Ethics in Technical Communication

Ethics, now more than ever, is being discussed in nearly all contexts. We talk about it in many regards, often in terms of legislation and personal bias and beliefs. As Technical Communicators, we will eventually have to ensure that our work aligns with our personal and professional ethics, as well as that of our employer, field, colleagues, and even the general public. Although this may most prominently present itself in the wake of a project or assignment of a particular task, we will have to ethical decisions everyday as we create documents. We must use ethical design to ensure that User Experience (UX) is also being considered. We must create usable and accessible documentation.

fig. 1.1. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Sourced from https://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html

To fulfill this, I like to think about Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. All needs in the pyramid must be met. If there is a need being left unfulfilled, then one will not experience true satisfaction. Placing this in terms of ethical design, ensuring that a document is not contributing to the deprivation of any needs is essential. Let’s start from the bottom:

Psychological: Ensure that your document is not placing a physical burden on an individual. Is it taking away any of the biological requirements for survival from any individual?

Safety: Ensure that your document is not taking away one’s protection. Is it going to cause one to lose security, stability, or freedom?

Belongingness and love needs: Ensure that your document is considering the interpersonal relationships of an individual. Is your document going to directly prevent the development of relationships or trust?

Esteem Needs: Ensure that your document is not aimed to take away ones own dignity, achievement, or independence. Is your document disrespecting an individual?

Self-actualization needs: Ensure that your document is serving purpose for your audience. Is your document adding to the growth or experience of an individual?

In technical communication, we must always ensure that we are providing for our audience. In this, we must ethically design documents, both with content and visual design, to ensure that their is no intentional harm being done. Although we must aim to create the best document possible, perfection may never be fully reached. Consider your own ethics and give yourself a little room for human error.