“No judging!” That's what my daughter blurted out when her mother reminded her to improve her study habits. A personal statement that wants to assert that others don't need to judge her or criticize her.
Of course, this is an answer beyond her parents' expectations, who, at the child's age, would never dare to give such an answer if they didn't want to be scolded at length.
But times have indeed changed. Or times keep changing, because the current generation communicates more freely, unlike the previous generation. They also get information from anywhere.
Children in the past, when they received criticism or assessment from others, would obey, instead of giving a reply. But that is the value we give now, the value of democracy that prioritizes equality and freedom.
So, is criticism, or assessment, necessary when people feel equal to others? In interpersonal relationships, of course, input, criticism, or judgment like that can cause discomfort. You don't know who that person is, but suddenly they criticize your style of dress, of course you'll be angry, at least in a bad mood.
The opposite situation applies in a hierarchical relationship within an organization, especially an organization or institution that seeks profit. Assessment is certainly mandatory, especially performance assessment. The question is, can assessments be carried out by anyone on anyone?
Although sometimes the level of assessment is just commenting on the work of other colleagues in other divisions and doesn't mean anything, evaluating without procedures and rules will become a problem. Because commenting on a piece of work, even if it's just giving a personal consideration, especially if the opinion is addressed to the other party, then those who feel like the target of the comment can be offended, feeling bullied.
Interpersonal relationships can become strained, to the point where company performance even declines. This is where awareness of the principles of communication ethics and professional obligations is needed.
Respect for rights and dignity
In a relationship between members of an organization, there are moral rules that apply, namely the need to respect professionalism and maintain the correct hierarchical order and communication. Moreover, making comments in an organizational context, during a coffee break at an informal meeting, especially in a group chat, is not the right forum for giving criticism.
Criticism, especially sensitive criticism, 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 requires respect for the rights and dignity of every individual. In existentialist philosophy, as put forward by the Austrian-Israeli philosopher Martin Buber, true communication occurs in the “I-You” relationship, not “I-It”. That is, we must see the person we are talking to as a whole subject.
At another level, communication aimed at evaluating also needs to promote the most fundamental principle, namely honesty. Professional communication must be based on truth and accurate facts. It should also emphasize transparency, which can create an inclusive work environment and minimize rumors or misinformation. Transparency can also show respect to colleagues, because they are given the information they need to make the right decisions.
Transparency can also show respect to colleagues, because they are given the information they need to make the right decisions.
After all, communication is indeed part of freedom of expression. However, in the teachings of liberal philosophy which emphasize freedom of expression, this freedom is not absolute. The English philosopher, John Stuart Mill, in On Liberty states that freedom of speech must be limited when the speech tends to judge, thereby harming others. Thus, communication ethics requires a balance between the right to speak and responsibility for the impact of that speech.
So, within the limits of interaction with others, every word we say, especially when we want to express an assessment to another party, has the potential to build or destroy. Thus, ethical communication in the context of providing consideration for the performance of other parties, especially those who do not have a direct hierarchical relationship, is a form of our moral responsibility towards colleagues.
By understanding these philosophical principles, we not only become good communicators, but also wiser and more dignified human beings.
