths](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2025/08/04/lessons-from-a-pr-legend-dick-martin-on-ethics-accountability-and-finding-the-hard-truths/) - Dick Martin, the retired Chief Communication Officer for AT&T and Chairman of the Board of the PR Museum, discusses a number of important ethics issues, including: 1) How a single racist cartoon exposed deeper organizational issues and sparked meaningful change 2) Why telling the truth in PR isn’t always easy 3) Why strong ethics requires more than good intentions 4) Why you should be careful about getting too clever
- [Fighting Mosquitoes and Misinformation: Ethics in the Public Health Trenches](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2025/07/07/fighting-mosquitoes-and-misinformation-ethics-in-the-public-health-trenches/) - This week on Ethical Voices, Tammy Gordon, the (past) public information department manager for the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District. [Editors note: I sat on this interview for way too long and she is now Director of Public Affairs at the Citrus Heights Water District], discusses a number of important ethical issues, including: 1) How to navigate ethical conflict when your job challenges your personal values 2) How to intervene when colleagues prioritize quick fixes over responsible practices 3) How to address unethical behavior without triggering defensiveness
- [How to Effectively Address Management Decisions that Conflict with Your Values - Carolyn Smith Casertano](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2025/05/27/how-to-effectively-address-management-decisions-that-conflict-with-your-values-carolyn-smith-casertano/) - This week on Ethical Voices, Carolyn Smith Casertano, MA, APR, Fellow PRSA, professor of practice in the Department of Communication at the University of Arizona, discusses a number of important ethics issues including; 1) How to effectively address management decisions that conflict with your values 2) What to do when a client tries to hire your staff
- [How to Counsel Effectively When Your Client Has a Culturally Insensitive Idea - Fabiana Meléndez Ruiz](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2025/03/10/how-to-counsel-effectively-when-your-client-has-a-culturally-insensitive-idea-fabiana-melendez-ruiz/) - Fabiana Meléndez Ruiz, a strategic storyteller serving as the founder and CEO of Refuerzo Collaborative, discusses a number of important ethics issues including: 1) How to counsel effectively when your client has a culturally insensitive idea 2) How you can help organizations go beyond their biases 3) Unexpected ways PR pros fail ethically with the media 4) The most overlooked part of a PR person’s job
- [Acting Ethically With Financial Numbers](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2025/01/06/acting-ethically-with-financial-numbers/) - Bill Swanger, APR, Fellow PRSA, the founder of William Swanger Communications, shares a number of important ethical issues, including: 1) Why it is important to ethically address financial mistakes and clarify misunderstandings 2) Ethically navigating paid and unpaid content
- [How to best counsel your client when they want to respond unethically to an unethical competitor - Tatevik Simonyan](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2024/10/28/how-to-best-counsel-your-client-when-they-want-to-respond-unethically-to-an-unethical-competitor-tatevik-simonyan/) - Tatevik Simonyan, the co-founder and director of communications and international relations at SPRING PR company in Armenia, discusses: 1) How to best counsel your client when they want to respond unethically to an unethical competitor 2) How to react calmly and ethically in highly emotional crises 3) Should PR create a global code of ethics for influencer marketing 4) What companies should know about PR in Armenia
- [Why it’s important to know many codes of ethics – Erin Kennedy](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2024/09/09/why-its-important-to-know-many-codes-of-ethics-erin-kennedy/) - Erin Kennedy, the ethics committee chair for the PRSA Central California Chapter, discusses: 1) What to do when your boss wants to disclose information before you should 2) How to better understand how those spreading misinformation think
- [The Importance of Really Small Things – Capt. Barbara Bell, USN (ret)](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2024/05/28/the-importance-of-really-small-things-capt-barbara-bell-usn-ret/) - Captain Barbara Bell, U.S. Navy (ret). Captain Bell was one of Annapolis's first female graduates and has a distinguished career as an aviator and naval flight test officer. Today, she teaches at the US Naval Academy and may discuss ethics even more than I do. In this interview she discusses a number of important ethics issues, including: 1) The importance of the really small things 2) The ethics framework being taught to future Navy officers – and how everyone can apply it 3) How to understand and avoid biases 4) Never forget you are a role model
- [How to Deal with Biased Reporters - Missy Hurley](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2024/04/22/how-to-deal-with-biased-reporters-missy-hurley/) - This week on Ethical Voices, Missy Hurley, the co-founder and CEO of B2 Communications, discusses a number of important ethics issues: 1) What to do when advocacy groups change your words to spread misinformation 2) How to deal with biased reporters 3) When ethically to disclose you used AI
- [Being an Effective Counselor During Difficult and Heart-Wrenching Ethical Situations - Michelle Egan](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2019/12/16/counseling-ethics-during-heart-wrenching-situations-michelle-egan/) - Michelle Egan, the chief communications officer of the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company discusses a number of key ethical issues including: • Who owns the work you create at a company? And what do you do when a former co-worker asks for it? • What to do when your company’s equipment causes the death a Middle schooler? • Fighting the attack on the free flow of information • How do you balance privacy with transparency?
- [The Importance of Comprehensive Ethics Policies – Joseph Abreu](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2024/04/02/the-importance-of-comprehensive-ethics-policies-joseph-abreu/) - Joseph Abreu, the Chief Communications Officer for the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller of Lee County, Florida, and 2024 National Chair of PRSA., discusses a number of important ethics issues, including: 1) The ethical importance of avoiding even the appearance of impropriety. 2) How to get ahead of AI ethics challenges
- [People Are Not Props – Christie Goodman](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2024/02/12/people-are-not-props-christie-goodman/) - Christie Goodman, the director of communication for the Intercultural Development Research Association, discusses a number of important ethics issues, including: 1) How to avoid using people as props and authentically engage 2) Ethics challenges with assumptions 3) How to effectively engage and learn from diverse audiences 4) How to effectively advance social justice issues
- [One key PR ethics lesson from the Pulse nightclub shooting – Ann Marie Varga](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2024/02/26/one-key-pr-ethics-lesson-from-the-pulse-nightclub-shooting-ann-marie-varga/) - Ann Marie Varga, the internal communication manager for AdventHealth discusses a number of important ethics issues including: 1) One key PR ethics lesson from the Pulse nightclub shooting 2) How to protect your (and your team’s) mental health in crisis situations 3) Ethical issues in internal communications
- [How to Build Trust Ethically and Effectively – Roy Reid](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2024/01/22/how-to-build-trust-ethically-and-effectively-roy-reid/) - Roy Reid, a senior fellow with the Stockworth Institute, and a recognized as one of the Top 100 Thought Leaders in Trustworthy Business, discusses a number of important ethics issues, including: 1) What to do when your client asks you to besmirch the competition 2) How to effectively and ethically build trust 3) What to do when employees, clients and partners break your trust
- [Promise and Pitfalls, the Ethical Use of AI for Public Relations Practitioners - A Conversation with Michelle Egan and Mark Dvorak](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2024/01/08/the-promise-and-pitfalls-the-ethical-use-of-ai-for-public-relations-practitioners-a-conversation-with-michelle-egan-and-mark-dvorak/) - In November 2023, PRSA issued new ethics guidelines titled “Promise and Pitfalls, the Ethical Use of AI for Public Relations Practitioners”. Michelle Egan, the 2023 National Chair of PRSA and Mark Dvorak, the 2023 Chair of PRSA's Board of Ethics and Professional Standards discuss them and more.
- [We need to tell the hard truths – Ed Harrison](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2023/12/18/we-need-to-tell-the-hard-truths-ed-harrison/) - Ed Harrison, the managing director of Inkhouse in Boston discusses several ethics issues including: 1) Ethical failures with data 2) Why we need to tell the hard truths 3) The important difference between being nice and being kind 4) An interactive discussion on AI tools and training
- [How to Conduct PR Research Ethically – Marcia DiStaso](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2023/11/20/how-to-conduct-pr-research-ethically-marcia-distaso/) - Marcia DiStaso, Associate Dean for Research in the College of Journalism and Communications and Professor of Public Relations at the University of Florida. discusses a number of important ethics issues, including: 1) How do we ethically ask questions in research? 2) What to absolutely never, ever do when conducting research for a PR campaign 3) Ethical challenges with AI in PR
- [This Week in PR Ethics (11/2/23): AI Risks, AI Biases, and Bird Ethics](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2023/11/02/this-week-in-pr-ethics-11-2-23-ai-risks-ai-biases-and-bird-ethics/) - Another week, another round of ethics issues including articles that touch on AI risks, AI biases, and bird ethics.
- [What should you do when you think you received an unlawful order? Dave Honchul](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2023/10/30/what-to-do-when-you-think-you-received-an-unlawful-order-dave-honchul/) - Dave Honchul, APR Fellow, PRSA is a public affairs specialist at the US Department of the Treasury and a docent at the National Museum of the US Air Force. He discusses a number of important ethics issues, including: 1) What to do when you think you received an unlawful order 2) One key thing many PR pros are forgetting to do 3) How far do you need to dig before deciding something is true
- [This Week in PR Ethics (10/26/26): Is it ethical to sabotage other work to protect your own?](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2023/10/26/this-week-in-pr-ethics-10-26-26-is-it-ethical-to-sabotage-other-work-to-protect-your-own/) - There sure are a bunch of ethics issues to discuss this week. From the sabotaging of others work to the unethical targeting of children and fake images, propaganda and spokespeople, there were some fascinating stories this week
- [What to do when PR Pros accidentally spread misinformation – Kelsey Bohl](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2023/10/16/what-to-do-when-pr-pros-accidentally-spread-misinformation-kelsey-bohl/) - Kelsey Bohl, the Senior Manager of Corporate Communications Press Office at Walmart, discusses a number of important ethics issues, including: 1) Why corporations need to be careful they aren’t the ones spreading misinformation 2) Ethics of data analysis 3) Why PR pros need to change their definition of media
- [This Week in RPR Ethics (9/28/23) – Ozempic, Codes of Ethics and A Right to PR Counsel?](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2023/09/28/this-week-in-rpr-ethics-9-28-23-ozempic-codes-of-ethics-and-a-right-to-pr-counsel/) - This week in PR Ethics the issues ran the gamut from undisclosed promotions to agencies deciding with whom they should work and the importance of PR Codes of Ethics
- [The Ethical Implications of Blurred Lines – Cheryll Forsatz](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2023/09/18/the-ethical-implications-of-blurred-lines-cheryll-forsatz/) - Cheryll Forsatz, the Vice President of Corporate Communications and Public Relations for Ferrero USA discusses: 1) The ethical implications of blurred lines 2) Influencer ethics and disclosure 3) Ethics and AI
- [This Week in RPR Ethics (9/14/23) – There is Something Rotten in….AI, Media Relations, and Government Overreach](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2023/09/14/this-week-in-rpr-ethics-9-14-23-there-is-something-rotten-in-ai-media-relations-and-government-overreach/) - This week in PR Ethics the issues ran the gamut from AI and government overreach, to how much should brands cooperate with the government and should we believe what we read:
- [This Week in PR Ethics (9/7/23): AI Disinformation and the Evolution of Stakeholder Capitalism](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2023/09/07/this-week-in-pr-ethics-9-7-23-ai-disinformation-and-the-evolution-of-stakeholder-capitalism/) - Now that college is back in session, it is time for me to restart This Week in PR Ethics, a look at the most interesting, important and quirky communication ethics stories of the week. Since I haven’t done one in a while, I get to be elastic when using the term “week” this week.
- [How Much Human Agency Do We Require in Public Relations? – Ant Cousins](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2023/08/21/how-much-human-agency-do-we-require-in-public-relations-ant-cousins/) - This week Ant Cousins, the Executive Director of AI Strategy at Cision, discusses a number of important issues, including: • Cision’s AI ethics policy • The ethics implications of the use of AI in public relations • How much human agency do we require in public relations? • The most concerning AI ethics issues • Where should PR pros start when they want to learn more about AI?
- [Bringing True, Ethical Authenticity to Multicultural Communications – Jennifer Gonzalez](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2023/07/31/bringing-true-ethical-authenticity-to-multicultural-communications-jennifer-gonzalez/) - Jennifer Gonzalez, the senior vice president of multicultural strategy at C+C (and my colleague) discusses a number of important ethics issues, including: 1) What to do when you know your prospect's multicultural program does not align with the community’s needs 2) Ethical issues in partnering with community-based organizations 3) Why sometimes being equitable requires you to say no
- [PR Ethics: From Client Selection to AI Challenges – KayAnn Schoeneman](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2023/07/24/pr-ethics-from-client-selection-to-ai-challenges-kayann-schoeneman/) - KayAnn Schoeneman, President of Curley Company discusses: 1) How to determine if a client is right for you 2) Ethical issues in opposition research 3) AI ethics challenges
- [How to Hire Ethical People - Patrice Tanaka](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2019/07/01/how-to-hire-ethical-people-patrice-tanaka/) - Patrice Tanaka, co-founder of three award winning PR and marketing agencies and currently the Chief Joy Officer at Joyful Planet discusses number of key topics including: • What questions should you ask to make sure you are hiring ethical people? • How can you really demonstrate to your employees the importance of living your ethical code? • Should you only hire people that know ballroom dancing?
- [Succeeding with Conscience: Navigating Ethical Challenges in Career Growth – Bradley Akubuiro](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2023/06/27/succeeding-with-conscience-navigating-ethical-challenges-in-career-growth-bradley-akubuiro/) - Bradley Akubuiro, a partner at Bully Pulpit Interactive, discusses a number of important ethics issues including: 1) How to deal with an ethical quandary: Career advancement or decency? 2) How to effectively serve as the conscience of an organization 3) How to deal with issues in a hyper-politicized environment
- [Preserving Authenticity: The Nuances of Ethical Storytelling in Advocacy Communications - Zainab Chaudary](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2023/06/12/preserving-authenticity-the-nuances-of-ethical-storytelling-in-advocacy-communications-zainab-chaudary/) - Zainab Chaudary, Senior Vice President at New Heights Communications discusses several key ethics issues, including: 1) Lost opportunities: lessons learned from the Muslim Ban Supreme Court case 2) Navigating the tension: ethically balancing client desires and media success 3) Why you need to go beyond mission, vision and values 4) How to break down the silos in advocacy communication
- [This Week in PR Ethics (5/18/23): Taking on Climate Lies](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2023/05/18/this-week-in-pr-ethics-5-18-23-taking-on-climate-lies/) - Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of attending a Symposium at Boston University about “Taking on Climate Lies – Climate Disinformation Initiative.” I was fascinated by the studies and believe they provide some insights that will be of use to any communication professional dealing with climate change or clean energy. The studies showed how social media and news media are spreading climate misinformation.
- [How Can Businesses Create A More Ethical Environment - Erica Salmon Byrne](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2023/05/08/9852/) - Erica Salmon Byrne, CEO of Ethisphere discusses: 1) How does a company become one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies? 2) What are the top ethics issues facing companies? 3) How can businesses create a more ethical environment? 4) What questions should businesses ask about ethics and AI? 5) Proof that being ethical is good business
- [We Must Confront the Uncomfortable Truths - Roger Bolton](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2023/04/17/we-must-confront-the-uncomfortable-truths-roger-bolton/) - Roger Bolton, the president of Page, discusses a number of important ethics issues, including: 1) What to do when a reporter is writing a story that you know will quickly become inaccurate 2) Why we need to confront the uncomfortable truths 3) The ethical use of technology and AI 4) Understanding the Page Principles
- [This Week in PR Ethics (4/13/23): Caring, Anti-ESG, and PR Misperceptions](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2023/04/13/this-week-in-pr-ethics-4-13-23-caring-anti-esg-and-pr-misperceptions/) - It was a grab bag of public relations ethics issues this week. From what companies need to do about anti-ESG, to the duty of care and a flawed perception of public relations there is something for everyone.
- [This Week in PR Ethics (4/6/23): Let’s turn it up to 12! Deepfakes, Taylor Swift and using AI to fake diversity](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2023/04/06/this-week-in-pr-ethics-4-6-23-lets-turn-it-up-to-12-deepfakes-taylor-swift-and-using-ai-to-fake-diversity/) - Most of the most intriguing communication and public relations ethics issues this week* dealt with AI ethics.
- [How can we best balance safeguarding confidences and disclosure of information – Pete Scott](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2023/04/03/how-can-we-best-balance-safeguarding-confidences-and-disclosure-of-information-pete-scott/) - Pete Scott, the president and CEO of American Pet Products Association. He discusses a number of important issues, including: 1) How can we best balance safeguarding confidences and disclosure of information? 2) How fast should we move on AI?
- [Just Four Left: Vote Now! Socrates v Plato and Aristotle v. Kant](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2023/03/27/just-four-left-vote-now-socrates-v-plato-and-aristotle-v-kant/) - Unlike the men's tourney, the favorites are the four left standing 1) Socrates v. Plato 2) Aristotle v. Kant Who will advance to the finals and be the Philosophy Madness Champion in 2023? Vote now!
- [Philosopher Madness: The Final Eight – Plato vs. Locke and More!](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2023/03/23/philosopher-madness-the-final-eight-plato-vs-locke-and-more/) - Do you want another way to participate in a tourney? You are in luck ! Round 4 of 2023 Philosopher Madness is underway. Plato v Locke Socrates v. Nietzsche Aristotle v. Hume Confucius v. Kant Vote now!
- [2023 Philosopher Madness: Vote Now!](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2023/03/21/2023-philosopher-madness-vote-now/) - Are you sad because your bracket is busted and there are no more College BB games until Thursday? Well do not despair, for Philosopher Madness 2023 is kicking off Round 3 early. And wow is this round bringing us some heavyweight battles! Vote now!
- [Round 2 voting now live in Philosopher Madness](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2023/03/17/round-2-voting-now-live-in-philosopher-madness/) - Round 2 of 2023 Philosopher Madness is now live. Two major upsets in Rd 1. WIll Maimonides and Zeno continue their Cinderella run? Vote now!
- [2023 Philosopher Madness: Rounds 1 and 2](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2023/03/15/2023-philosopher-madness-rounds-1-and-2/) - While many people think of college basketball and the rivalries (What time is it?), the rivalries in philosophy are even more heated. So dive in and over the next few weeks let's determine who is the top philosopher. There can be only one.
- [This Week in PR Ethics (3/9/23): Ethics of AI Pitching, Freedom of Speech, Psyops, and Resume Bias](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2023/03/09/this-week-in-pr-ethics-3-9-23-ethics-of-ai-pitching-freedom-of-speech-psyops-and-resume-bias/) - This week there are more than a few public relations ethics issues and some of them are real doozies. From AI tools for media relations to plans to restrict freedom of speech and continued resume bias, the topics are worth a read
- [What societal issues does every company have an ethical duty to support? - Niel Golightly](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2023/03/06/what-societal-issues-does-every-company-have-an-ethical-duty-to-support-niel-golightly/) - Niel Golightly, a partner at FGS Global, discusses several important ethics issues, including: 1) An important lesson he learned flying an F-14 over the Indian Ocean 2) What is the hardest ethical decision? 3) The power of humility 4) How do we redefine a corporation’s role in society? 5) What societal issues does every company have an ethical duty to support?
- [This Week in PR Ethics (03/02/23): Do Businesses Really Care About Diversity? What Happens When Employers Monitor Your Brain?](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2023/03/02/this-week-in-pr-ethics-03-02-23-do-businesses-really-care-about-diversity-and-employers-monitoring-your-brain/) - Some weighty, fascinating, and depressing ethics stories this week. From continued corporate failure when it comes to diversity, to further erosions of privacy, there are a number of deep and interesting ethics articles.
- [This Week in PR Ethics (2/23/23): Subway Surfing, Laundering Reputations, and Psychological Targeting](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2023/02/23/this-week-in-pr-ethics-2-23-23-subway-surfing-laundering-reputations-and-psychological-targeting/) - This week there were some ironic ethics issues – but the most intriguing articles are both depressing and important. There is a rise in unethical reputation laundering. What content should social media companies censor? What are the ethics of psychological targeting
- [<strong>Acting Ethically Means Going Beyond Performative Action – Candace Hamana</strong>](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2023/02/20/acting-ethically-means-going-beyond-performative-action-candace-hamana/) - Candace Hamana, the owner of Badger PR and the founder of The Indigenous Peoples Public Relations Association discusses a number of important ethics issues, including: 1) What to do when your employer doesn’t let you act in true faith 2) How to make land acknowledgements more than a performative action 3) The importance of cultural contexts
- [This Week in PR Ethics (2/16/23): Deepfake Porn, Bullying, and Workplace Romances](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2023/02/16/this-week-in-pr-ethics-2-16-23-deepfake-porn-bullying-and-workplace-romances/) - It’s Valentine’s Week – is there a better time to share articles on the rise and weaponization of deepfake porn, the ethics of workplace romances and the rise of abusive workplaces? Read on!
- [This Week in PR Ethics (2/9/23): Organ Harvesting, Fake Diversity, and the AI Arms Race](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2023/02/09/this-week-in-pr-ethics-2-9-23-organ-harvesting-fake-diversity-and-the-ai-arms-race/) - This week I had a hard time deciding which ethics story was more concerning – organ harvesting or fake diversity. Read on and let me know what you think…
- [Your client is accused of price gouging, now what? – Scott Brooks](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2023/01/30/your-client-is-accused-of-price-gauging-now-what-scott-brooks/) - Scott Brooks, a public relations specialist for the TVA shares several ethics insights, including: 1) Your client is accused of price gauging, now what? 2) How to keep truth at the forefront 3) How to ethically deal with advocacy
- [This Week in PR Ethics (2/2/23): Non-Competes, Bribes, AI, and Guerilla Marketing Ethics](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2023/02/02/this-week-in-pr-ethics-2-2-23-non-competes-bribes-ai-and-guerilla-marketing-ethics/) - This week the communications ethics issues spanned a wide variety of topics from non-competes, to stupid PR people, to ethics developments with AI and the 16th Anniversary of one of the stupidest guerilla marketing stunts of all time.
- [This Week in PR Ethics (1/26/23): M&Ms, ChatGPT, Deepfakes and Deadbots](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2023/01/26/this-week-in-pr-ethics-1-26-23-mms-chatgpt-deepfakes-and-deadbots/) - I sure picked a good week to restart the This Week in PR Ethics this year. Everywhere you turn there is an ethics discussion. From ChatGPT to Deepfakes to ChatGPT to M&Ms to ChatGPT and Chatting with Hitler there are topics galore rife for discussion. Did I mention ChatGPT?
- [What is Public Relations' First Responsibility in Ethical Situations? Linda Welter](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2023/01/23/what-is-public-relations-first-responsibility-in-ethical-situations-linda-welter/) - Linda Welter, the CEO of Caliber Group, a brand marketing, public relations, and digital firm discusses a number of important ethics topics, including: 1) Where do you draw the competitive line? 2) What is our first responsibility in ethical situations? 3) Ethics issues with influencers
- [The most popular public relations ethics interviews of 2022](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2022/12/26/the-most-popular-public-relations-ethics-interviews-of-2022/) - What are the top 5 public relations ethics interviews and podcasts for 2022 on EthicalVoices?
- [2022 Brands in Motion: Global Ethics Insights – Rebecca Wilson](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2022/12/12/brands-in-motion-global-ethics-insights-rebecca-wilson/) - Rebecca Wilson, the Executive Vice President International for WE Communications International provides a great overview of the 2022 Brands in Motion Study and what it means for ethical communicators, including: 1) Addressing the diversity quota dilemma and tokenization 2) How many companies are delivering on their value-led commitments 3) How do brands balance their commitments to practical short-term issues versus long-term issues? 4) Key findings from the 2022 Brands In Motion Study 5) The two things every ethical communicator must embrace
- [<strong>Public Relations Professionals Are Failing to Address the Ethical Threat of Incivility – Brian Peterson</strong>](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2022/12/05/public-relations-professionals-are-failing-to-address-the-ethical-threat-of-incivility-brian-peterson/) - Brian Peterson, the principal of Greater Life Communications, discusses a number of important ethics issues, including: 1) How respect can effectively address unethical situations 2) The ethical threat of incivility 3) How public relations professionals are failing and what we can do 4) The need for a culture of kindness
- [This Week in PR Ethics (12/1/22): Is Keurig the Payment Ethics Grinch? FTX and more](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2022/12/01/this-week-in-pr-ethics-12-1-22-is-keurig-the-payment-ethics-grinch-ftx-and-more/) - Happy December! Less than five weeks left in the year, with the holidays, CES and NRF fast approaching. One thing that hasn’t changed is the plethora of ethics issues. There are a few doozies to highlight this week.
- [93 Ethics Issues for Thanksgiving Dinner Discussion in 2023](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2022/11/21/93-ethics-issues-for-thanksgiving-dinner-discussion-in-2023/) - Following are 93 ethics issues the students and I identified and discussed. These stories were ripped from the headlines. If you missed them, they are worth another review. They make great reading and great discussion for the dinner table. Most even have nothing to do with politics. And only a few deal with sports….
- [This Week in PR Ethics (11/17/22): Stupidity, KFC, and Twitter](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2022/11/17/this-week-in-pr-ethics-11-17-22-stupidity-kfc-and-twitter/) - While I could probably just write KFC and Twitter, drop the mic and walk away this week – there are some nuances that are worthy of further exploration.
- [Ethical Voices is #1](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2022/11/14/ethical-voices-is-1/) - Thank you! Ethical Voices: Practicing Public Relations with Integrity book launched a month early. And it quickly became the #1 and #5 new public relations book (print and kindle) on Amazon.
- [This Week in PR Ethics (11/10/22): Virtue – Twitter, Bruins and Misconduct](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2022/11/10/this-week-in-pr-ethics-11-10-22-virtue-twitter-bruins-and-misconduct/) - Well, the elections sure were interesting. Marlene Neill had a great assignment for her students this week where they had to analyze a political ad of their choice to see if it was ethical. Beyond the elections, the common theme in PR ethics issues this week was (the lack of) virtue.
- [The Ethics of Press Trips, Reviews and Affiliate Links – Scott Tharler](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2022/11/07/the-ethics-of-press-trips-reviews-and-affiliate-links-scott-tharler/) - We're doing something a little bit different this week. I spoke with Technology Journalist Scott Tharler about: 1) The ethics of press trips 2) The ethics of reviews and selling products you review 3) The ethics of affiliate links
- [This Week in PR Ethics (11/3/22): Pay Transparency, Fairness, Kyrie](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2022/11/03/this-week-in-pr-ethics-11-3-22-pay-transparency-fairness-kyrie/) - This week the ethical issues in public relations rain the gamut, but the core theme was fairness. Fairness in pay equity, fairness in AI decisioning, fairness in promotions, and fairness in accountability.
- [This Week in PR Ethics (10/27/22): Deepfakes, Destruction and Self-Destruction](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2022/10/27/this-week-in-pr-ethics-10-27-22-deepfakes-destruction-and-self-destruction/) - When I started gathering ethics stories for the week, I was sad because I thought it would be a quiet week. Ooh boy was I wrong. From deepfakes, to destruction and self-destruction (and I am not talking the Patriots), to politics and COP27 there is something for everyone.
- [It Is About Helping People – Sandy Young](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2022/10/24/it-is-about-helping-people-sandy-young/) - Sandy Young, the vice president of J. Walcher Communications, discusses a number of important ethics issues, including: 1) What to do ethically when a reporter wants to showcase a vulnerable person 2) How to handle PR with asylum seekers 3) How to help people understand “No” is an option 4) The ethics of how we are covering Kanye West 5) Why we need to update disclosure rules
- [This Week in PR Ethics (10/20/22): Favela Tours, Virtuous Radio Hosts, and Virus Research](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2022/10/20/this-week-in-pr-ethics-10-20-22-favela-tours-virtuous-radio-hosts-and-virus-research/) - This week there were a wide range of ethical issues from slum tourism to sensationalistic news to the importance of stakeholders. But my favorite is celebrating the positive, virtuous action by a radio station show host.
- [Clark's Bears - A Company Living the Page Principles](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2022/10/19/clarks-bears-a-company-living-the-page-principles/) - Clark's Bears is a great example of a company living the Page Principle #6 - An enterprises true character is expressed by its people
- [The Major Ethical Issues in Employee Communications – Ethan McCarty  ](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2022/10/17/the-major-ethical-issues-in-employee-communications-ethan-mccarty/) - Ethan McCarty, the founder and CEO of Integral, an award-winning employee activation agency, shares some great ethics insights including: 1) The ongoing ethical challenge of creating shared beliefs 2) Ethical issues with creating your own echo chamber 3) Ethical perils in personalizing employee communications 4) The ethics of quiet quitting
- [This Week in PR Ethics (10/6/22): The $1.2 million Instagram post and the importance of a long-term, practical focus on purpose](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2022/10/06/this-week-in-pr-ethics-10-6-22-the-1-2-million-instagram-post-and-the-importance-of-a-long-term-practical-focus-on-purpose/) - Just a few ethics articles jumped out at me this week. The Kardashians once again grabbed headlines and there is interesting ethics research from WE and the Page Center.
- [Trust the People Doing the Work – Renea Morris](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2022/10/03/trust-the-people-doing-the-work-renea-morris/) - Renea Morris, APR, Fellow PRSA, the Vice Chancellor for Marketing and Communications at the University of Denver, discusses a number of important PR ethics issues including: 1) What to do when you are uneasy with your company’s growth strategy? 2) Why organizations should worry less about filtering people’s comments on social channels and trust the people doing the work? 3) Where can Higher Ed improve?
- [This Week in PR Ethics (9/29/22): How a release cost Boeing $200 million and the crackdown on greenwashing](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2022/09/29/this-week-in-pr-ethics-9-29-22-how-a-release-cost-boeing-200-million-and-the-crackdown-on-greenwashing/) - This week the most interesting ethics stories highlighted how failure to disclose information cost a company $200 million and the crackdown on greenwashing.
- [The most important ethics priority for healthcare communicators – Kena Lewis](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2022/09/26/the-most-important-ethics-priority-for-healthcare-communicators-kena-lewis/) - Kena Lewis APR, Fellow PRSA, the Senior Director of Public Affairs and Media Relations at Orlando Health. discusses several important ethics issues, including: 1) What to do ethically when your boss is the problem 2) The ethical challenges of online identity 3) The most important ethics priority for healthcare communicators 4) How do you balance safeguarding confidences with transparency and honesty?
- [This Week in PR Ethics (9/22/22): Misinformation, NyQuil, Conflict of Interest and Walking the Walk](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2022/09/22/this-week-in-pr-ethics-9-22-22-misinformation-nyquil-conflict-of-interest-and-walking-the-walk/) - This week there were quite a few ethical issues. TikTok was involved in two, including it suggesting misinformation to promoting unhealthy viral challenges. Another common theme was where do you draw the boundaries when it comes to student loan forgiveness to public/work-life boundaries. There were also a few articles that showed multiple facets of purpose and greenwashing.
- [PR Ethics: What Happens When There is a Coup?  – Alex Dance](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2022/09/19/pr-ethics-what-happens-when-there-is-a-coup-alex-dance/) - For Ethics Month, I wanted to look at new topics and geographies. Joining me this week is Alex Dance, the Managing Director of ERA Communications in Cambodia. He discusses several important ethics issues, including: 1) What should you do when clients are even tangentially affiliated with a coup? 2) The state of misinformation in Cambodia 3) The impact of influencers on Cambodians 4) Ethical challenges with clickbait
- [This Week in PR Ethics (9/15/22): No DEI Changemakers, and Where Does Advocacy End and Exploiting Begin?](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2022/09/15/this-week-in-pr-ethics-9-15-22-no-dei-changemakers-and-where-does-advocacy-end-and-exploiting-begin/) - This week there were almost too many PR ethics stories, and almost all of them are powerful. From PRWeek and Google highlight the long DEI road ahead and new ways to approach it; to advocacy, exploitation, AI, Art, and conflict of interest…there is an ethics topic for everyone.
- [This Week in PR Ethics (09/08/22) – What ethical failures are customers least likely to accept? Also Fur Trapping and Ethics Swag](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2022/09/08/this-week-in-pr-ethics-09-07-22-what-ethical-failures-are-customers-least-likely-to-accept-also-fur-trapping-and-ethics-swag/) - Once again, I didn’t have to look far for ethics stories this week. I strongly encourage everyone to read the HBR study on what ethical failures customers are least likely to accept. There are also videos and Webinars from PRSA and PRCA and a link to some great ethics swag.
- [This Week in PR Ethics (9/1/22) Is it ever right to sabotage your company? Do you need an ethics advisor?](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2022/09/01/this-week-in-pr-ethics-9-1-22-is-it-ever-right-to-sabotage-your-company-do-you-need-an-ethics-advisor/) - This week in public relations ethics there were some really interesting articles that look at duty, leadership and the need for counsel.
- [Which AI-created logo do you prefer for Ethics Month?](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2022/08/31/which-ai-created-logo-do-you-prefer-for-ethics-month/) - Like many people, I have been having a lot of fun playing around with Craiyon (formerly Dall E mini) the AI tool that can create some awesome images just from a sentence. It failed me when I asked it to create an image of Syracuse Football winning a game. I asked myself, what else could
- [How to successfully advocate for transparency – Jamie Floer](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2022/09/12/how-to-successfully-advocate-for-transparency-jamie-floer/) - Jamie Floer, APR, CPRC, Fellow PRSA, the Communications Manager for the Toho Water Authority, discusses a number of ethics issues, including: 1) How to successfully advocate for transparency 2) How to protect your company’s reputation when other similar brands are having ethics failures 3) Why we need to keep ethics front and center
- [Ethical Issues with Coalitions and Front Groups – Greg Bailey](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2022/08/29/ethical-issues-with-coalitions-and-front-groups-greg-bailey/) - Joining me in this week's episode is Greg Bailey, APR, Fellow PRSA, the founder of Finley + Bailey Strategic Communication. He discusses a number of important public relations ethics issues including: 1) What to do when a client asks you to hide their identity as part of a coalition 2) Why we need top to turn the mirror on ourselves 3) The growing challenge of malformation 4) How to make sure your employees understand how you value ethics
- [This Week in PR Ethics (8/25/22): Fake videos, cultural appropriation, and disclosure](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2022/08/25/this-week-in-pr-ethics-8-25-22-fake-videos-cultural-appropriation-and-disclosure/) - I am going to have so many examples to discuss with my students when we go back to class in two weeks. This week in public relations ethics it was everything from disclosure to fake videos, and cultural appropriation.
- [The ethical challenges of weaponized communication – Elizabeth Edwards](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2022/08/22/the-ethical-challenges-of-weaponized-communication-elizabeth-edwards/) - Elizabeth Edwards, the founder of Volume PR and the Engagement Science Lab, discusses a number of important issues, including: 1) The ethical challenges of weaponized communication 2) Avoiding thought-terminating cliches 3) What is the one tool or word, PR pros should retire 4) Why we need to think of meaning, not just tactics
- [This Week in PR Ethics (8/18/22): Who is liable when an AI kills? How often do people lie?](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2022/08/18/this-week-in-pr-ethics-8-18-22-who-is-liable-when-an-ai-kills-how-often-do-people-lie/) - There were a number of interesting communication ethics issues this week ranging from business operations and liability to sources of disinformation.
- [This Week in PR Ethics (8/11/22): Five Topics That Defy Easy Description](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2022/08/11/this-week-in-pr-ethics-8-11-22-five-topics-that-defy-easy-description/) - I usually can come up with punchy headlines for the weekly ethics roundup – but this week the topics are just too important, bizarre, and complex. So, without further ado, five articles that raise ethics issues that will make you laugh, scratch your head and possibly creep you out.
- [Honoring Paula Pedene, APR, Fellow PRSA: VA Whistleblower](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2022/08/09/honoring-paula-pedene-apr-fellow-prsa-va-whistleblower/) - This week, Paula Pedene, APR, Fellow PRSA is being inducted into the Defense Information School Hall of Fame. She was the first EthicalVoices interview in 2018. Listen to it again.
- [This Week in PR Ethics (8/4/22): Fraud, Transparency, Disclosure, and Purpose](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2022/08/04/this-week-in-ethical-voices-8-4-22-fraud-transparency-disclosure-and-purpose/) - The summer is heating up and so are ethics issues. It is probably easier to ask what violation of PRSA’s code of ethics didn’t happen this week – fraud; lack of transparency and disclosure; and attacks on purpose are just a few.
- [Too many beers: ethics and client conflicts – Ken Kerrigan](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2022/08/01/too-many-beers-ethics-and-client-conflicts-ken-kerrigan/) - This week on Ethical Voices, Ken Kerrigan, a Vice President at Infinite Global, discusses a number of important ethics issues, including: 1) Too many beers – Ethics and client conflicts 2) Can corporations really be ethical media enterprises? 3) The death of truth and the need for regulation
- [This Week in PR Ethics 7/28/22 – Disguised Earned Media, Misinformation, and Integrity](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2022/07/28/this-week-in-pr-ethics-7-28-22-disguised-earned-media-misinformation-and-integrity/) - Aside from everything discussed at hearings in Washington, there were a number of interesting ethics articles over the past few weeks touching on disguised earned media, misinformation, and integrity
- [Paddle your own ethical canoe – Filomena Fanelli](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2022/07/25/paddle-your-own-ethical-canoe-filomena-fanelli/) - This week on EthicalVoices, Filomena Fanelli, CEO of Impact PR & Communications discusses a number of important ethical issues, including: 1) Why we need to trust but verify 2) How to make your employees understand and live your values 3) Ethics and predatory lending
- [How to Effectively Counsel Those That Want to Make Unethical Decisions – Cathy Morley Foster](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2022/06/20/how-to-effectively-counsel-those-that-want-to-make-unethical-decisions-cathy-morley-foster/) - Cathy Morley Foster, the principal at Morley Foster Consulting, discusses a number of important ethics issues, including: 1) How to effectively counsel those that want to make unethical decisions 2) The importance of expertise and common sense
- [The Role of Ethical Leadership in Building Influence: A Female Perspective](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2022/06/06/the-role-of-ethical-leadership-in-building-influence-a-female-perspective/) - This week we're doing something a little bit different, and we're speaking with Dr. Juan Meng, the Associate Professor of Public Relations at the University of Georgia, and Dr. Marlene Neill, APR, Fellow PRSA, an Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director at Baylor University. I asked them to share insights from a recent journal article they authored titled The Role of Ethical Leadership in Building Influence: Perspectives from Female Public Relations Professionals.
- [Leadership Challenges of Ethics and Intellectual Property: Elise Mitchell, APR](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2019/02/04/leadership-challenges-of-ethics-and-intellectual-property-elise-mitchell-apr/) - Joining me on this week's episode is Elise Mitchell, the chairman of Mitchell Communications Group and CEO of the Dentsu Public Relations network. Elise is one of the most inspiring and insightful communications executives whom I have ever met and the author of a great book on leadership: Leading Through the Turn. In a very engaging discussion, Elise highlights: • Ethics issues with Intellectual Property • How to avoid accidentally infringing on other companies' IP • Companies stealing agencies IP • Creating a culture of try • The best ethics advice she ever received
- [The ethical importance of knowing when to say “No” – Natasha Koifman](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2022/06/13/the-ethical-importance-of-saying-no-natasha-koifman/) - Natasha Koifman, President of NKPR, one of Canada's most powerful and innovative women in public relations discusses a number of important ethics issues including: 1) The ethical importance of knowing when to say “No” 2) How to empower your employees to make tough ethical decisions 3) The blurring of paid and owned media
- [This Week In PR Ethics (3/31/22): Oscars, Supreme Court and Africa](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2022/03/31/this-week-in-pr-ethics-3-31-22-oscars-supreme-court-and-africa/) - This week there were just a few prominent ethics stories – but boy were they big. From The Oscars (do you know something happened?), to conflict of interest in the judiciary to an interesting PRCA study on PR ethics in Africa, there are some great topics to discuss.
- [How Can Old School Strategies Counter Disinformation? - Ellen Crane](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2022/03/28/how-can-old-school-strategies-counter-disinformation-ellen-crane/) - Ellen Crane, APR, Fellow PRSA. founder of Women Elevated, addresses a number of important ethics issues including: 1) What to do when your ethical values diverge from your employer’s values? 2) How can old school strategies counter disinformation
- [This Week in PR Ethics (3/24/22): Deepfakes, Drugs, and Dilbert](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2022/03/24/this-week-in-pr-ethics-3-24-22-deepfakes-drugs-and-dilbert/) - How big a threat are deepfakes? What drugs are OK to send to Russia? Do ethics matter to employees? What is ethical lobbying? This week there were some great stories – and a funny Dilbert cartoon on ethics.
- [This Week in PR Ethics (3/17/22): Ethics and Business](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2022/03/17/this-week-in-pr-ethics-3-17-22-ethics-and-business/) - Happy St. Patrick’s Day! The Irish Times discusses how ethical shoppers are driving a revolution. But beyond that, key ethics stories for the week all revolved around ethics and business.
- [Ethical Issues in Merging the Science and Art of Public Relations: Aaron Kwittken](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2022/03/14/ethical-issues-in-merging-the-science-and-art-of-public-relations-aaron-kwittken/) - Aaron Kwittken, the founder and chairman of KWT Global and the founder of PRophet, discusses: 1) An issue he still regrets not speaking up on 30 years ago 2) Ethical issues in merging the science and art of public relations 3) How augmented intelligence can help enhance our profession 4) How do we create belonging in a hybrid environment?
- [This Week in PR Ethics (3/9/22): Actions Not Words](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2022/03/10/this-week-in-pr-ethics-3-9-22-actions-not-words/) - This week so many of the ethics stories revolved around people saying one thing and doing (or not doing) another. From International Women’s Day to Ukraine to employee activism, ethics is front and center in many of the most prominent topics of the week.
- [What Ethics Lessons Can We Learn from Ted Lasso? Dan Farkas](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2022/03/07/what-ethics-lessons-can-we-learn-from-ted-lasso-dan-farkas/) - Dan Farkas, a lecturer of strategic communication at the Ohio State University, discusses a number of important ethics issues, including: 1) Why we need to think slow cooker rather than Instant Pot when it comes to PR measurement 2) How can you ethically blend empathy and accountability? 3) What is the most engaging PRSA ethics case study? 4) What ethics lessons can we learn from Ted Lasso?
- [This Week in PR Ethics (3/3/22): Ukraine. PR Associations Take a Stand](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2022/03/03/this-week-in-pr-ethics-3-3-22-ukraine-and-pr-associations-take-a-stand/) - The Russian invasion of Ukraine resonated throughout the world and this includes business, public relations and communication. Businesses and organizations are willingly going beyond focusing on shareholder or stakeholder value, and doing the morally right thing - even if it hurts in the short term. The Global PR Trade Associations (PRCA, ICCO, Global Alliance) stepped
- [This Week in PR Ethics (2/17/22): Virtue, China, Fairness and Ice Skating](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2022/02/17/this-week-in-pr-ethics-2-17-22-virtue-china-fairness-and-ice-skating/) - From businesses thriving due to good works, to fairness in competition and the role of reputation - Virtue played a big role on ethics articles this week. Not to be outdone, there was a great Teleological article on navigating the ethical risks of doing business in China.
- [What To Do When a Competitor Intentionally Causes Panic – Rick Batyko](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2022/02/14/what-to-do-when-a-competitor-intentionally-causes-panic-rick-batyko/) - Rick Batyko, the chief marketing officer for the YMCA of Greater Cleveland, discusses a number of important ethics issues, including: 1) What to do when your competitor intentionally causes panic 2) How to effectively fight disinformation 3) What the PR industry needs to do next
- [This Week in PR Ethics (2/10/22): Privacy, Fashion, and Conflicts of Interest](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2022/02/10/this-week-in-pr-ethics-2-10-22-privacy-fashion-and-conflicts-of-interest/) - From spouses and conflict of interest, to the latest fashion industry ethics fail, to some skeevy monetization of user data, there were quite a few interesting ethics articles this week.
- [What to Do When Your Employer Lies to You and Your Bosses Issue Conflicting Orders: Felicia Blow, PhD, APR](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2022/02/07/what-to-do-when-your-employer-lies-to-you-and-your-bosses-issue-conflicting-orders-felicia-blow-apr/) - first interviewed Felicia Blow, APR, almost two years ago. She was one of my first 15 interviews for the blog and podcast. This year she is the 2022 National Chair or PRSA, so I thought it made sense to revisit the interview. She discusses a number of important topics including: • How to make the ethical choice when your bosses issue conflicting orders • What to do when your employer lies to you • New areas of PR ethics concerns • The best ethics advice she ever received
- [This Week in PR Ethics (2/3/22) – Racism, Spotify, Banned Books and the Metaverse](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2022/02/03/this-week-in-pr-ethics-2-3-22-spotify-banned-books-and-the-metaverse/) - This Week in PR Ethics (2/3/22) – Racism, Spotify, Banned Books and the Metaverse
- [The Need for Accountability – Laura Tomasetti](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2022/01/31/the-need-for-accountability-laura-tomasetti/) - Laura Tomasetti, the founder and CEO of 360PR+. Laura discusses a number of important ethics issues, including: 1) Why you always have a choice 2) How to make sure everyone understands your mission and values 3) The need for the industry to hold itself accountable
- [This Week in PR Ethics (1/27/22): Front Groups, Misinformation and Historical Transgressions](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2022/01/27/this-week-in-pr-ethics-1-27-22-front-groups-misinformation-and-historical-transgressions/) - This Week in PR Ethics (1/27/22): Front Groups, Misinformation and Historical Transgressions
- [What do you do when you fire a client who has prepaid you? Lisa Gerber](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2021/10/18/what-do-you-do-when-you-fire-a-client-who-has-prepaid-you-lisa-gerber/) - Lisa Gerber, the CEO of Big Leap Creative and host of Breaking Trail podcast. She discusses a number of important issues, including: 1) What do you do when you fire a client who has prepaid you? 2) Building trust through stories 3) Why telling the right story is even more important than telling a story well
- [Why businesses need to stick to their purpose and avoid wokewashing – Rebekah Iliff](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2021/09/13/why-businesses-need-to-stick-to-their-purpose-and-avoid-wokewashing-rebekah-iliff/) - Rebekah Iliff, a writer, humorist, and the founder of WriteVest, a writers' collective focused on developing thoughtful, creative invoice, and voice driven content for brands discusses: 1) A shotgun isn’t the answer. What to do when your competitor copies your language and claims 2) Why businesses need to stick to their purpose and avoid wokewashing 3) Fighting vanity metrics
- [Ethics, Chickens and Biases – Amy Coward](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2021/08/30/ethics-chickens-and-biases-amy-coward/) - This week, Amy Coward, APR, Fellow PRSA, the President of AC Public Relations, discusses a number of ethics issues, including: 1) How to respond ethically when someone with an agenda attacks you 2) Effective ways to approach your boss to tell them they are acting unethically 3) Why you need to remember – what you allow, you condone
- [What to do when the story you are told just doesn’t add up – Andrew Healy](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2021/08/23/what-to-do-when-the-story-you-are-told-just-doesnt-add-up-andrew-healy/) - Andrew Healy, co-founder of Water & Wall, an award-winning marketing and communications agency, discusses a number of important ethics issues, including: 1) What to do when the story you are told just doesn’t add up 2) How to deal with content exhaustion 3) Misperceptions around financial services and ethics
- [The five most dangerous words in the world – Linda Recupero](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2021/08/16/the-five-most-dangerous-words-in-the-world-linda-recupero/) - Linda Recupero, the Senior Vice President and Global Head of Enterprise Communication for Assurant discusses: 1) What to do when a colleague lies 2) The evolution of ethics globally 3) The five most dangerous words in the world
- [Transparency and the industrialization of disinformation – Michelle Olson, APR](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2021/08/09/transparency-and-the-industrialization-of-disinformation-michelle-olson/) - Michelle Olson, the 2021 national chair of PRSA and the managing director and head of the Phoenix office for Lambert discusses a number of important ethics issues, including: 1) How to fight the constant little drips of ethical challenges we face every day 2) Transparency and the industrialization of disinformation 3) The importance of universal key messaging
- [Ethics, data privacy and looking back – Wendy Glavin](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2021/08/02/ethics-data-privacy-and-looking-back-wendy-glavin/) - Wendy Glavin, the founder of the Wendy Glavin Agency, discusses several important ethics issues, including: 1) Ethical issues of giving notice 2) What to do when you are asked to change something that is factually correct 3) Ethical failures in data use and privacy 4) Why we need to look back
- [What can PR professionals learn from the open source community? – Laura Kempke](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2021/07/19/what-can-pr-professionals-learn-from-the-open-source-community-laura-kempke/) - Laura Kempke, the Vice President of Communications for Acquia discusses several important ethics issues, including: 1) What to do when executives lie frequently? 2) Dealing with misinformation and the increasing need to take a stand 3) What can PR professionals learn from the open source community?
- [What to do when you are faced with nearness and drinking bias – Melissa Vela-Williamson, APR](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2021/07/26/what-to-do-when-you-are-faced-with-nearness-and-drinking-bias-melissa-vela-williamson-apr/) - Melissa Vela-Williamson, APR, an award-winning public relations expert, national columnist and host of the great Smart Talk Series podcast discusses: 1) What to do when you are pressured to inflate numbers? 2) What to do when you are faced with nearness and drinking bias 3) The ethics issues of multicultural appropriation
- [What to do when your boss doesn’t value honesty as much as you do – Gary McKillips](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2021/07/12/what-to-do-when-your-boss-doesnt-value-honesty-as-much-as-you-do-gary-mckillips/) - Gary McKillips, a freelance writer, broadcaster, and correspondent for AP Radio Sports and MLB on Sirius XM. discusses: 1) What to do when your boss wants you to fire a high-performing employee they do not like 2) What to do when your boss doesn’t value honesty as much as you do 3) Ethical issues with SpiderTech and sports public relations
- [Truth is a Negotiated Reality – Jeff Hahn](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2021/06/28/truth-is-a-negotiated-reality-jeff-hahn/) - Jeff Hahn, the owner and principal of Hahn Public, discusses ethics and Breaking Bad News: The Definitive Crisis Communication Guide for Brands. He also discusses several important ethics issues, including: 1) Why truth is just a negotiated reality 2) How to successfully nudge people into their proper swim lanes 3) Demystifying crisis communication
- [This Week in PR Ethics (6/17/21): Lying, Backlash, Data and Awards](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2021/06/17/this-week-in-pr-ethics-6-17-21-lying-backlash-data-and-awards/) - There were so many ethics issues this past week, it was a challenge to just pick a few. But the good news is – there is always next week. But for now, I have curated articles on lying, racial equality, data supply chains and interns.
- [How Can We Improve Fashion Industry Ethics? – Jessica Kelly](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2021/06/21/how-can-we-improve-fashion-industry-ethics-jessica-kelly/) - Jessica Kelly, the Founder and CEO of THR3EFOLD, a leader in the ethical fashion space, discusses several key ethics issues, including: 1) Where should we start in improving fashion industry ethics? 2) Why all auditing bodies aren’t created equal 3) What everyone can do to improve ethics in the fashion industry 4) How can you maintain your moral compass when there is be pressure to succeed at all costs?
- [Respond, Don’t React to Unethical Behavior - Kami Huyse](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2021/06/14/respond-dont-react-to-unethical-behavior-kami-huyse/) - Kami Huyse, the CEO of Zoetica, a social media agency, who for me was first and best known as @kamichat discusses a number of important ethics issues including: 1) Why you need to respond and not react to unethical behavior 2) What one question should you ask friends facing difficult situations? 3) Why ethical PR people act like ombudsmen 4) What is the best thing PR pros can do in difficult situations?
- [This Week in PR Ethics (6/3/21): Sponsored Content, Ethicswashing and AI](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2021/06/03/this-week-in-pr-ethics-6-3-21-sponsored-content-ethicswashing-and-ai/) - Welcome back. I took a much-needed sanity break, but while I was out – ethics issues didn’t stop. A few highlights this week include ethical issues with sponsored content, ethicswashing and AI
- [Best Practices in Internal Communications Ethics – Elizabeth Pecsi](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2021/06/07/best-practices-in-internal-communications-ethics-elizabeth-pecsi/) - Elizabeth Pesci, APR, Fellow PRSA, discusses a number of key ethics issues including: 1) How to handle a reporter friend asking you to disclose confidential information 2) Best practices in internal communication ethics 3) What ethics challenge spans the past, present and future?
- [This Week in PR Ethics (5/13/21): Opioids, Bribery and Books](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2021/05/13/this-week-in-pr-ethics-5-13-21-opioids-bribery-and-books/) - Spring has sprung and so have new ethical issues. This week we look at agencies’ role in the opioid crisis, when is bribery, bribery, and what is a great new resource?
- [Don’t Confuse Doing the Right Thing with Being Seen Doing the Right Thing - Jim Hoggan](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2021/05/17/dont-confuse-doing-the-right-thing-with-being-seen-doing-the-right-thing-jim-hoggan/) - Jim Hoggan, a bestselling author, president of Hoggan & Associates, and founder of DeSmog discusses a number of key topics including: 1) Don’t confuse doing the right thing with being seen doing the right thing 2) Why even if you are right, you can be in the wrong 3) The ethical dangers of tribalism 4) The heart vs. the mind
- [When National Security Is On The Line, How Do You Ethically Handle Public Relations? – Robert Johnson](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2021/05/10/when-national-security-is-on-the-line-how-do-you-ethically-handle-public-relations-robert-johnson/) - Robert Johnson, the host of the PR Nation Podcast, discusses a number of important ethics issues, including: 1) When national security is on the line, how to you handle public relations ethically? 2) The state of truth today 3) Why PR Pros should take a different approach when a reporter asks you about confidential information
- [This Week in PR Ethics (4/29/21) – Power, Research, Linux and Genetics](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2021/04/29/this-week-in-pr-ethics-4-29-21-power-research-linux-and-genetics/) - This week the key ethics issues all dealt with creation in one way or another. Is eliminating bias enough in AI development? Can you sabotage Linux for research? What about creating chimeras for medical research?
- [What to do if someone calls you a liar – Janelle Guthrie](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2021/04/26/what-to-do-when-someone-calls-you-a-liar-janelle-guthrie/) - Janelle Guthrie, the communication director for the Building Industry Association of Washington, discusses a number of important ethics issues, including: 1) What to do when you realize you have given out false information and admitting it will hurt 2) What to do if someone calls you a liar 3) How to ethically work through difficult situations 4) Why Voices4Everyone is the solution to our next ethics challenge
- [This Week in PR Ethics (4/22/21): Did 4% of Americans Drink Bleach in 2021 and the Most Unethical TV Idea Ever](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2021/04/22/this-week-in-pr-ethics-4-22-21-did-4-of-americans-drink-bleach-in-2021-and-the-most-unethical-tv-idea-ever/) - I was planning a nice, simple update on ethics topics this week – AI, hiring, and maybe being quirky with a story from Wichita. Then on Wednesday, I was hit with my favorite ethics story of the year from the Harvard Business Review – and a story so bad, I had to spend 20 minutes confirming it was real. Read on below.
- [How to Speak Up Effectively When You Are Asked to Compromise Your Personal Ethics](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2021/04/19/how-to-speak-up-effectively-when-you-are-asked-to-compromise-your-personal-ethics/) - Sherry Feldberg, a seasoned healthcare communication professional who is now the principal of Leadership Journey discusses: 1) What to do when your boss asks you to burn bridges? 2) How to speak up effectively when you are asked to compromise your personal ethics 3) The importance of building trusted relationships 4) The need to show vulnerability as a leader
- [This Week in PR Ethics (4/15/21): Listen More, Stick to Your Principles and Diversity Pays Dividends](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2021/04/15/this-week-in-pr-ethics-4-15-21-listen-more-stick-to-your-principles-and-diversity-pays-dividends/) - This week in PR Ethics studies and reports came to the fore. From PRCA’s Annual Perspective, to an HBR study that shows banks with diverse boards commit less fraud, to a great study on what ethical managers should do more often - there is a lot of meaty reading to dig into.
- [Civility, Truth and Hope - Emmanuel Tchividjian](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2021/04/12/civility-truth-and-hope-emmanuel-tchividjian/) - Emmanuel Tchividjian, the principal of the Markus Gabriel Group, and one of the top thought leaders on ethics and communication in the world, discusses: 1) Where your duty lies when you are asked to reveal confidential information 2) The importance of civility and civil discourse 3) How the absence of truth leads to the absence of trust 4) The guiding light of hope
- [This Week in PR Ethics (4/8/21): Virtue, Symbolism over Substance, and Changes in Ethics Reporting](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2021/04/08/this-week-in-pr-ethics-4-8-21-virtue-symbolism-over-substance-and-changes-in-ethics-reporting/) - This week in PR ethics virtue was a key theme – from April Fool’s lies to the virtues of a successful leader to taking a stand against Georgia’s new laws – business were living up to their virtues or failing to do so. There was also an interesting report on a growing whistleblower dichotomy.
- [Licensing and Ethics in Puerto Rico Public Relations – Karen Garnik](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2021/04/05/licensing-and-ethics-in-puerto-rico-public-relations-karen-garnik/) - Karen Garnik, the president of Global Vision Marketing and Communications and the president of Asociación de Relacionistas Profesionales de Puerto Rico and a licensed public relations practitioner, discusses a number of important ethics issues including: 1) How apathy is threatening ethical behavior 2) Porque ser Relacionista es cosa seria – Why being a PR pro is a serious thing 3) Licensing and ethics in Puerto Rico 4) How Puerto Rico’s Licensing compares to the APR
- [This Week in PR Ethics (4/1/21) – Global Ethics Issues with Cheating, Ethics, Climate Disinformation and Hashtag Activism](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2021/04/01/this-week-in-pr-ethics-4-1-21-global-ethics-issues-with-cheating-ethics-climate-disinformation-and-hashtag-activism/) - This is NOT an April Fool’s Joke. This week the most interesting ethics stories were all global. The PRCA looked at top ethics challenges globally, LinkedIn shared advice for moving beyond hashtag activism. There was a fascinating interview on global disinformation about climate change and there was a global gaming cheating scandal.
- [Why ethical organizations need to look back as well as forward - Krista Terrell](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2021/03/29/why-ethical-organizations-need-to-look-back-as-well-as-forward-krista-terrell/) - Krista Terrell, APR, the acting president of the Arts and Science Council for Charlotte Mecklenburg County, discusses a number of important ethics topics, including: 1) The best approach to convince executives to report historic inequities 2) Why ethical organizations need to look back as well as forward 3) How organizations can think beyond their whiteness 4) Why we need to think like gardeners, not gunslingers
- [This Week in PR Ethics (3/25/21): Voices4Everyone, Licensing and Standing Up](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2021/03/25/this-week-in-pr-ethics-3-25-21-voices4everyone-licensing-and-standing-up/) - What I loved about PR ethics this week is learning about two campaigns that are focused on ethics and addressing key issues of our time – disinformation, licensing and trust. There were also ethics examples around disclosure, sustainability and whistleblowers.
- [Ethical Issues in Diversity, Battle Rap, Cancel Culture and Hate Crimes Against Asian-Americans – Jennifer Cho](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2021/03/22/ethical-issues-in-diversity-battle-rap-cancel-culture-and-asian-american-hate-crimes-jennifer-cho/) - Joining me on this week's episode is Jen Cho, the founder of Pivot and Swerve. She discusses a number of important ethics issues, including: 1) Where should businesses start first in diversity initiatives? 2) How to most effectively deal with microaggressions? 3) Ethical issues with Battle Rap – what to do when your ethics and the industry’s standards diverge? 4) How far back should we go with regards to cancel culture? 5) The rise of Asian American hate crimes
- [This Week in PR Ethics (3/18/21): Gov. Cuomo, Purpose and Whistleblowers](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2021/03/18/this-week-in-pr-ethics-3-18-21-gov-cuomo-purpose-and-whistleblowers/) - This week, Gov. Cuomo continued to provide myriad examples ripe for ethical discussion. A global PR firm was questioned on it if was staying true to its purpose, and the EU took a different approach to whistleblowers than the US.
- [Rationalization Leads to Ethical Failures – Donald Singletary](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2021/03/15/rationalization-leads-to-ethical-failures-donald-singletary/) - Donald Singletary, the president at Singletary Group Communications and an adjunct professor at a number of universities, including Syracuse University and Baruch College, discusses: 1) Ethics of expense reports in the Mad Men Era and today 2) How societal changes are impacting ethical practices 3) How rationalization leads to ethical failures 4) Are we really making progress against systemic racism?
- [This Week in Public Relations Ethics (3/11/21): Stupidity, Stupidity and Well, More Stupidity](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2021/03/11/this-week-in-public-relations-ethics-3-11-21-stupidity-stupidity-and-well-more-stupidity/) - I like to tell my students that just because something is stupid, doesn’t mean it is unethical. But most stupid things can lead to great discussions on related ethical issues – and boy do we have a lot to talk about this week. From Royals to Racism to Fast Food and Kant, it was tough for me narrowing it down to just a few issues this week
- [Ethics and Diversity: I Too, Am America – Troy Brown](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2021/03/08/ethics-and-diversity-i-too-am-america-troy-brown/) - Troy Brown, the President of one50one, discusses a number of key ethics issues, including: 1) How to respond when people try to marginalize you 2) The unethical myth of we can’t find diverse candidates 3) Ethical issues with influencer marketing 4) Ethics of Blockchain and Digital IP
- [This Week in PR Ethics (3/4/21): Dr. Seuss, Gifts and Do You Protect Your Company or Your Cousin?](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2021/03/04/this-week-in-pr-ethics-3-4-21-dr-seuss-gifts-and-do-you-protect-your-company-or-your-cousin/) - This week in public relations ethics, there was a great ethics case study from Harvard Business Review, a scandal in Japan over gift policies and an explosive debate on social media over Dr. Seuss and McElligot’s Pool.
- [What To Do If You Are In a Toxic Workplace – Thomas Bennett III](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2021/03/01/what-to-do-if-you-are-in-a-toxic-workplace-thomas-bennett-iii/) - Thomas Bennett III, discusses: 1) What to do when you are stuck in a toxic work culture 2) Why we need more honesty and transparency
- [This Week in PR Ethics (2/25/21) - The World’s Most Ethical Companies, Jeep Cherokee and Is Giving a Scam?](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2021/02/25/this-week-in-pr-ethics-2-25-21-the-worlds-most-ethical-companies-jeep-cherokee-and-is-giving-a-scam/) - This week there were a number of interesting ethics stories on a wide range of topics. Ethisphere reported that world's most ethical companies outperform the market by 7.1%, showing you can do well by doing good. There was also a call for Jeep to drop the name Cherokee and questions about ethical issues with charitable giving.
- [The Changing Landscape of Business Advocacy – Dr. Holly Overton](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2021/02/22/the-changing-landscape-of-business-advocacy-dr-holly-overton/) - Dr. Holly Overton, Associate Professor at the University of South Carolina and a senior research fellow with the Arthur W. Page Center for Integrity in Public Communication discusses: 1) What to do when you are on a toxic team at work 2) The changing landscape of business advocacy and what it means to PR 3) The rise of corporate social advocacy 4) What we can learn from the Page Principles
- [This Week in PR Ethics (2/18/21) – ABCs of Ethical Failures, Astroturfing and Improper Brand Association](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2021/02/18/this-week-in-pr-ethics-2-18-21-abcs-of-ethical-failures-astroturfing-and-improper-brand-association/) - This week there were some really interesting stories on PR Ethics from the ABCs of Ethics to Astroturfing, improper brand association and what to do when you don’t have time to think. (Hint: make the time).
- [Why Hiring Diverse Junior Talent Isn’t Enough – Cedric F. Brown, APR](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2021/02/15/why-hiring-diverse-junior-talent-isnt-enough-cedric-f-brown-apr/) - Cedric F. Brown, APR, an independent consultant who uses digital strategy to produce equitable outcomes, discusses: 1) What to do when you see racist behavior at work 2) Why hiring diverse junior talent isn’t enough 3) Why we can’t just look forward
- [This Week in Public Relations Ethics (2/11/21) – Is PR Unethical? How Do You Build a Speak Up Culture?](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2021/02/11/this-week-in-public-relations-ethics-2-11-21-is-pr-unethical-how-do-you-build-a-speak-up-culture/) - There were a wide variety of ethics topics this week – from a new roboethics advisor to how to build a speak up culture and which countries most commonly report unethical behavior. Then there were the meta-ethics questions about is PR inherently unethical and is it ethical to ask a reporter questions in advance
- [Fighting Sensationalism and Greed – Parry Headrick](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2021/02/08/fighting-sensationalism-and-greed-parry-headrick/) - Perry Headrick, the founder of Crackle PR, discusses a number of important ethical issues including: 1)What should you do when you don’t believe in your client? 2) Why we need to fight sensationalism 3) The need for greater diversity in public relations
- [This Week in PR Ethics (2/4/21): Global Ethics Month, Tell the Truth and Prove it with Action](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2021/02/04/this-week-in-pr-ethics-2-4-21-global-ethics-month-tell-the-truth-and-prove-it-with-action/) - February is Global Ethics month – where many communication associations come together to provide insight, guidance and content. They will be using the hashtag #ethicsmatter. In addition to this, interesting articles dealt with internal communications, the gig economy and LEGO.
- [Ethical Issues of Promoting Vaporware – Eric Berman](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2021/02/01/ethical-issues-of-promoting-vaporware-eric-berman/) - Eric Berman, an innovative results-focused communications director discusses a number of important issues, including: 1) What should you do when you are asked to promote vaporware? 2) How can you practice ethical measurement? 3) Why you should always look at both sides of the data
- [This Week in PR Ethics (1/28/21) - Shadow Lobbying, Ethos, Pathos and Fashion](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2021/01/28/this-week-in-pr-ethics-1-28-21-shadow-lobbying-ethos-pathos-and-fashion/) - This week in public relations ethics there was an eclectic collection of topics of interest. Topics range from a first-ever ban on shadow lobbying, to the proper application of ethos and pathos, and advice on setting up an EAB. I also loved a story of ethics in action and how a former PR pro is helping ethical manufacturers in the fashion industry.
- [Stop Putting Profit Over Ethics – Sabrina Ram](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2021/01/18/stop-putting-profit-over-ethics-sabrina-ram/) - Sabrina Ram, the founder and president of Blu Lotus discusses: 1) What to do when your boss asks you to do something uncomfortable 2) Why we need to stop putting profit over ethics 3) The need for accountability 4) Just because you are good at something doesn’t mean you have to do it
- [Data Ethics Advice for Public Relations Professionals – Adam Blacker](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2021/01/25/data-ethics-advice-for-public-relations-professionals-adam-blacker/) - Adam Blacker, the Vice President of Insights and Alliances at Apptopia, discusses a number of important data ethics issues for public relations professionals, including: 1) When to ethically pass on a media opportunity 2) Why you need to think of the long game when it comes to data 3) How to decide if you have enough data for an accurate pitch 4) The ethics of data collection
- [This Week in PR Ethics (1/21/21) – Fertility, Consequences and Diversity](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2021/01/21/this-week-in-pr-ethics-1-21-21-fertility-consequences-and-diversity/) - This week in PR Ethics there were a number of interesting stories – from should President Trump’s PR people ever get jobs again to privacy and fertility and the importance of diversity.
- [This Week in PR Ethics (1/14/20) – Trust, Activism and Training](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2021/01/14/this-week-in-pr-ethics-1-14-20-trust-activism-and-training/) - Beyond politics, this week there were some really interesting ethics articles – from the continued decline of trust to an examination of how and when a global brand decides to take an activist position.
- [This Week in PR Ethics (1/7/21): Public Health, Vaccines, Business and Culture](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2021/01/07/this-week-in-pr-ethics-1-7-21-public-health-vaccines-business-and-culture/) - While it’s a New Year, we still have the same ethics issues that we have had for 4,000+ years. Following are a few of the highlights that focus on public health, vaccines, business and culture.
- [What Do You Do When Your Client Pulls A Bait And Switch? - Craig Sender](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2021/01/11/what-do-you-do-when-your-client-pulls-a-bait-and-switch-craig-sender/) - Craig Sender, the senior director of public and analyst relations at the Copyright Clearance Center and an adjunct professor at Boston University, discusses: 1) What do you do when your client pulls a bait and switch? 2) The three most powerful words when pushing back on inappropriate requests 3) Why we still need timeouts
- [Own It and Fix It: Ethical Media Training Advice from Melody Kimmel](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/06/29/own-it-and-fix-it-ethical-media-training-advice-from-melody-kimmel/) - Melody Kimmel is one of the nation's leading media,presentation and message trainers. In this interview, she provides insight into a number of key issues including: 1) Ethics and media interviews 2) How to conduct ethical media training 3) What to do when you make a mistake 4) The perversion of the strength of PR and the decline of trust
- [What do you do when your work does not align with your personal values?: Mark Mohammadpour](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2021/01/04/what-do-you-do-when-your-work-does-not-align-with-your-personal-values-mark-mohammadpour/) - Welcome to Ethical Voices in 2021. A New year, but the same great content. Since one of the most common New Year's resolutions is to lose weight and improve wellness, I could think of no better guest to kick off the year than Mark Mohammadpour, the founder of the Chasing the Sun Health Coaching for communicators and marketers. I've enjoyed reading his insights in the Public Relations Society of America's Strategies & Tactics, and that's what caused me to reach out to invite him to be a guest. Mark discusses a number of important issues, including: 1) What do you do when your work does not align with your personal values? 2) How PR executives can convince brands to take a stand 3) What are agencies missing when it comes to recruiting and retaining talent? 4) Why you need a personal wellness crisis plan
- [This Week in PR Ethics (12/31): Top Ethics Quotes  2020](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/12/31/this-week-in-pr-ethics-12-31-top-ethics-quotes-2020/) - At the end of every EthicalVoices podcast I share an ethics quote from history that has inspired me, touched me or caused me to think. Since many of you read the blog and don’t listen to the podcast, I wanted to share 42 top quotes from my 2020 podcasts. Enjoy! And here is looking forward to a great 2021.
- [The Top Ethics Posts and Podcasts of 2020](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/12/28/the-top-ethics-posts-and-podcasts-of-2020/) - I realize that not everyone has time every week to read the blog, so I wanted to recap the five most popular ethics blog posts of 2020 and the five most popular ethics podcasts of 2020. Surprisingly, there was no overlap this year.
- [This Week in PR Ethics (12/24/20): The Twelve Days of Ethics](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/12/24/this-week-in-pr-ethics-12-24-20-the-twelve-days-of-ethics/) - Since this is the day before Christmas, I thought I would give folks something a little different on This Week in PR Ethics. And since The Night Before Christmas is tough to filk with ethics, I decided to give you the Twelve Days of Ethics (with apologies to Frederick Austin). Enjoy!
- [This Week in PR Ethics (12/17/20): Ethical Leadership, Ethical Capitalism and Two Ethics Resources](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/12/17/this-week-in-pr-ethics-12-17-20-ethical-leadership-ethical-capitalism-and-two-ethics-resources/) - While many people this week are celebrating Hanukkah, getting ready for Christmas or eagerly waiting for the 100th Episode of EthicalVoices on Monday….ethics issues continue unabated. This week there were a number of interesting articles on ethical leadership, GenZ and Capitalism and two great ethics resources.
- [How Businesses and Executives Fail at Diversity, Addressing Harassment and Humanity - Mike Paul](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/12/21/how-businesses-and-executives-fail-at-diversity-addressing-harassment-and-humanity-mike-paul/) - This is the 100th episode of EthicalVoices and I am bringing you a very special guest. Mike Paul, the president of Reputation Doctor® discusses: 1) What executives should do (and many fail to do) when someone reports sexual harassment to them 2) The ethical failures of most businesses to act on diversity, equity and inclusion 3) When personal relationships are more important than safeguarding confidences
- [Conflict of Interest Issues with Non-Profit Boards – Pam Campbell](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/12/14/conflict-of-interest-issues-with-non-profit-boards-pam-campbell/) - Pam Campbell, APR, Fellow PRSA, the Director of Public Affairs at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, Oklahoma City Branch discusses a number of important ethical issues, including: 1) Conflict of interest issues with non-profit boards 2) How non-profit board can help prevent ethical issues 3) How to effectively fight disinformation
- [This Week in PR Ethics (12/10/20): Greenwashing, Wokewashing, and Other Pitfalls and Backlashes](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/12/10/this-week-in-pr-ethics-12-10-20-greenwashing-wokewashing-and-other-pitfalls-and-backlashes/) - This week in PR ethics there were a number of interesting ethical issues raised related to greenwashing, wokewashing and non-profits as well as a chilling report than 75% of all business workplace conversations will be recorded in analyzed in less than a few years.
- [Your Company is Accused of Making People Sick. Now What? – Ken Hunter](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/12/07/your-company-is-accused-of-making-people-sick-now-what-ken-hunter/) - Ken Hunter, the President and Chief Strategist at The PowerStation and a part-time lecturer at Rutgers University. He discusses a number of important issues, including 1) What to do ethically when your company is accused of making people sick 2) How to make ethical issues seem less like personal attacks 3) What to do when your boss makes unethical promises 4) Dealing with media bias
- [This Week in PR Ethics (12/3/20): International Ethics Issues, PRCA Ethics Enforcement and Free Webinars](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/12/03/this-week-in-pr-ethics-12-3-20-international-ethics-issues-prca-ethics-enforcement-and-free-webinars/) - This week, (well two weeks) the most interesting ethical issues I found tended to have an international flavor, and the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) and ethics was central to many of them. There are also two very interesting (and free) ethics Webinars coming up in the next week.
- [Landmines and Fine Lines: Ethical Issues in Public Affairs – Kelly Davis](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/11/30/landmines-and-fine-lines-ethical-issues-in-public-affairs-kelly-davis/) - Kelly Davis, the Public Relations Sequence Head at the University of South Carolina, discusses a number of important issues, including: 1) How to avoid landmines and understand the fine lines in public affairs and lobbying 2) How can nonprofits ethically get their message out when faced with well-funded opponents? 3) Ethical issues with data, media and society 4) How to make sure you are sharing accurate information
- [How to Effectively Counsel the C-Suite on Ethics: Jim Lukaszweski](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2019/11/04/how-to-effectively-counsel-the-c-suite-on-ethics-jim-lukaszweski/) - Jim Lukaszewski, one of America's most respected crisis and ethics counselors for the C-Suite at global brands, discusses: • How to most effectively counsel senior executives around ethics issues • How to speak up and be heard when you notice an ethical lapse • How all ethics lapses are intentional and what it means
- [100 Ethics Issues for Thanksgiving Dinner Discussion](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/11/23/100-ethics-issues-for-thanksgiving-dinner-discussion/) - Following are 100 ethics issues the students and I identified and discussed. These stories were ripped from the headlines. If you missed them, they are worth another review. They make great reading and great discussion over Zoom
- [This Week in PR Ethics (11/19/20): Techlash, Privacy and Racism](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/11/19/twipre-techlash-privacy-and-racism/) - A number of ethical issues this week dealt with technology issues and setting boundaries. What happens when the algorithms become too efficient and lead companies to actions that may be “too human” or inadvertently racist?
- [Do Organizations that Make Mistakes on Race and Systemic Injustice Deserve Help? - Kelley Chunn](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/07/13/do-organizations-that-make-mistakes-on-race-and-systemic-injustice-deserve-help-kelley-chunn/) - Kelley Chunn, the principal of Kelley Chunn and Associates, discusses a number of important ethics issues, including: 1) What to do when your employer and you have diametrically different ideas? 2) Do organizations that make mistakes on race and systemic injustice deserve help? 3) Advice for making substantive diversity strides
- [Top Ethics Challenges in Healthcare Communication, Patient Engagement and Collaboration: Kelli Bravo](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/09/14/top-ethics-challenges-in-healthcare-communication-patient-engagement-and-collaboration-kelli-bravo/) - Kelli Bravo, the vice president of healthcare and life sciences for Pegasystems, discusses a number of important ethical issues, including: 1) The ethical considerations in admitting an error in your software 2) How do we ethically fix what is broken in the healthcare system 3) Top ethics challenges in healthcare communication, patient engagement and collaboration 4) How do you ethically balance transparency and confidentiality
- [When Lite isn’t Lite: Ethical Issues with Misleading Claims - Ron Culp](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/11/16/when-lite-isnt-lite-ethical-issues-with-misleading-claims-ron-culp/) - Joining me on this week's episode is Ron Culp, the director of the Public Relations and Advertising Masters Program at DePaul University. Ron discusses a number of important topics, including: 1) What to do when asked to make absurd and misleading claims 2) Why PR professions need the industry to have their back 3) Where companies make mistakes in countering disinformation internally 4) How to make your company attractive to potential employees
- [This Week in PR Ethics (11/12/20): When Ethics Codes Collide and PR’s Role in Climate Change](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/11/12/this-week-in-pr-ethics-11-12-20-when-ethics-codes-collide-and-prs-role-in-climate-change/) - Claims of ballot fraud and lists of Trump supporters for potential retaliation are not the only hot ethical issues of the week. Since those have received so much attention, I wanted to highlight some other interesting issues.
- [When and where do you draw the ethical line? – Helio Fred Garcia](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/11/09/when-and-where-do-you-draw-the-ethical-line-helio-fred-garcia/) - Helio Fred Garcia, President of Logos Consulting Group discusses a number of important ethics issues including: 1) When and where do you draw the ethical line? 2) How structures and clear protocols make courage less necessary in ethical dilemmas 3) What can we learn from Bernays’ definition of public relations? 4) What are some positive ethics lessons from Goldman Sachs 5) Three key elements in determining the “right” thing to do
- [This Week in PR Ethics (11/5/20): Philotimy, Racism and Disclosure](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/11/05/this-week-in-pr-ethics-11-5-20-philotimy-racism-and-disclosure/) - Every media outlet and social channel is blanketed with Presidential election coverage. This blog will give you a break from it all. We will look at ethical issues of the week that have nothing to do with elections: philotimy, racism and disclosure.
- [Identifying an Ethics Problem is not Enough – Neil Foote](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/11/02/identifying-an-ethics-problem-is-not-enough-neil-foote/) - Neil Foote, the CEO of Foote Communications, and the President of the National Black Public Relations Society, discusses a number of important ethics issues, including: 1) Why identifying an ethics problem is not enough 2) The power of truth, without embellishment, to drive ethical action 3) How to fight misinformation and disinformation 4) Why celebrating success is not enough to drive diversity
- [Unexpected ethics lessons from Tonya Harding – Dianne Danowski Smith](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/08/24/unexpected-ethics-lessons-from-tonya-harding-dianne-danowski-smith/) - Dianne Danowski Smith, the president and founder of Publix Northwest, covers a broad spectrum of ethical issues, including: 1) Unexpected ethical lessons from Tonya Harding 2) What to do when ethics and legal opinion lead to different conclusions 3) What to do when employees don’t want to represent a specific client 4) How to handle the ethical challenge of reporters with agendas
- [This Week in PR Ethics (10/29/20) Virtue, Ethics, Politics and Charlie Brown](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/10/29/this-week-in-pr-ethics-10-29-20-virtue-ethics-politics-and-charlie-brown/) - With the US elections just a few days away and the divisive, negative rhetoric on all sides being at what seems to me to be an all time high, I thought this week it might make sense to take a look at the oft-overlooked virtue-based approach to ethics.
- [Four Common Reasons for Ethical Failures: Keith Green](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/10/26/common-reasons-for-ethical-failures-keith-green/) - Keith Green, assistant professor at Montclair State and former vice president of B2B communications and partnerships at Guinness World Records, discusses: 1) DEFG: Four common reasons for ethical failures 2) The challenge of living in the world of now 3) Ethics issues he has observed in sports public relations
- [This Week in PR Ethics (10/22/20): Disinformation, Misinformation and Deepfakes](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/10/22/this-week-in-pr-ethics-10-22-20-disinformation-misinformation-and-deepfakes/) - This week many of the ethics concerns for public relation and communications professionals are about disinformation, misinformation and deepfakes.
- [What Ethics Lessons Can You Learn from 50 Cases of Beer, Football and Food? - Jay Baer](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/10/19/what-ethics-lessons-can-you-learn-from-50-cases-of-beer-football-and-food-jay-baer/) - Bestselling marketing and CX author, and inspirational speaker Jay Baer discusses the ethics lessons you can learn from beer, football and food. Specifically: 1) How to ethically work for competing companies 2) The rampant issue of IP Theft 3) Restaurants’ ethical dilemma: COVID disclosure
- [Ethical Issues with Celebrity Foundations and People Plagiarizing Your Mother's Obituary - Bonnie Upright](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2019/07/15/ethics-obituaries-and-celebrities/) - Joining me on this week's episode is Bonnie Upright, the vice president of corporate communications for Coldwell Banker Vanguard. She is a former agency owner who has done outstanding work with celebrity foundations. Bonnie discusses a number of key ethics issues including: - Grappling with difficult ethical issues early in your career - Ethical issues and best practices for managing celebrity and athlete foundations - The story behind her mother's viral obituary and how it has been plagiarized more than a dozen times
- [This Week in PR Ethics (10/15/20): Making tough choices and avoiding bad ideas](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/10/15/this-week-in-pr-ethics-10-15-20-making-tough-choices-and-avoiding-bad-ideas/) - This week the most interesting ethics content came down to one theme: ideas. From new frameworks for making decisions, to new failures to consider, and new learnings from South Asia, there is something here for anyone interested in ethics.
- [What do ethical PR professionals do when they are faced with conflicting loyalties? Todd Van Hoosear](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/10/12/what-do-ethical-pr-professionals-do-when-they-are-faced-with-conflicting-loyalties-todd-van-hoosear/) - Todd Van Hoosear, the Chief Engagement Officer for Business Breakthrough Network and a visiting instructor at Boston University, discusses a number of important ethics topics, including: 1) What do ethical PR professionals do when they are faced with conflicting loyalties? 2) The ethics challenges of a post-truth era 3) The need for action to change the perception of PR
- [The Danger of Deplatforming and Relative Ethics – Tim O’Brien](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2019/11/18/tim-obrien-deplatforming-and-situational-ethics/) - Tim O'Brien, the founder of O'Brien Communications and host of the Shaping Opinion podcast discusses the ethical dangers of deplatforming and relative ethics.
- [This Week in PR Ethics (10/8/20): Don’t be an ostrich or a turtle; Webtoons and censorship](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/10/08/this-week-in-pr-ethics-10-8-20-dont-be-an-ostrich-or-a-turtle-webtoons-and-censorship/) - As always, I didn’t have a problem finding PR ethics issues to highlight this week. While the limo ride is an obvious example, and one I plan to discuss in class tonight, I wanted to focus on a few other interesting stories including various forms of censorship:
- [The PR Ethics of SMARTER Measurement, ROI and AVEs: Johna Burke, AMEC](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2019/03/25/the-pr-ethics-of-smarter-measurement-roi-and-aves-johna-burke-amec/) - In an insightful and thought-provoking interview, Johna Burke, the Global Managing Director for AMEC, the Association of the Measurement and Evaluation of Communications provides commentary on many topics, including: • The ethics of AVE • How PR agencies are using ROI Incorrectly • The importance of a SMARTER measurement framework • Where PR pros can get ethical measurement frameworks
- [What Are the Top Ethics Challenges, Skills and Deficiencies Facing Public Relations Professionals? Marlene Neill, PhD, APR](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2019/03/18/what-are-the-top-ethics-challenges-skills-and-deficiencies-facing-public-relations-professionals-marlene-neill-phd-apr/) - Marlene Neill, PhD, APR, assistant professor at Baylor University and a top PR and ethics researcher discusses: • What are the top ethics issues facing public relations professionals • What are the top ethics KSAs for public relations professionals • What ethics skills are PR professionals lacking • How PR professionals can help
- [How One Innocent Question Can Cause A Huge Ethical Challenge - Kirk Hazlett, APR, Fellow PRSA](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2019/03/04/how-one-innocent-question-can-cause-a-huge-ethical-challenge-kirk-hazlett-apr-fellow-prsa/) - Joining me on this week's Ethical Voices episode is Kirk Hazlett, APR, Fellow PRSA, an adjunct professor of communication at the University of Tampa and a PR pro with 35 years of experience with the federal government and non-profits. Kirk provides some great advice and anecdotes including: • How an innocent question can cause a huge ethical challenge • Why you need to question everything • The best ethics advice he ever received
- [What do the World's Most Ethical Companies Have in Common: Ethisphere's Erica Salmon Byrne Answers that Question](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2019/03/11/what-the-worlds-most-ethical-companies-have-in-common-ethispheres-erica-salmon-byrne/) - Erica Salmon Byrne, executive director of the Business Ethics Leadership Alliance, for Ethisphere, sheds insight on a number of key ethics issues for business and public relations. Specifically she addresses: • Common characteristics of the World's Most Ethical Companies • Best practices in ethics training • How to be an effective ethics counselor • Ethics challenges we will face today and tomorrow
- [Three Places to Find Ethics Advice: The Mirror, The Torah and Poor Word Choices - Roger Friedensen, APR](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2019/02/18/three-places-to-find-ethics-advice-the-mirror-the-torah-and-poor-word-choices-roger-friedensen-apr/) - Joining me on this week's episode is Roger Friedensen, a partner at Forge Communications, which is a research and communication strategy firm in Raleigh, North Carolina. Roger is a great PR professional and an even better guitar player. In this interview, Roger discusses: • When poor word choice can cause an ethics crisis • How technology will create new ethics dilemmas • The power of looking in the mirror • Practical ethics advice from the Torah
- [Building an Ethical Team and Avoiding Unexpected Ethics Pitfalls: Steve Cody](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2019/02/11/building-an-ethical-team-and-avoiding-unexpected-ethics-pitfalls-steve-cody/) - Joining me on this week's episode is Steve Cody, the founder and CEO of Peppercomm, a purpose-driven, strategic, integrative communications and marketing agency. Frankly, Steve is one of the most incisive and insightful PR pros I have ever met. In this free-wheeling discussion, Steve addressed a number of key ethical issues including: • Unexpected ethics pitfalls • How to build an ethical team • Where companies and agencies fail ethically • Ethics in research • Diversity failures
- [Unexpected Ethics Challenges With Plant Closings and Fake News: Mike McDougall, APR, Fellow PRSA](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2019/01/28/unexpected-ethics-challenges-with-plant-closings-and-fake-news-mike-mcdougall-apr-fellow-prsa/) - Joining me on this week's episode of Ethical Voices is Mike McDougall, APR, Fellow PRSA, the president of McDougall Communications, and the former global vice president of corporate communications with Bausch and Lomb. In this fascinating and practical interview, Mike provides outstanding advice for dealing with difficult issues, including: • Unexpected issues with plant closings • Dealing with real 'Fake News' issues (i.e. when your client makes things up) • Data privacy • The best ethics advice he ever received
- [How to Tell Someone They Are Being Unethical - Dave Close](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2019/01/21/how-to-tell-someone-they-are-being-unethical-dave-close/) - Joining me on this week's episode is Dave Close, the retired managing director of MSL Boston. I have known Dave for more than 25 years and frankly I do not know anyone who is a better example of character, ethics and compassion. In the interview, Dave discusses a number of topics including: How to tell a client they are being unethical Little ethics fails: avoiding the slippery slope Ethics challenges and new business The best ethics advice he ever received
- [How to Ethically Address Harassment, Unconscious Bias and Disclosure - Joe Cohen, APR](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2019/01/14/how-to-ethically-address-harassment-unconscious-bias-and-disclosure-joe-cohen-apr/) - In this week’s Ethical Voices interview, Joe Cohen, APR, CCO of AXIS Capital and President of the PRSA Foundation, shares insights and examples of a few ethical issues he faced early in his career, before he joined AXIS Capital. Specifically, Joe discusses: The importance of disclosure Responding ethically when an employee is harassed The challenges of being “Healthy” Fighting unconscious bias
- [The Importance of Ethical Action Even if it Costs You Money and Business - Philip Tate](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2019/01/07/the-importance-of-ethical-action-even-if-it-costs-you-money-and-business-philip-tate/) - Joining me on this week's episode of Ethical Voices is Philip Tate, APR, Fellow PRSA, a Senior Vice President with LGA in Charlotte, North Carolina, one of the Southeast's leading creative and public relations agencies. In this week’s episode, he discusses: His process for evaluating potential clients How and why LGA did crisis comms pro-bono Ethics advice for young professionals Transparency
- [Ethics of Diversity and Inclusion - How Not to Be a Stepford Agency - Mickey Nall, APR, Fellow PRSA](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2018/12/17/ethics-of-diversity-and-inclusion-how-not-to-be-a-stepford-agency-mickey-nall-apr-fellow-prsa/) - Joining me on this weeks' episode is Mickey Nall, APR, Fellow PRSA, a Professional-In-Residence at the University of Florida, the former Managing Director of Ogilvy Atlanta, and a former Chair of PRSA. What I love about Mickey is the wit and insight he brings to every discussion. In this week’s episode, he discusses: The ethics of diversity and inclusion (How to avoid being a Stepford firm and how to take the first inclusion steps) How to fight unconscious bias The ethics of time sheets The importance of breathing
- [Ethics, 9/11, Influencers and Agency Finances - Martin Waxman](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2018/12/10/ethics-9-11-influencers-and-agency-finances-martin-waxman/) - I first met Martin more than a decade ago through PRSA's Counselors Academy. He is one of the most genuine and thoughtful PR professionals and has turned his focus to helping educate others. He is one of the weekly hosts of the Inside PR podcast and was kind enough to agree to an Ethical Voices interview. In this week's Ethical Voices interview, Martin discusses: How he and P&G responded to a campaign that happened during 9/11 What agencies should consider when writing off expenses during a crisis Third-party influencers and disclosure The best ethics advice he ever received
- [Ethical Challenges in Security Public Relations and Silicon Valley - Bryan Scanlon](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2018/11/26/ethical-challenges-in-security-public-relations-and-silicon-valley-bryan-scanlon/) - Bryan Scanlon is the principal of Look Left Marketing. I first met him more than 15 years ago when he joined Schwartz Communications and he shared an office with me. I quickly realized he was one of the sharpest, most insightful PR pros I have ever known. In his interview with Ethical Voices, Bryan provides great insight and advice on a number of topics including: What to do when your client wants you to speak out on an area in which they are not qualified or appropriate A three-step process for working through ethical challenges The ethics of security public relations The top three communications ethics challenges in Silicon Valley How to avoid burnout The best ethics advice he ever received
- [Ethics, Anthrax and Changing Consumer Behavior - Judy DeRango Wicks](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2018/12/03/ethics-anthrax-and-changing-consumer-behavior-judy-derango-wicks/) - Judy DeRango Wicks, APR, Fellow PRSA, and I had the pleasure of working together for more than a decade while I led the Schwartz Communications’ Fiserv team. Together, we changed the way of millions of Americans bank and pay bills, moving from writing and mailing checks to paying bills online. In this Ethical Voices interview, Judy discusses: The ethics of determining if you should respond to a false, but tempting, claim Ethics concerns in research and data Instilling ethical decision-making across the corporate communications team The best ethics advice she received
- [Why You Should Act Quickly and Decisively on Even Small Ethics Concerns – Mark Cautela](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/10/05/act-quickly-on-small-ethics-concerns-mark-cautela/) - Mark Cautela, the Head of Communications for Harvard Business School, discusses a number of important ethics topics including: 1) Why you need to act quickly and decisively on even small ethics concerns 2) When company and team before self is not ethically appropriate 3) What to do when your boss asks you to fudge numbers on an award
- [This Week in PR Ethics (10/1/20): Bananas, Ads, Hospitals and Effective Ethics Training](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/10/01/this-week-in-pr-ethics-10-1-20-bananas-ads-hospitals-and-effective-ethics-training/) - The PRSA and PRCA ethics months are over. Does that mean we are going to stop discussing ethics? Heck no! That is not how we roll at EthicalVoices. Please note: this week we will not be discussing the ethics of tax returns or sharing confidential documents – others are doing that quite well. Rather I decided to build a cornucopia of the most interesting ethics stories of the past week including effective ethics training.
- [Setting Ethical Boundaries – Tracy Schario](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/09/21/setting-ethical-boundaries-tracy-schario/) - Joining me on this week's episode to discuss setting ethical boundaries is Tracy Schario, APR of MITRE. She discusses: 1) How do you set ethical boundaries with your boss? 2) What work can a department ethically claim as its own? 3) Are the unexpected ethics benefits that will come out of businesses reaction to COVID? 4) How do you effectively set ethical boundaries with partners?
- [One ethics question every agency owner needs to ask before taking on a new client - Dan Tisch](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/08/03/one-ethics-question-every-agency-owner-needs-to-ask-before-taking-on-a-new-client-dan-tisch/) - Dan Tisch, the CEO of Argyle, one of Canada's largest and best agencies, discusses: 1) What to do when you can’t convince others to do the ethically right thing 2)Why reputation matters more than image 3) One ethics question every agency owner needs to ask before taking on a new client 4) How communication professionals must prepare as the risk of deception increases daily
- [The ethical trap of enabling toxic, abusive high-performers: Lisa Gralnek](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/08/10/the-ethical-trap-of-enabling-toxic-abusive-high-performers-lisa-gralnek/) - Lisa Gralnek, the Principal and Founder of LVG & Co., has some great insight to share, including: 1) The ethical trap of enabling toxic, abusive high-performers 2) How can companies best live their values? 3) Why you shouldn’t always fall on your sword 4) The perils of “me before we”
- [This Week in PR Ethics (9/24/20) – The Slippery Ethical Slope of Intent](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/09/24/this-week-in-pr-ethics-9-24-20-the-slippery-ethical-slope-of-intent/) - This week PR ethics issues revolved around the slippery ethical slope of intent. From TikTok’s social media coalition to the ethics of the Social Dilemma, media buying, and corporate donations to non-profits…there is a bit of insight for everyone. To cap it off, the PRCA has a great, free, upcoming webinar on ethics and government relations.
- [The Most Ethical PR Professionals Don't Just Fight Fires, They Prevent Them - Melanie Ensign](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2019/12/09/the-most-ethical-pr-professionals-dont-just-fight-fires-they-prevent-them-melanie-ensign/) - Melanie Ensign the head of security, privacy, and engineering communications for Uber discusses: 1) Why the best PR pros focus on stopping fires before they begin, rather than responding to a crisis 2) The ethical and cognitive challenges of marketing with FUD (fear, uncertainty and doubt) 3) Why SCUBA diving is a great guide for change management 4) Common ethical mistakes with measurement – and why we need to stop confusing coverage with action
- [Best Ethics Advice of 2018](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2018/12/31/best-ethics-advice-of-2018/) - Today is New Year's Eve. I realize many people are taking the day off of leaving early to spend time with family and friends. While Ethical Voices launched in Q4 2018, it has already reached tens of thousands of professionals and the response has been overwhelming. So on this day as we look forward and look back, I wanted to briefly share some of the highlights of Ethical Voices 2018 - The best ethics advice and most quotable quotes from those communications and PR professionals I interviewed. And of you like these, wait to you see what I have in store for 2019.
- [How to Thrive Ethically in an Era of Disruption: Ray Kotcher](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/03/16/how-to-thrive-ethically-in-an-era-of-disruption-ray-kotcher/) - Ray Kotcher, the former CEO of Ketchum and the Professor of the Practice of public relations at Boston University discusses: 1) How to navigate situations where your values and your organizations values differ 2) Why good managers think of themselves as the mayor of a small town 3) Will GenZ succeed where the Boomers failed? 4) What we need to do to thrive ethically in an era of disruption
- [Advice from the Coach: How to Ethically Build Your Business – Ken Jacobs](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/04/06/advice-from-the-coach-how-to-ethically-build-your-business-ken-jacobs/) - Ken Jacobs, ACC, CPC, an experienced consultant and certified coach shares his insight on a number of ethics topics including: 1) How to handle abusive clients 2) How to best handle conflicts of interest 3) The difference between coaching and consulting
- [It’s Labor Day and It’s Ethics Month: A Great Month Ahead](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/09/07/its-labor-day-and-its-ethics-month-a-great-month-ahead/) - Today is Labor Day in the United States, so this week I will be taking a break from my labors of bringing you insightful ethics interviews content. But I have assembled some links and hashtags to help you keep informed about ethics in communication.
- [This Week in PR Ethics (6/11/20): Taking a Stand and Racism in Tech Terms](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/06/11/this-week-in-pr-ethics-6-11-20-taking-a-stand-and-racism-in-tech-terms/) - Ethical issues continued to be at the forefront this week and the various articles I saw reinforced one point – being ethical is not just about saying the right thing, it is about taking action. This was driven home by Mike Paul, the PRISA, and brands that are doing and not just saying.
- [This Week in PR Ethics (06/18/20): Eliminating Racist Branding; CSR to CSJ; PR Ethics Issues in Europe](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/06/18/this-week-in-pr-ethics-06-18-20-eliminating-racist-branding-csr-to-csj-pr-ethics-issues-in-europe/) - This week there continued to be a number of interesting social ethics issues top of mind including a fascinating article from HBR asking if we are moving from CSR to CSJ and what implications does that have for business. Brands are moving to eliminate racial stereotypes, and honesty and privacy are top ethics issues of concern to communication professionals in Europe.
- [This Week in PR Ethics (06/25/20): Ethics Training, Reasoning and the Challenge of Weasel Words](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/06/25/this-week-in-pr-ethics-06-25-20-ethics-training-reasoning-and-the-challenge-of-weasel-words/) - This week in PR ethics it was all about research. There were fascinating studies and reports on ethics training, the role of professional associations in ethics and moral reasoning maintenance, and the challenge of weasel statements.
- [This Week in PR Ethics (07/02/20): Boycotts, Bias and Seizing the Moment](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/07/02/this-week-in-pr-ethics-07-02-20-boycotts-bias-and-seizing-the-moment/) - A number of significant and lingering ethical issues appear to be moving from words to action this week – most notably the social media advertising boycott. The challenge is how do we seize the moment? I highlighted a few organizations that have helpful advice and research to share on the topic.
- [This Week in PR Ethics (7/9/20) – Meetings, Bribes and Privacy](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/07/09/this-week-in-pr-ethics-7-9-20-meetings-bribes-and-privacy/) - Three very interesting stories this week in PR ethics, all dealing with timeless issues. What is our obligation to protect users’ privacy? What do we do when we see an unethical business practice? And Should you have meetings with stakeholders when you may not want to act on what they say?
- [This Week in PR Ethics (7/16/20): Names, Pardons, Testing and Training](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/07/16/this-week-in-pr-ethics-7-16-20-names-pardons-testing-and-training/) - One of the great things about blogging about communication ethics is I never run out of things to discuss. We had pardons, name changes, sports ethics and on a positive note, a new ethics training guide.
- [This Week in PR Ethics (7/23/20) – Ethical Measurement and Conflicts of Interest](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/07/23/this-week-in-pr-ethics-7-23-20-ethical-measurement-and-conflicts-of-interest/) - Conflicts of interest, particularly around communication from the government, seemed to be the most popular communication ethics issue of the past week. Add into that an update to the Barcelona Measurement Principles including measurement integrity and there are a number topics ripe for discussion. Ethical Measurement – The Barcelona Principles 3.0 came out on July
- [This Week in PR Ethics (7/30/20) – Wokewashing, Hedonism and Training](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/07/30/this-week-in-pr-ethics-7-30-20-wokewashing-hedonism-and-training/) - This week we discuss the perils of wokewashing, see training resources for ethics classes courtesy of the Page Center, and discuss the article on how hedonism and teleology helps you live a happier life.
- [This Week in PR Ethics (8/6/20) – Virtual People, Pay-for-Play in Sports Reporting and the Metaverse](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/08/06/this-week-in-pr-ethics-8-6-20-virtual-people-pay-for-play-in-sports-reporting-and-the-metaverse/) - This week I came across three different but interesting stories looking at ethical issues around virtual people. Authenticity was a theme that wove through most of the articles as well. Plus, we get to look at payola in sports media and a really fascinating article on the communication metaverse which introduced a few new areas of concern to me, including brain computer interface data.
- [This Week in PR Ethics (8/13/20): NRA, McDonald's, and Ethics Lessons from the First Female CCO](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/08/13/this-week-in-pr-ethics-8-13-20-nra-mcdonalds-and-ethics-lessons-from-the-first-female-cco/) - This week is chock full of high-profile ethics issues. I can’t wait until I start teaching my PR Ethics course again at Boston University in less than a month as we will have great discussions on these and other issues. Some highlights (or lowlights) include the ethical use of money, bad behavior and inspiration from Marilyn Laurie, the first female CCO.
- [This Week in PR Ethics (8/20/20): Was pardoning Susan B. Anthony the ethical thing to do? Advocacy and technology ethics failures](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/08/20/this-week-in-pr-ethics-8-20-20-was-pardoning-susan-b-anthony-the-ethical-thing-to-do-advocacy-and-technology-ethics-failures/) - This week, there were a number of profound and eminently debatable ethics issues including a number of articles looking at ethical issues in advocacy and technology. The most fascinating discussion for me though deals with potential virtue-based ethics failings around the pardon of Susan B. Anthony.
- [This Week in PR Ethics (08/27/20): A New Model of Ethical Leadership and an AI in PR Ethics Guide](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/08/27/this-week-in-pr-ethics-08-27-20-a-new-model-of-ethical-leadership-and-an-ai-in-pr-ethics-guide/) - This week the PR ethics discussion is all around ethical leadership. From a new model detailed in the Harvard Business Review, to a new ethics guide for leaders implementing AI in PR, to ethical leadership in purpose driven conversations. Some great reading to bring the month to a close.
- [This Week in PR Ethics (9/3/20): Meaning, Character and The Rise of The Millennial Moral Leader](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/09/03/this-week-in-pr-ethics-9-3-20-meaning-character-and-the-rise-of-the-millennial-moral-leader/) - September is Ethics Month for PRSA and PRCA. While I believe we should talk about ethics more than one month a year (one reason I created this blog and podcast), the good news is, there should be a ton a content for those that are interested. This week there are interesting articles on meaning, character and the rise of moral leaders. I also liked Tim O’Brien’s piece on ethics and AI.
- [This Week in PR Ethics (9/10/20): Actions not Words, and a Global Ethics Perspective](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/09/10/this-week-in-pr-ethics-9-10-20-actions-not-words-and-a-global-ethics-perspective/) - This week in PR ethics there was not one stand out issue (aside from the breaking COVID topics), but a number of interesting and brief reads. There were a number of examples this week reinforcing that words are not enough. Plus, with the Helsinki Conference and PRCA’s Ethics month, there were some great global perspectives on the topic.
- [What do you do when you are asked to stonewall on a public health issue? – Sam Villegas, APR](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/09/28/what-do-you-do-when-you-are-asked-to-stonewall-on-a-public-health-issue-sam-villegas-apr/) - Sam Villegas, APR, a Senior Consultant with Raftelis shares insight on: 1) What do you do when you are asked to stonewall on a public health issue? 2) When should you act as a whistle blower? 3) How do you effectively respond to disinformation and fear-based attacks?
- [If It’s Not Painful at Times to Stand by Your Core Values, You’re Doing it Wrong – Tara McDonagh](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/07/27/if-its-not-painful-at-times-to-stand-by-your-core-values-youre-doing-it-wrong-tara-mcdonagh/) - Tara McDonagh, the president of Tara McDonagh Communications caught my attention with a LinkedIn post in June, where she stated if it's not painful at times to stand by your core values, you're doing it wrong. During our discussion, Tara highlighted: 1) How do you stay true to your values and not simply chase the money? 2) Why you need to focus on character, not reputation 3) Why you can’t rely on others' moral compasses
- [What to do when you are asked to make your company seem more diverse than it is – JP Canton](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/07/20/what-to-do-when-you-are-asked-to-make-your-company-seem-more-diverse-jp-canton/) - This week on EthicalVoices, JP Canton, the head of communications and public relations in North America for Polestar discusses ethical issues including: 1) What to do when your boss asks you to make the company seem more diverse than it is 2) Common failings with corporate responses to Black Lives Matter 3) The unethical actions more companies are asking agencies to do and why it is wrong
- [The Ethics of Impersonation, Integrity and Catfish - Gini Dietrich](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2018/11/19/the-ethics-of-impersonation-integrity-and-catfish-gini-dietrich/) - Gini Dietrich is the CEO of Arment Dietrich, but she is better known to thousands of adoring fans as the power behind SpinSucks, a required daily read for anyone in the communication and public relations industry. In this week's engaging Ethical Voices interview, Gini discusses: The ethics of impersonation More than you ever knew about catfish Why integrity is a powerful word The best ethics advice she ever received
- [Blowing the Whistle on Unethical Practices - Paula Pedene, APR, Fellow PRSA](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2018/11/05/ethical-voices-whistleblower-paula-pedene-apr/) - Paula Pedene is an ethics inspiration to me. She is a service-disabled veteran, was a public affairs officer in the Navy and works at the VA. She was PRSA’s PR professional of the year in 2015. She is a guidepost against which many PR professionals should measure their ethical standards and took at stand against unethical practices as a whistleblower. This Ethical Voices interview will look at: What to do if you are put in the position to be a whistleblower How to protect yourself The best ethics advice Paula received Future ethical challenges facing the profession
- [The Ethics of Layoffs and Plant Closings - Tony D'Angelo, APR, Fellow PRSA](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2018/11/12/the-ethics-of-layoffs-and-plant-closings-tony-dangelo-apr-fellow-prsa/) - Anthony D'Angleo, APR, Fellow PRSA, is a professor at the S.I. Newhouse School at Syracuse University and the 2018 National Chair of PRSA. He is one of the most thoughtful public relations professionals I have ever encountered and spent a few minutes discussing ethics with us last week. This Ethical Voices interview will look at: The ethical issues around layoffs and plant closings Balancing external and internal layoff communications Hot ethics topics in the classroom The best ethics advice he ever received
- [Ethical Issues in Investor Relations and ESG: David Calusdian](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/08/17/ethical-issues-in-investor-relations-and-esg-david-calusdian/) - Joining me on this week's episode is David Calusdian, the President of Sharon Merrill Associates David is my first guest who focuses on investor relations. He shares his insight on a number of key topics, including: 1) Should you work with someone when their values do not align with yours? 2) What are ethical issues companies face with ESG 3) Core ethical issues with investor relations
- [What to do when you are asked to make inflated claims – Erin Callanan](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/08/31/what-to-do-when-you-are-asked-to-make-inflated-claims-erin-callanan/) - Erin Callanan, the director of media relations for WGBH, discusses a number of ethics challenges including: 1) What to do when you are asked to make inflated claims 2) Balancing the desire to bring in revenue with the desire to only work with clients you believe in 3) How to combat misinformation
- [This Week in PR Ethics (9/17/20): COVID and Culture](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/09/17/this-week-in-pr-ethics-9-17-20-covid-and-culture/) - COVID and culture dominated the ethics headlines this week. There were articles on COVID and ethics that looked at everything from when do you share information, to the decline of trust, and the increase in pressure to act unethically. Beyond COVID, there were great articles on managing conflicts in a cancel culture environment, and a brilliant call to action to take concrete steps to end racial inequality in PR.
- [Sixteen Ethics Words of Wisdom](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/07/06/sixteen-ethics-words-of-wisdom/) - I figure everyone is either still gone/checked our for the long July 4th weekend, or is insanely busy covering for those that are out, so Ethical Voices this week is just sixteen words of wisdom about ethics.
- [How to Make Sure Codes of Ethics Are Not Worthless: Michael Meath](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/06/22/how-to-make-sure-codes-of-ethics-are-not-worthless-michael-meath/) - Michael Meath, the retiring interim chair of public relations at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University discusses a number of important issues, including: 1) How to make sure Codes of Ethics are not worthless 2) Why taking the critical 10 helps you make more ethical decisions 3) The ethical challenges that most engage students 4) The little ethics issues that challenge us every day
- [Healing the Fracturing of Humanity By Moving From Impact to Consequence: Jim Olson](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/06/15/healing-the-fracturing-of-humanity-by-moving-from-impact-to-consequence-jim-olson/) - Jim Olson, the former global corporate communications lead for Starbucks and US Airways and CCO at African Leadership University, graciously shared his insight and observations on a number of topics including: 1) How did Starbucks find a new, ethical option about how to deal with the presence of guns in their stores? 2) How we can help heal the fracturing of humanity by moving from impact to consequence? 3) The ethical imperative of purpose
- [Keeping Your Values When Others Compromise Theirs: John Walker](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/06/08/keeping-your-values-when-others-compromise-theirs-john-walker/) - John Walker, the founder and managing partner of Chirp PR, discusses a number of important topics, including: 1) Keeping your values when others compromise theirs (a.k.a. How to survive a dot-com boom) 2) How to build trust in a time of uncertainty 3) The ethical pitfalls of “guaranteed” media coverage that isn’t earned
- [This Week in PR Ethics (06/04/20) – Systemic Injustice, Free Speech, Racism and More](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/06/04/this-week-in-pr-ethics-06-04-20-systemic-injustice-free-speech-racism-and-more/) - I can’t think of a week packed with more significant, societal and communication ethics issues. Systemic injustice, free speech, racism and more. If my ethics class was in session now, I would throw out the lesson plan and we would just discuss the events of the past week. It is good to see so much constructive discussion, but like others I want to see talk move into action.
- [What Do You Do When Your Boss May Have Broken the Law?](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/06/01/what-do-you-do-when-your-boss-may-have-broken-the-law/) - In this personal interview, Tami Nealy, the vice president of communications and talent relations for Find Your Influence shares some great advice and insight, including: 1) What do you do when you have an abusive boss and he may have broken the law? 2) The importance of mentors 3) Ethics and influencer relations 4) The growing ethics problem of ghosting
- [This Week in PR Ethics (5/28/20) – Data, Accuracy and Disclosure](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/05/28/this-week-in-pr-ethics-5-28-20-data-accuracy-and-disclosure/) - One of the most common areas of ethical failure (in my opinion) revolves around data. The four articles I share this week highlight different elements of this – from cutting corners and misrepresenting data, to data privacy, disclosure and the misrepresentation of old data. Data has the power to shape opinions and actions, and we all need to uphold the highest standards when gathering, using and sharing it.
- [Ethics and Memorial Day 2020](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/05/25/ethics-and-memorial-day-2020/) - Today is Memorial Day in the United States. A day where we remember and honor those that have died while serving in the U.S. armed forces. I plan to continue the tradition I started last year. Rather than have a regular post, I’m asking people to take a moment and reflect and think about what we complain about regularly and how that right to complain was bought by the people that served and came before us. Then spend the time with your loved ones and be thankful. This is more important now than ever.
- [This Week in PR Ethics (5/21/20): Pizza Arbitrage, Big Tobacco and a New PRCA Ethics Initiative](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/05/21/this-week-in-pr-ethics-5-21-20-pizza-arbitrage-big-tobacco-and-a-new-prca-ethics-initiative/) - This past week in PR ethics was filled with some very important news and examples, and a few that are less important and make me smile. A discussion on ethics and pizza arbitrage blew up my social media feeds. While it is interesting, the research on tobacco co-opting #stayathome hashtags was chilling. There was also the important news of the PRCA launching a Global Ethics Council, and the much less important news of me being interviewed on the great Look Left @ Marketing podcast.
- [This Week in PR Ethics (5/14/20): Art, Yoghurt and Aiding Your Enemies](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/05/14/this-week-in-pr-ethics-5-14-20-art-yoghurt-and-aiding-your-enemies/) - While last week the most interesting PR ethics stories dealt with leadership. This week it was a true potpourri. There are some great articles and discussion topics on art, yoghurt, aiding your enemies and right vs right.
- [Why Silence Kills Ethical Behavior: BJ Whitman](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/05/11/why-silence-kills-ethical-behavior-bj-whitman/) - On this week’s EthicalVoices, BJ Whitman, a PR professional with more than 30 years of public relations expertise in the education, maritime, and hospitality management fields joins me to discuss a number of ethics issues, including: 1) Life, death, ethics and a photograph 2) Why silence is a killer to resolving ethical issues 3) Ethical issues in the maritime industry
- [This Week in PR Ethics (5/7/20): Ethical Leadership](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/05/07/this-week-in-pr-ethics-5-7-20-ethical-leadership/) - We have the first ever “theme week” on This Week in PR Ethics. During “unprecedented situations” and times of crisis, people look for ethical leadership. Some people step up, and some people don’t. Even good people make ethical missteps. I was intrigued to find so much discussion on ethical leadership this week, so I decided to dedicate the entire blog to the topic.
- [Ethics in the Classroom: When Your PR Student is Accused of Apostasy and Treason – Quentin Langley](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/05/04/ethics-in-the-classroom-when-your-pr-student-is-accused-of-apostasy-and-treason-quentin-langley/) - Quentin Langley, the author of Brandjack and an Adjunct Professor discusses a number of fascinating topics related to ethics in public relations. Specifically: 1. What to do if one of your students is accused of apostasy and treason? 2. Can ethical PR pros really follow the "Do not lie" maxim? 3. Global ethics challenges 4. Ethical challenges with brandjacking
- [This Week in PR Ethics (4/30/20): Utilitarianism, Stoicism, Virtue and The Nature of News](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/04/30/this-week-in-pr-ethics-4-30-20-utilitarianism-stoicism-virtue-and-the-nature-of-news/) - This week’s PR ethics highlights are a bit unusual, many of them brought me joy and had me whooping and clapping my hands and frankly scaring my family and students. There were articles that looked at utilitarianism, stoicism, virtue and the nature of news.
- [How to ethically handle pressure to fudge numbers - Anne Green](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/04/27/how-to-handle-ethical-pressure-to-fudge-numbers-anne-green/) - Anne Green, a principal and managing director at G&S Business Communications, discusses a number of important ethical issues including: 1) How to ethically handle pressure to fudge numbers 2) Where to find engaging, compelling ethics training and why it matters 3) How to ethically fight back against disinformation
- [This Week in PR Ethics (4/23/20): Misinformation or Cancel Culture? Ethics Intelligence and the Ethics of Remote Work](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/04/23/this-week-in-pr-ethics-4-23-20-misinformation-or-cancel-culture-ethics-intelligence-and-the-ethics-of-remote-work/) - This week three things stood out when it came to PR ethics: Is banning unpopular speech stopping misinformation or cancel culture? What goes into ethics intelligence? What are the ethics of remote work?
- [What do you do when a client asks you to launch a product they plan to immediately discontinue?: Marcy Massura](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/04/20/what-to-do-when-a-client-asks-you-to-launch-a-product-they-plan-to-immediately-discontinue-marcy-massura/) - Marcy Massura, the CEO of MM & Company, discusses client dishonesty, Wikipedia, PR super powers and how they are misused, and inherent ethical biases in the social media infrastructure.
- [This Week in PR Ethics (4/16/20): Are we seeing the rise of the long-term surveillance state? Are businesses really putting stakeholders first?](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/04/16/this-week-in-pr-ethics-4-16-20-are-we-seeing-the-rise-of-the-long-term-surveillance-state-are-businesses-really-putting-stakeholders-first/) - This week there were quite a few ethics in communication issues to highlight, including many that may have a profound impact on society. Are we seeing the rise of the long-term surveillance state? Are businesses really putting stakeholders first? What are the ethics of grants and what do Canadians think about PR and ethics?
- [Avoiding Attractive, Insidious Ethical Temptations in Political Communication – Peter Loge](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/04/13/avoiding-attractive-insidious-ethical-temptations-in-political-communication-peter-loge/) - Ethics and political communication. It is an essential topic, but one that is not often discussed. Joining me on this week's episode is Peter Loge, Associate Professor of Media and Public Affairs, and director of the project on ethics and political communication at George Washington University to discuss: 1) What are the true ethical challenges most communicators face? 2) Why “The Stakes are High” is an insidious ethical temptation 3) Is political communication today very different from the 1700s?
- [This Week in PR Ethics (4/9/20): Ethical Missteps from COVID-19 Communications to Donations to Social Monitoring](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/04/09/this-week-in-pr-ethics-4-9-20-ethical-missteps-from-covid-19-communications-to-donations-to-social-monitoring/) - This week the top ethical issues continued to revolve around COVID-19 ethical missteps – from how to communicate effectively (and what NOT to do), to an interesting piece on how charitable giving by companies may actually be unethical and break the law in some cases. Employee communication was also a hot topic: from the ethics of employee monitoring to debate about is a press secretary can do their job without holding briefings.
- [This Week in PR Ethics (04/02/20) – Doctors Speak Out (and are Punished), Purpose is Not Optional, Politics Must Change](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/04/02/this-week-in-pr-ethics-04-02-20-doctors-speak-out-and-are-punished-purpose-is-not-optional-politics-must-change/) - Communication ethics issues this week ranged from the right and duty to speak out, to the growing importance of purpose during a pandemic and how must political campaigns change.
- [What to do when your client is accused of espionage and his life is threatened: Hasan Zuberi](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/03/30/what-to-do-when-your-client-is-accused-of-espionage-and-his-life-is-threatened-hasan-zuberi/) - Hasan Zuberi, the President of the PR Council of Pakistan, shares great global ethics insights and advice, including situations many of us in the U.S. never have to face including: 1) What to do when your client is accused of espionage and his life and property are threatened 2) The ethical challenges of fake news and the coronavirus 3) The evolution of public relations in Pakistan 4) Expense report ethics
- [This Week in PR Ethics (3/26/20): How Codes of Conduct May Be Sabotaging Ethical Behavior, Fake News and Fun with Ethics](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/03/26/this-week-in-pr-ethics-3-26-20-how-codes-of-conduct-may-be-sabotaging-ethical-behavior-fake-news-and-fun-with-ethics/) - While media coverage and discussions focused heavily on COVID-19 and social distancing (and rightly so), there were a few notable, interesting and fun communication ethics topics this week including how our codes of conduct may be sabotaging ethical behavior, fake news, AI and coronavirus, and fun with ethics
- [How thinking like a global citizen can improve your ethical decision-making: An interview with Sony's Cheryl Goodman](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/03/23/how-thinking-like-a-global-citizen-can-improve-your-ethical-decision-making-an-interview-with-sonys-cheryl-goodman/) - Cheryl Goodman, the head of Corporate Communication for Sony Electronics North America discusses: 1) The key communication ethics challenges for today and tomorrow 2) How to fight back against the trend toward unethical vaporware 3) What we can do to move diversity, equity and inclusion from talk to action 4) How thinking like a global citizen can improve your ethical decision-making
- [This Week in PR Ethics (3/19/20) Coronawashing; Cardi B and IP; Ethics and Bird Death](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/03/19/this-week-in-pr-ethics-3-19-20-coronawashing-cardi-b-and-ip-ethics-and-bird-death/) - If you told me I would be using Cardi B as a communication ethics example two weeks in a row, I would have told you that you were out of your mind….but here I am. This week we will look at coronawashing; Coronavirus, Cardi B and IP; and Ethics and Birth Death
- [This Week in PR Ethics (3/12/20): Astroturfing, Cardi B and the FTC, politics and coronavirus](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/03/12/this-week-in-pr-ethics-3-12-20-astroturfing-cardi-b-and-the-ftc-politics-and-coronavirus/) - While it seems strange to be writing or discussing anything but the coronavirus, ethics and ethics issues continue on. This Week in PR Ethics (3/12/20): Astroturfing, Cardi B and the FTC, politics and coronavirus
- [This Week in PR Ethics (3/5/20): Facebook fights back and the industry moves forward](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/03/05/facebook-fights-back/) - I found five public relations and communication ethics issues of note this week that could also lead to some interesting discussions. The topics ranged from Facebook fights back, to positive stories from Page, Paula Pedene, Deloitte and Malawi.
- [The Growing Ethical Threat of Disinformation: Ann Knabe, APR+M](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/03/09/the-growing-ethical-threat-of-disinformation-ann-knabe-aprm/) - Col. Ann Knabe, PhD, APR+M, discusses the growing threat of disinformation. She also discusses: 1) Taking a stand for PR ethics – is licensing the answer? 2) The importance of education and accreditation to ethical behavior
- [A Global Ethics Perspective: Taking Care of the Truth - José Manuel Velasco](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/03/02/a-global-ethics-perspective-taking-care-of-the-truth-jose-manuel-velasco/) - José Manuel Velasco, the Past President of the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management discusses global ethics and taking care of the truth. Specifically, he addresses: 1) How to respond ethically when your company is caught making illegal payments 2) The most important PR job: Taking care of the truth 3) The importance of emphatic listening 4) How to ethically deal with emotions 5) What skills do PR pros need to be great advisors
- [This Week in PR Ethics (2/26/20): Ethics Flowcharts, Consequence Scanning and Nicomachean Ethics](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/02/27/this-week-in-pr-ethics-2-26-20-ethics-flowcharts-consequence-scanning-and-nicomachean-ethics/) - This week we discuss ethics flowcharts, consequence scanning, libel, and Nicomachean ethics
- [What to Do When Your Friend Acts Unethically: Karen Swim](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/02/24/what-to-do-when-your-friend-acts-unethically-karen-swim/) - Karen Swim, APR, the President and CEO of Words for Hire discusses: - What to do when your friend acts unethically - What to do when your organization values results over ethical behavior - Why every PR person needs to step up and be an ethics champion - Why ethics cannot be a uniform you wear
- [This Week in PR Ethics: Double Standards, the Transparency/Trust Contradiction and Greenwashing](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/02/20/twipre-double-standards/) - A few of the more interesting communication ethics topics of the past week: Journalist double standards, The transparency/trust contradiction and greenwashing.
- [FEELing is an essential part of ethical decision-making:  Deirdre Breakenridge](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/02/17/feeling-is-an-essential-part-of-ethical-behavior-deirdre-breakenridge/) - Deirdre Breakenridge, an author, speaker, professor, and communication professional shares some great ethics insight, including: - What to do ethically when two supervisors give you conflicting orders - Why FEELing is essential to ethical behavior - How Millennials, GenZ, GenX and Boomers FEEL differently and what it means - Why we often fail when we make choices alone
- [This Week in PR Ethics: 2/13/2020 - The downside of trying to appear ethical, ethical double standards and what happens when you stand up for ethics](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/02/13/twipre-the-downside-of-trying-to-appear-ethical/) - Ethics never rests, and neither do great posts and discussion topics. Following are a few of the more interesting ethics articles of the week that look at everything from the downside of trying to appear ethical, ethical double standards, and what happens when you stand up for ethics at work.
- [This Week in PR Ethics 2/6/2020: Spruiking, Iowa, plagiarism, free speech and censorship](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/02/06/this-week-in-pr-ethics-2-6-2020-spruiking-iowa-plagiarism-free-speech-and-censorship/) - On Monday, I thought it might actually be a quiet week in terms of PR and ethics challenges. Boy was I wrong. This Week in PR Ethics (2/6/20) looks at spruiking, Iowa, plagiarism, free speech and censorship
- [What's Legal Isn't Always Ethical: Keeping Your Company on the Right Path - Garland Stansell](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/02/10/whats-legal-isnt-always-ethical-keeping-your-company-on-the-right-path-garland-stansell/) - Garland Stansell, the Chief Communications Officer for Children's of Alabama, and the 2020 National Chair of PRSA shares his insight on a number of key ethics issues, including: • Why sharing the bare minimum is often not the best course • Why you must address issues head on when you are considered guilty by association • Why we must resist the tyranny of urgency • How every ethical PR professional can counteract negative perceptions of the profession
- [The Rising Threat of Disinformation for Hire: Special Interview with Buzzfeed News' Craig Silverman](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/02/03/the-rising-threat-of-disinformation-for-hire-special-interview-with-buzzfeed-news-craig-silverman/) - Joining me on this week's episode is Craig Silverman, a reporter at Buzzfeed, who along with two of his colleagues in January wrote one of the most chilling articles I have read in a while, “Disinformation for Hire: How a New Breed of PR Firms is Selling Lies Online”. I wanted to have him as a guest to discuss the article and its implications for communication professionals and society.
- [This Week in PR Ethics 1/30/20: Cancel Culture, Too Soon, Public Health and Trust](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/01/30/this-week-in-pr-ethics-1-30-20-cancel-culture-too-soon-public-health-and-trust/) - There were almost too many PR and communication ethics stories to discuss this week. My PR Ethics class discussed the following topics for more than an hour last night. We addressed cancel culture, Kobe Bryant, bad pitches, public health and trust.
- [What to Do When Your Boss Asks You To Spread Dirt on a Competitor - Jessica Graham](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/01/27/what-to-do-when-your-boss-asks-you-to-spread-dirt-on-a-competitor-jessica-graham/) - Jessica Graham, president of Fionix Consulting discusses what to do when your boss asks you to spread dirt on a competitor, how to ethically handle a public health crisis, what we can learn from the Rotary Club and other ethical issues.
- [This Week in PR Ethics: 1/23/2020: Corporate Ethics Gap, Disinformation and Cheating is Not Condoned](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/01/23/this-week-in-pr-ethics-1-23-2020-corporate-ethics-gap-disinformation-and-cheating-not-condoned/) - Today starts a new chapter in EthicalVoices. Every Thursday I will share ethical issues of the week. The objective is to highlight key issues for educators to use in their classrooms and professionals to use in their organizations. This week we look at the corporate ethics gap, disinformation and how cheating is not condoned.
- [Ethics a Top 10 Driver of Corporate Reputation and Market Value](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/01/15/ethics-a-top-10-driver-of-corporate-reputation-and-market-value/) - Yesterday Weber Shandwick released a study: The State of Corporate Reputation in 2020: Everything Matters Now. The study found ethics was a top 10 driver of corporate reputation and market value
- [What to Do When You Are Asked to Protect a Large Donor’s Reputation - Shonali Burke](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/01/13/what-to-do-when-you-are-asked-to-protect-a-large-donors-reputation-shonali-burke/) - Shonali Burke, a growth strategist and social expert discusses a number of ethical challenges. Including: 1) What to do when you are asked to protect a large donor’s reputation 2) Will public relations ever overcome its legacy of spin 3) New challenges with transparency and disclosure 4) How PR agencies need to adapt
- [Ethical Challenges with the Growing Cancel Culture - Paul Omodt](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/01/20/ethical-challenges-with-the-growing-cancel-culture-paul-omodt/) - Paul Omodt, the principal of Omodt and Associates and crisis expert discusses a number of key ethics issues, including: 1) Why speed is not always your ally 2) Ethical challenges with the growing “cancel culture” 3) How to seek forgiveness for an ethical lapse 4) How one man gained forgiveness after saying the N word and losing his job
- [Ethical Issues in Healthcare PR and the Challenges of Data Permanence - Erica Sniad Morgenstern](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2020/01/06/ethical-issues-in-healthcare-pr-and-the-challenges-of-data-permanence-erica-sniad-morgenstern/) - Erica Sniad Morgenstern, the vice president of marketing communications of Welltok, discusses a number of important ethical issues, including: 1) Challenges of talking a tough stand with senior executives to keep your organization on message 2) Data permanence and one thing to never do if you issue incorrect data 3) Ethical issues created by the decline of original reporting 4) Ethical issues in the healthcare/HCIT industry 5) Why the best ethics advice may come from the TSA
- [The Most Popular Ethics Blogs and Podcasts of 2019](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2019/12/30/most-popular-ethics-blogs-and-podcasts-of-2019/) - In this week between Christmas and New Years, many people are at work looking for an escape. Some people are at home and also looking for an escape. Luckily for you, I am here to help. This year, EthicalVoices celebrated its first birthday. As the year comes to a close, I wanted to share the most popular Ethics blogs and podcasts of 2019. All of them are great, but if you missed a few, these are the ones people like the most.
- [46 Ethics Words of Wisdom: 2019](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2019/12/23/ethics-words-of-wisdom-2019/) - As the year wraps up, I want to give all my readers an early late Christmas/Hanukkah present – 46 ethics words of wisdom from the interviews I conducted over the past year.
- [Ethical Issues With Product Recalls and Cannabis – Loring Barnes](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2019/12/02/ethical-issues-with-product-recalls-and-cannabis-loring-barnes/) - Loring Barnes, APR, Fellow, PRSA, an independent practitioner and Chair of her town’s Selectboard, discusses a number of key ethical issues including: • Tough ethical decisions during product recalls • How communicators should approach ethical issues around cannabis • The quickest path to redemption after making an ethical lapse
- [Thanksgiving Reading: 25 Recent Ethical Issues](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2019/11/25/thanksgiving-reading-25-recent-ethical-issues/) - Every week, the students and I start my public relations ethics class at Boston University discussing ethics issues of the week. Rather than keeping it to ourselves, following are 25 recent ethics issues and incidents for your reading pleasure. Some of these are sure to liven up the Thanksgiving dinner table.
- [EthicalVoices is One Year Old](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2019/11/05/ethicalvoices-is-one-year-old/) - EthicalVoices is one year old. Thank you. It is just beginning.
- [The Nine Circles of PR Hell](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2019/10/31/the-nine-circles-of-pr-hell/) - Today is Halloween. I was going through some old files and found an infographic I created back in 2014 - The Nine Circles of PR Hell. Since it is also a throwback Thursday, I decided to share it here as a bonus post.
- [Why Saying "That's Unethical" Isn't Enough - Marisa Vallbona](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2019/11/11/why-saying-thats-unethical-isnt-enough-marisa-valbona/) - Marisa Vallbona, the founder and president of CIM, Inc PR and co-founder of the PR Consultants Group, discusses: • Going beyond “that’s unethical” to understand the issues and better guide those you are advising • What to do when people steal your ideas • The challenges the lack of enforcement of PRSA’s Code of Ethics creates for the public relations industry
- [The Ethical Importance of Discernment in Public Relations: Blake Lewis](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2019/10/28/the-ethical-importance-of-discernment-blake-lewis/) - Blake Lewis, the Principal and Founder of Three Box Strategic Communications. Discusses a number of key ethics topics, including: • Ethical traps for Millennials and Gen Z • The importance of discernment • How to make ethics training a regular part of your culture • How compromise can destroy who you are
- [Ethical Issues with Behavior Change, Leaks and Transparency: Robin Schell and Stacey Smith](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2019/10/07/ethical-issues-with-behavior-change-leaks-and-transparency-robin-schell-and-stacey-smith/) - This week on Ethical Voices, Robin Schell and Stacey Smith, senior counsel and partners at Jackson, Jackson & Wagner discuss a number of key PR and communication ethics issues, including: • What to do when a client asks you to anonymously leak information • Ethical issues with transparency and in-person research • How to ethically leverage appeals to emotion • The one ethics guidepost every PR pro needs to keep top of mind
- [Global Ethics and Technology Issues - How Public Relations Can Move A Company From Where It is to Where it Wants to Be: Torod Neptune](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2019/10/21/global-ethics-and-technology-issues-how-public-relations-can-move-a-company-from-where-it-is-today-to-where-it-wants-to-be-torod-neptune/) - Torod Neptune, the chief communications officer at Lenovo discusses a number of key global and technology ethics issues including: • How to move companies from the organization they are today to the one they want to be • Living brand values globally and locally • Why addressing ethics issues with technology requires businesses to think at the top of the stream
- [The Three Biggest Threats to Ethical Behavior in Public Relations Today: Mark Dvorak](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2019/10/14/the-three-biggest-threats-to-ethical-behavior-in-public-relations-today-mark-dvorak/) - Mark Dvorak the executive director of Golin Atlanta and an expert independent consultant, discusses the three biggest threats to ethical behavior in public relations. During the interview he also shares his insight on a variety of topics, including: what ethical guideposts to use when you are facing a new situation and how managers should support their employees in difficult ethical situations.
- [Ethics, Sexism, Racism and Research: Angela Sinickas](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2019/09/30/ethics-sexism-racism-and-research/) - Angela Sinickas the CEO of Sinickas Communications, discusses a number of key issues, including: • What to do ethically when you realize you work at a company rife with sexism and racism • Ethical missteps in the PR proposal process • How ethics mistakes can haunt you for years (and how to overcome them) • How to ethically deal with people with an agenda
- [Building an Ethical Agency Culture: Kim Sample](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2019/09/16/kim-sample-building-an-ethical-agency-culture/) - Kim Sample, president of the PR Council discusses a number of key ethics issues, including: • How to handle unethical client requests • Best practices for building an ethical agency culture • Ethical challenges with controversial clients and employee activism
- [How to Save Your Soul as a Public Relations Professional in an Unethical Company: Joe Trahan](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2019/09/23/save-your-soul-dr-joe-trahan/) - Dr. Joe Trahan, a 30+ year PR pro, retired Lt. Col and media trainer for more than 3,000 people a year, shares his ethics insights in a captivating interview. He discusses: • How to save your soul when you are in an unethical company • How fake news is eroding public trust • Why public relations professionals and PRSA need to be stronger advocates for our profession • The importance of standing up for what you believe in even in the face of unspeakable threats of violence
- [It's Labor Day - But Ethics Carries On](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2019/09/02/its-labor-day-but-ethics-carries-on/) - Good morning. Today is Labor Day in the United States, so this week I will be taking a break from my labors of bringing you insightful ethics content. Rest assured, I have great interviews already in the hopper for September. But September is an important month. It is PRSA's Ethics month and most chapters will
- [Ethics, Communications and Technology - Avoiding Techlash: Brandi Boatner](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2019/09/09/ethics-and-techlash/) - Brandi Boatner, the Social and Influencer Communications Lead global markets for IBM addresses a number of communications ethics issues including: • How can public relations professionals prepare for techlash? • What questions should PR pros ask to help avoid unconscious bias in campaigns and AI? • How can social pros best run an ethical influencer campaign? • Generational challenges with fake news
- [How to Act Ethically When Managers and Competitors Overpromise: Mike Neumeier](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2019/08/26/how-to-act-ethically-when-managers-and-competitors-overpromise-mike-neumeier/) - Mike Neumeier, the CEO of Arketi Group, shares his insight on how PR pros can deal with ethics issues, including: • What to do when a manager or competitor overpromises • How and when to disclose • Unexpected challenges with paid media
- [It's Time to Stop PR's Addiction to Fake Newswire Metrics: Adam Ritchie](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2019/08/19/its-time-to-stop-prs-addiction-to-fake-newswire-metrics-adam-ritchie/) - Adam Ritchie, the principal of Adam Ritchie Brand Directions, discusses a number of controversial ethical issues, including why it’s time to stop PR’s addiction to fake newswire metrics. Other topics include: • A lighting round of four ethical dilemmas he faced • The insidious practice of double billing • How Amazon is hurting public relations measurement
- [PR, Ethics and Artificial Intelligence: Chris Penn](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2019/08/12/pr-and-ai-ethics-challenges/) - Chris Penn, the co-founder and chief data scientist for Trust Insights, is one of the most insightful communications professionals I know. In this interview, he discusses: • What to do when your personal ethics conflict with your company's ethics • Ethical issues PR people will face with artificial intelligence (AI) • What questions communications pros should ask their data scientists • The scary thing about FaceApp people have overlooked
- [Ethics and PR Measurement: A Conversation with Katie Paine](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2019/08/05/katie-paine-discusses-the-ethics-of-pr-measurement-with-ethical-voices/) - Katie Paine, the CEO of Paine Publishing and a Measurement Queen, discusses a number of ethical issues around public relations measurement and analytics, including: • How to respond to pressure to fudge numbers • How public relations success is creating new challenges • Ethical issues with Automated AI measurement • Questions every PR pro should ask measurement vendors
- [The Ethics of Time Sheets at PR Agencies: Darryl Salerno](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2019/07/29/the-ethics-of-time-sheets-at-pr-agencies-darryl-salerno/) - Darryl Salerno, the owner of Second Quadrant Solutions, which has helped more than a hundred small, mid-sized and large agencies improve their performance and profitability, discusses a number of key ethics issues, including: • Why you can't buy your clients televisions • The ethics of time sheets
- [PR Ethics Advice for the Future is Found in The Past: Scott Monty](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2019/07/22/pr-ethics-advice-for-the-future-is-found-in-the-past-scott-monty/) - Scott Monty, a neoclassical digital executive who led Ford's digital and social media discusses: • The perils of obfuscation • The top ethics challenges facing communicators today • How many tech companies are ethically challenged • Ethics advice from the classics that is still relevant today
- [What to do When Your Client Asks You to Leak Confidential Documents: Beth Monaghan](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2019/05/06/the-ethical-issues-of-leaks-and-poor-culture-fits/) - Beth Monaghan, co-founder and CEO of Inkhouse discusses a number of key PR ethics challenges, including: - What to do when your client asks you to leak confidential documents - How to ethically handle high-performing, toxic employees - Steps every agency and business can take to help drive panel diversity
- [Twelve Ethics Words of Wisdom](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2019/07/08/twelve-ethics-words-of-wisdom-quotes/) - I figure everyone is either still gone for the long July 4th weekend, or is insanely busy covering for those that are out, so Ethical Voices this week will be a snapshot of exclusive content normally only available on the podcast.
- [Ethical Challenges in Environmental Communications - Gary McCormick](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2019/06/24/ethics-challenges-in-environmental-communications/) - Joining me this week on Ethical Voices is Gary McCormick, APR, Fellow PRSA. He is a past president of PRSA, owns his own consulting firm, previously worked in marketing and public relations for Scripps Networks Interactive, the parent company of cable networks HGTV, Food Network, and the Travel Channel, and has decades of experience in
- [Ethics, Communications, Business and Fake News - A Conversation with Fred Cook](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2019/06/17/ethics-communications-business-and-fake-news-a-conversation-with-fred-cook/) - In a wide-ranging conversation, Fred Cook, the Chairman of Golin and the Director of the USC Center for Public Relations discusses a number of important issues, including: • Why understanding communications is not enough for ethical PR pros • Where there is a disconnect between CEOs and PR pros • Thriving as the challenge of fake news increases • The business impact of ethical lapses by agencies
- [Why Ethical PR People Must Be Careful Who They Trust And Always Be Skeptical  - Lou Capozzi](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2019/06/10/why-ethical-pr-people-must-be-careful-who-they-trust-and-always-be-skeptical-lou-capozzi/) - Lou Capozzi, the former chairman of MSL, and former president of the PRSA Foundation, shares some great insight including: • Why you must be careful who you trust • What every in-house PR pro needs to be ready to do • How to determine what brands you will represent • The importance of being skeptical
- [How Organizations Can Learn From Ethical Challenges - Matt Kucharski](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2019/06/03/making-the-most-of-ethical-challenges-matt-kucharski/) - Matt Kucharski, the President of Padilla, a public relations agency that builds, grows, and protects brands worldwide discusses how good organizations can learn from ethical challenges. He also shares some great advice on: • Four ethical challenges PR agency employees can face • How to use agency values to work through client conflicts • How to best deal with unethical client behavior • Why ethics training should not be an annual checkup
- [Ethics on Memorial Day](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2019/05/27/ethics-on-memorial-day/) - Rather than have a regular post, I'm asking people to take a moment and reflect and think about what we complain about regularly and how that right to complain was bought by the people that served and came before us. Then spend the time with your loved ones and be thankful. For those that want to read more, following are two of the most moving texts I have ever read.
- [Avoiding Ethical Pitfalls in Media Relations: Michael Smart](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2019/05/20/ethicalpitfallsinmediarelations/) - Michael Smart, a leading media relations trainer and coach discusses ethical pitfalls PR pros may face in media relations and shares practical advice on how to avoid them, including: • Why you should always choose ethics over revenue • Ethical challenges in media relations • Why every PR pro needs a freedom fund
- [Tips for Creating an Ethical Decision Framework: Cheryl Procter-Rogers](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2019/05/13/tips-for-creating-an-ethical-decision-framework-cheryl-procter-rogers/) - Cheryl Procter-Rogers, APR, Fellow PRSA, a PR and business strategist discusses: • What to do when you are asked to spread bad information about a competitor • Tips for creating an ethical decision framework • How NASCAR helped her fight confirmation bias
- [Ethics Advice From Peter Shankman: Thriving Ethically In a Climate of Lying](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2019/04/29/ethics-advice-from-peter-shankman-thriving-ethically-in-a-climate-of-lying/) - Peter Shankman, entrepreneur, author and amazing connector touches on a number of ethics issues facing entrepreneurs and communicators including: • How to ethically thrive in a climate where lying is expected • Are businesses really walking the walk when it comes to ethical behavior? • The impact of new technologies on ethics and communication
- [Public Relations Ethics, Loyalty and Serving the Public Interest in a Multicultural World - Ana Toro](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2019/04/22/public-relations-ethics-loyalty-and-serving-the-public-interest-in-a-multicultural-world-ana-toro/) - Ana Toro, APR, a Senior Partner of Multicultural Communications with Clearview Communications and PR, shares her insight on a number of important issues, including: • What you should do when a subcontractor is acting unethically • What happens when fake news becomes the real news • PR ethics and the constant race for relevance • What more do we need to do with diversity and inclusion? • The importance of the PRSA Code of Ethics
- [How the Most Ethical Companies Leverage The Power of Trust, Transparency, Ethics and Values in Communications and Public Relations: David Herrick](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2019/04/15/how-the-most-ethical-companies-leverage-the-power-of-trust-transparency-ethics-and-values-in-communications-and-public-relations-david-herrick/) - David Herrick, the managing principal of EthicOne, discusses how the most ethical companies leverage the power of trust, transparency, ethics and values in communications and public relations. Specifically he addresses: • What are the communication best practices in the world’s most ethical companies? • The most significant PR ethics challenge on the horizon • How to avoid ethical greenwashing • How to determine which societal issues on which to engage
- [The Intersection of Creativity, Ethics and Legality in Public Relations: Michael Lasky](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2019/04/08/the-intersection-of-creativity-ethics-and-legality-in-public-relations-michael-lasky/) - Michael Lasky, the co-chair of the litigation practice group of Davis and Gilbert, shares great insight on a number of topics including: • The ethics of talent migration • The intersection of creativity, ethics and legality
- [What Are College Students Asking About Public Relations Ethics? Deb Silverman, APR, Fellow PRSA](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2019/04/01/what-are-college-students-asking-about-public-relations-ethics-deb-silverman-apr-fellow-prsa/) - Dr. Deb Silverman, APR, Fellow PRSA, the chair and associate professor of communication at SUNY Buffalo State shares her her insights into the top PR ethics questions and challenges facing students and young professionals. She highlights: - The most common PR ethics questions from college students - What unethical activities to businesses ask interns to do for them - What ethics exercises engage the students the most - Where the industry is failing with ethics training
- [Key Takeaways from the Ethisphere Global Ethics Conference](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2019/03/15/key-takeaways-from-the-ethisphere-global-ethics-conference/) - This year's Global Ethics Summit by Ethisphere was an outstanding conference. A panel of CEOs addressed how to build an ethical culture. Panels addressed harassment, #metoo and how to tackle hot-button issues.
- [Special Report from the Global Ethics Summit: How Communications Fuels the Ethics Agenda](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2019/03/13/special-report-from-global-ethics-summit-how-communications-fuels-the-ethics-agenda/) - Special Report from Ethisphere's Global Ethics Summit: How Communications Fuels the Ethics Agenda
- [My Ethical Voices Christmas Present to You](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2018/12/24/ethical-voices-christmas-present/) - Good morning, If you are one of the few people working today and chose to check out my blog this week - thank you. I appreciate you spending some of your precious time with me. If you want to give me a Christmas gift - the best gift you can give me is to Subscribe
- [Welcome to Ethical Voices](https://www.ethicalvoices.com/2018/11/05/welcome-to-ethical-voices/) - Welcome to Ethical Voices! Ethical Voices is a blog and podcast more than 20 years in the making. In September 2018, after 23 years working for Schwartz Communications and MSL consistently growing practices and winning awards, due to the corporate consolidation to one P&L, the company eliminated some senior positions and mine was one of them.

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