Chapter 13 HCOM 320 How Can We Become Ethical Intercultural Communicators?

Ethics Ethical absolutism positionEthical absolutism position –Principles of right & wrong w/universally standards –Cultural context is minimized –Universality – one consistent standards –Dominant culture defines criteria –Colonial ethnocentrism

Ethics (continued) Ethical relativism positionEthical relativism position –Ethical relativism –Critical role of cultural context-maximized –Accordance with underlying traditions, beliefs…… –Encourages cultural flexibility –Perpetuate intolerable cultural practices

Ethics (continued) Ethical-universalism positionEthical-universalism position –Proper cultural context –Judgments require knowledge –Rely on Eurocentric moral philosophies Meta-ethics contextualismMeta-ethics contextualism –Layered contextual perspective –Each treated as unique –Broader philosophical outlook

Meta-ethics Key concepts RightsRights DutiesDuties Traditions & storiesTraditions & stories FairnessFairness JusticeJustice ConsequencesConsequences VirtuesVirtues IdealsIdeals Meta-ethical decisionMeta-ethical decision

From ethnocentrism to ethnorelativism Defensive ethnocentrismDefensive ethnocentrism Ambivalent ethnocentrismAmbivalent ethnocentrism Functional flexibility stageFunctional flexibility stage Dynamic flexibility stageDynamic flexibility stage

Dynamic Global Leader Global literaciesGlobal literacies –Personal –Social –Business –cultural Ethical intercultural communication characteristics – adaptive, creative, experimental, tries again, other-centered, intentional mindfulnessEthical intercultural communication characteristics – adaptive, creative, experimental, tries again, other-centered, intentional mindfulness