Code of Ethics

When I analyze Scenario #1 the thing that stands out the most is that Pam never acknowledged that the ideas she was presenting were someone else's. This alone has violates integrity and ethical communication. By admitting that the ideas were good shows a conscious yet strategic response to her need for ideas. However when it came down to displaying integrity, her authentic self came to the forefront revealing the true motivation behind her comments and our interaction. Our text Communication in a Changing World reveals that "authentic communication involves presenting an image appropriate for the situation and desired outcome". In the beginning she gave the impression of a team effort but then changed when before the manager and other co-workers.

I have had some similar instances to happen to me. I had a co-worker who needed some graphic designing done for a presentation. She saw some of my previous work and asked me to help her. I designed some great artwork and also completed some typed documents for her. After the presentation copies of "her" work was displayed for all to see. Supervisors were bragging on how creative and nice the design was. Other co-workers who knew that I was the one who actually designed it were very upset and shared their concerns with those supervisors. Just to have mentioned that I had assisted her would have not taken away from "the presentation itself". My designs were just an aid to her presenting, but her lack of integrity it took away from her hard work.

The second incident was when someone at my church was sponsoring a program and needed help bringing it together. I made costumes, banners, and programs. Everyone was so impressed and commented this individual and she never acknowledged any of my work. Those who knew what I had done openly told her that because she didn't share her glory they had lost respect for her.

The student handbook from Walden University states in its Code of Conduct that "academic integrity is essential for each student's intellectual development. While free exchange of ideas is accepted student should accept responsibility for academic integrity."

Dobkin & Pace, Communication in a Changing World, 2006, (n.d.)