Deck 5: Ethics and Societal Issues in Strategic Communication

Question 1

Identify the term for the system of morals employed by a person, group or organization that dictates standards of conduct.

A) Norms
B) Values
C) Religion
D) Commandments
E) Ethics

Answer 1

E

Question 2

Choose the definition below that best describes an existentialist approach to ethics.

A) Try to establish a balance between two extremes by making an immediate rational choice.
B) Something is either right or wrong
C) Determine what would cause the least amount of harm to most people.
D) Not believing in ethics but just do what you think is best
E) A decision based on what brings you the most benefits

Answer 2

A

Question 3

Which philosopher established the principle of the "golden mean?"

A) Plato
B) Pythagoras
C) Aristotle
D) Socrates
E) Empedocles

Answer 3

C

Question 4

What is considered the most important ethical principle for strategic communicators?

A) To be loyal to your boss
B) To be honest and trustworthy
C) The ability to promote a brand under any circumstances
D) To not mind lying for a good cause
E) To put your company above your own ethical principles

Question 5

The categorical imperative means, if you do something, everyone else should be able to do it too. Which philosopher promoted this ethical approach?

A) Immanuel Kant
B) Aristotle
C) John Stuart Mill
D) Nel Noddings
E) Nobody. It is an ethical principle carried over in Scottish culture.

Question 6

What is the document called that details an organization or profession's expectations of core values, standards and behavior?

A) An ethical wish list
B) Ethical policies
C) Ethical procedures
D) Behavioral standards
E) Code of ethics

Question 7

The American Advertising Federation (AAF), the Reynolds Journalism Institute (RJI) and the Missouri School of Journalism identified eight ethical principles and practices for advertising, public relations, marketing communications, news, and editorial professionals. Which one of the following is not included in their list of eight?

A) Professionals have an obligation to exercise the highest personal ethics in the creation and dissemination of commercial information to consumers.
B) A clear distinction must be made between advertising, public relations and corporate communications on the one hand and news and editorial content and entertainment on the other, both online and offline.
C) Advertisers and their agencies, and online and offline media, should discuss privately potential ethical concerns, and members of the team creating ads should be given permission to express internally their ethical concerns.
D) Advertising, public relations, marketing communications, news, and editorial all share a common objective of truth and high ethical standards in serving the public.
E) There is no single truth and professionals are responsible for expressing their own version of what the truth is in specific instances.

Question 8

Allowing employees to take time off to help local charities is a form of corporate social responsibility.

Question 9

What best describes "propaganda?"

A) Government communication that is coercive, aggressive and completely false.
B) All forms of strategic communication.
C) Buying space in media for advertising purposes.
D) Persuasive communication.
E) Political speech.

Question 10

Which of the following brands changed their name and logo because of its negative and stereotypical gender and race portrayal?

A) Nike
B) Florida State University Seminoles
C) Quaker Oats Aunt Jamima
D) Ghirardelli's Chocolates
E) St. Pauli Girl German beer