AHSS*1080 Lecture Notes - Lecture 9: Op-Ed, Muhtar Kent, Hyperbole
Ethical Issues in the Media
Chapter 11: Telling the Truth in Organizational Settings
The chapter examines the informal and formal demands of truthtelling in organizational
settings. Truth is evaluated within the dynamics like positive & negative news,
enthusiasm and hyperbole.
-Is the polishing and shaping of an image, for an individual or a corporation,
deceptive? How far does it have to go to be deceptive?
-What are some ways that organizations can respond to adversity in a truthful and
responsible manner?
-How can organizations be made accountable for their actions?
Should controlled media be used to distribute an institution’s message?
-What obligation do readers have to seek out the writers of bloggers, tweeters and
writers on Facebook pages?
Case 45: #AskSeaWorld Faces Tides of Protest
-CNN’s release of the documentary film Blackfish in 2013 created a public
relations nightmare for SeaWorld. The film detailed treatment of a killer whale
who killed a trainer in 2010. Protests at the SeaWorld parks followed. The park
tried using a Twitter account to manage the backlash, with mixed results.
-What are some ethical boundaries when defending an organization accused of
mistreating employees, resources, or even animals or wildlife?
-Where is the golden mean in crisis comm?
-Was the disclosure of information by SeaWorld or answering of questions
selective?
Ethical Considerations
-SeaWorld sought a golden mean between the extremes of:
1. Bringing legal action against the filmmakers
2. Ignoring the film and continuing business as usual
3. They took the initiative to provide information from its expert vets and
caretakers
4. Using a corporate website seemed to suggest a lack of transparency
5. SeaWorld also was justified in naming PETA as its primary accuser since
the value of justice requires that the accused be allowed to face their
accuser
Case 45: Additional Links
Blackfish Documentary: Learn about the movie that raised ethical questions about
SeaWorld’s practices.
SeaWorld Cares: A website launched by SeaWorld in response to criticism from PETA
and the public about its treatment of marine mammals.
#askseaworld: Twitter feed set up by SeaWorld to respond to questions from the public
following the release of Blackfish.
SeaWorld of Hurt: Website of PETA’s highly successful campaign against the treatment
of marine animals at Sea World.
find more resources at oneclass.com
find more resources at oneclass.com
Document Summary
Chapter 11: telling the truth in organizational settings. The chapter examines the informal and formal demands of truthtelling in organizational settings. Truth is evaluated within the dynamics like positive & negative news, enthusiasm and hyperbole. Cnn"s release of the documentary film blackfish in 2013 created a public relations nightmare for seaworld. The film detailed treatment of a killer whale who killed a trainer in 2010. The park tried using a twitter account to manage the backlash, with mixed results. Seaworld sought a golden mean between the extremes of: bringing legal action against the filmmakers. 2: they took the initiative to provide information from its expert vets and. Blackfish documentary: learn about the movie that raised ethical questions about. Seaworld cares: a website launched by seaworld in response to criticism from peta and the public about its treatment of marine mammals. #askseaworld: twitter feed set up by seaworld to respond to questions from the public following the release of blackfish.
