Interpersonal Communication- A Mindful Approach to Relationships, 2020a

intrusive
secretive
manipulative/
exploitative
• uses hidden cameras
• taps telephones
• employs computer technologies to monitor employee behavior
• disregards legitimate privacy rights
• uses silence and unresponsiveness
• hoards information
• hides wrongdoing or ineptness
• uses demagoguery
• gains compliance by exploiting fear, prejudice, or ignorance
• patronizes or is condescending toward others
Reprinted with permission from Wrench, Punyanunt, and Ward’s book Organizational Communication: Theory, Practice, and Research
(2014, Flat World Knowledge)
Table 13.1. Redding’s Typology of Unethical Communication
As you can see, unethical organizational communication is an area many people do not overly
consider
Our second category related to professionalism is respecting others. In Disney’s 1942 movie, Bambi,
Thumper sees the young Bambi learning to walk, which leads to the following interaction with his
mother:
Mrs. Rabbit: Thumper!
Thumper: Yes, Mama?
Mrs. Rabbit: What did your father tell you this morning?
Sadly, many people exist in the modern workplace that need a refresher in respect from Mrs. Rabbit
today. From workplace bullying to sexual harassment, many people simply do not always treat people
with dignity and respect in the workplace. So, what do we mean by treating someone with respect? There
are a lot of behaviors one can engage in that are respectful if you’re interacting with coworkers, leaders, or
followers. Here’s a list we created of respectful behaviors for workplace interactions:
• Be courteous, polite, and kind to everyone.
• Do not criticize or nitpick at little inconsequential things.
• Do not engage in patronizing or demeaning behaviors.
• Don’t engage in physically hostile body language.
• Don’t roll your eyes when your coworkers are talking.
• Don’t use an aggressive tone of voice when talking with coworkers.
• Encourage coworkers to express opinions and ideas.
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