“No judging!” That’s what my daughter blurted out when her mother reminded her to improve her study habits. A personal statement meant to affirm that others don’t need to judge or criticize her.
Of course, this was a response outside her parents’ expectations. Back when they were her age, they would never dare give such a reply—unless they wanted to get scolded even more.
But times have indeed changed. Or rather, times keep changing, because today’s generation communicates more freely, unlike the previous one. They also receive information from everywhere.
Children in the past, when receiving criticism or judgment from others, would simply comply—rather than giving a retort. But this is the value we now uphold: the value of democracy, which prioritizes equality and freedom.
So then, is criticism or evaluation still necessary when people see themselves as equals with others? In interpersonal relationships, of course, feedback, criticism, or judgment can easily create discomfort. You don’t know who that person is, and suddenly they criticize your way of dressing—surely you’d get upset, at the very least in a bad mood.
The opposite situation applies in a hierarchical relationship within an organization, especially in a business or profit-oriented institution. Evaluation is, of course, mandatory—particularly performance assessment. The real question is: should evaluations be allowed from anyone to anyone else?
Sometimes, evaluation may merely come in the form of commenting on a colleague’s work in another division, without any ill intent. However, conducting an evaluation outside of procedure and established rules can become a problem. Because commenting on someone’s work—even if it’s just a personal opinion—especially when directed at another department, can easily offend, or make the recipient feel targeted or bullied.
Interpersonal relationships may become strained, and company performance may even decline. This is where the awareness of ethical communication principles, and professional responsibility, becomes essential.
Respect for rights and dignity
In a relationship among members of an organization, there are moral rules that apply, namely the need to respect professionalism and maintain hierarchy as well as proper communication. Moreover, making comments in the context of organization, during a coffee chat in an informal meeting, or even in a group chat, is not the right forum to deliver criticism.
Criticism, especially sensitive ones, should be conveyed through formal and private communication channels, such as face-to-face meetings or e-mail, not in a virtual public space involving many irrelevant people.
Communication ethics demands respect for the rights and dignity of every individual. In existentialist philosophy, as put forward by Austrian-Israeli philosopher Martin Buber, true communication occurs in the “I-You” relationship, not “I-It.” This means we must see the interlocutor as a whole subject.
At another level, communication intended for evaluation also needs to uphold the most fundamental principle, namely honesty. Professional communication must be based on truth and accurate facts. It should also emphasize transparency that can create an inclusive work environment and minimize rumors or misinformation. Transparency can also demonstrate respect for colleagues, as they are provided with the information they need to make the right decisions.
Transparency can also demonstrate respect for colleagues, because they are given the information they need to make the right decisions.
However, communication is indeed part of freedom of expression. Yet in the teachings of liberal philosophy, which emphasizes freedom of expression, this freedom is not absolute. The English philosopher John Stuart Mill, in On Liberty, stated that freedom of speech must be limited when such speech tends to judge and thereby harm others. Thus, communication ethics demands a balance between the right to speak and the responsibility for the impact of such speech.
So, within the limits of interaction with others, every word we speak, especially when intending to express judgment toward others, carries the potential to build or to destroy. Therefore, ethical communication in the context of giving consideration to another party’s performance—especially one without a direct hierarchical relationship—is a form of our moral responsibility toward colleagues.
By understanding these philosophical principles, we not only become better communicators, but also more wise and dignified human beings.
