Explore our Ultimate FREE detailed guide on the COM-127 4-1 Discussion: Legal and Ethical Considerations in Business Communications.
Instructions of COM-127 4-1 Discussion
4-1 Discussion: Legal and Ethical Considerations in Business CommunicationsIn 2009, Mark Zuckerberg made sweeping changes to the privacy controls of Facebook, a leading social media company. Review the Shapiro Library business case study Facebook: The Evolution of Privacy?, which is based on this actual situation, and address these questions:
- Briefly summarize the changes that were made to Facebook’s privacy controls in 2009.
- According to different stakeholders, what were the key ethical or legal considerations associated with these changes or the way in which Zuckerberg communicated the changes?
- How could the company have communicated its position more effectively in 2009?
- Who do you think should deliver such messages from Facebook to its stakeholders (for example, the public) regarding new policies?
- How do you think these messages could be better communicated in order to ensure ethical or legal practices?
- During the 2016 United States presidential election, Facebook continued to be in the news. The site faced substantial controversy when foreign trolls used Facebook to impersonate U.S. identities and make posts and messages to pit Americans against each other.
- What was the impact of this foreign trolling campaign, and what are some possible future consequences?
- Did Facebook cross any legal or ethical boundaries in allowing this to happen? Refer to the Ethics in Business Communication PDF learning resource to help you prepare your response.
Tip: Copy and paste each question and type your responses underneath.
In your replies to at least two peers, use these questions to guide your responses:
- Respond to your peers’ ideas on how Facebook, as a company, could have communicated its position more effectively in 2009. Which ideas do you think are most effective, and which ones would you change or revise?
- Respond to your peers’ thoughts on the ethical or legal considerations regarding foreign interferences in United States elections through social media such as Facebook. Specifically, how could Facebook have avoided the legal and ethical missteps your peers discussed?
To complete this assignment, review the Discussion Rubric.
Undergraduate Discussion Rubric
Overview
Your active participation in the discussions is essential to your overall success this term. Discussion questions will help you make meaningful connections between the course content and the larger concepts of the course. These discussions give you a chance to express your own thoughts, ask questions, and gain insight from your peers and instructor.
Directions
For each discussion, you must create one initial post and follow up with at least two response posts.
For your initial post, do the following:
- Write a post of 1 to 2 paragraphs.
- In Module One, complete your initial post by Thursday at 11:59 p.m. Eastern.
- In Modules Two through Eight, complete your initial post by Thursday at 11:59 p.m. of your local time zone.
- Consider content from other parts of the course where appropriate. Use proper citation methods for your discipline when referencing scholarly or popular sources.
For your response posts, do the following:
- Reply to at least two classmates outside of your own initial post thread.
- In Module One, complete your two response posts by Sunday at 11:59 p.m. Eastern.
- In Modules Two through Eight, complete your two response posts by Sunday at 11:59 p.m. of your local time zone.
- Demonstrate more depth and thought than saying things like “I agree” or “You are wrong.” Guidance is provided for you in the discussion prompt.
Step-By-Step Guide COM-127 4-1 Discussion: Legal and Ethical Considerations in Business Communications
Introduction to COM-127 4-1 Discussion
This how-to COM-127 guide for COM-127 4-1 Discussion: Legal and Ethical Considerations in Business Communications is designed to help students navigate the complex intersection of legal and ethical considerations in business communications. Using Facebook’s 2009 privacy controls overhaul as a case study, the task requires a thorough analysis of both the changes implemented by Facebook and the subsequent stakeholder reactions.
By engaging with this guide, students will gain insights into effective communication practices that respect legal frameworks and ethical norms in business environments. Follow the guidelines below to solve the COM-127 4-1 Discussion: Legal and Ethical Considerations in Business Communications like a pro. Stay calm if you hit a snag or feel befuddled; we got you. With each step of the How-To Owlisdom Guide, a dummy solution is attached. Thank us later 🙂
Review the Shapiro Library business case study Facebook: The Evolution of Privacy?
Introduction to the Case Study
- Visit Shapiro Library to read the case study
- Contextualize Facebook’s privacy policy changes in 2009.
- Highlight the importance of business communication ethics.
Example
Reviewing the 2009 changes to Facebook’s privacy settings reveals that the social media giant significantly expanded the visibility of user information to external developers and third-party applications.
Briefly summarize the changes that were made to Facebook’s privacy controls in 2009
Summarization of Facebook’s 2009 Privacy Changes
- Identify the main alterations to privacy settings.
- Explain the motivations behind the privacy policy overhaul.
- Discuss ethical implications from user and public viewpoints.
- Highlight concerns over transparency and user consent.
- Outline potential legal breaches or compliance issues.
- Reference specific laws or regulations affected.
Example
Ethically, these changes conflicted with user autonomy and confidentiality principles. Users were not adequately informed about how their information would be more accessible nor given sufficient controls to manage this exposure initially.
How could the company have communicated its position more effectively in 2009?
Effective Communication Strategies
- Critique the initial communication method used.
- Note the public and media reaction to the strategy.
- Proposed Strategies for Improvement:
- Suggest more precise, more transparent communication methods.
- Recommend ongoing dialogue with stakeholders.
- Consider the authority and credibility of potential speakers.
- Discuss the impact of spokesperson choice on public trust.
- Propose multi-channel communication strategies.
- Emphasize the need for timely and consistent updates.
Example
Communicating such pivotal changes effectively is crucial. Historically, Facebook’s approach in 2009 involved minimal initial communication, followed by reactive adjustments after public outcry. A more proactive strategy would involve detailed pre-release announcements, clear explanations of the changes, and highlighted new controls available to users.
What was the impact of this foreign trolling campaign, and what are some possible future consequences? Did Facebook cross legal or ethical boundaries in allowing this to happen? Refer to the Ethics in Business Communication PDF learning resource to help you prepare your response.
Case Analysis: 2016 U.S. Presidential Election and Facebook
- Assess the campaign’s influence on public opinion.
- Explore the broader implications for election integrity.
- Legal and Ethical Boundaries:
- Evaluate Facebook’s compliance with election laws.
- Discuss ethical considerations in platform governance.
Example
Foreign interference in the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election via Facebook involved coordinated campaigns that spread disinformation to polarize American voters and influence the election’s outcome. This manipulation sparked intense scrutiny regarding Facebook’s ethical responsibilities and legal compliance in monitoring and controlling content to uphold electoral integrity.
Respond to your peers’ ideas on how Facebook, as a company, could have communicated its position more effectively in 2009. Which ideas do you think are most effective, and which ones would you change or revise? Respond to your peers’ thoughts on the ethical or legal considerations regarding foreign interference in United States elections through social media such as Facebook. Specifically, how could Facebook have avoided the legal and ethical missteps your peers discussed?
Peer Responses
I know it is essential to engage with and answer peers’ queries. But sometimes, we must learn to address questions more clearly and professionally. Some discussion posts, like the COM-127 4-1 Discussion: Legal and Ethical Considerations in Business Communications, may ask for peers’ responses. By following the guidelines below, you can quickly answer any question.
- Carefully read your peer’s post to identify the central question or concern.
- Ensure your response addresses this critical point to maintain focus and relevance.
- Communicate your thoughts clearly and succinctly.
- Strengthen your response by citing relevant examples, data, or scholarly sources.
- End your response with a question or prompt, encouraging further discussion.
- Encourage analytical and respectful responses.
- Focus on constructive feedback and alternative solutions.
Response 01
Your analysis of Facebook’s 2009 privacy policy changes succinctly captures the ethical and legal dilemmas that arose. Your emphasis on the need for robust consent mechanisms highlights a crucial oversight in Facebook’s strategy. As you suggested, integrating a proactive communication plan has fostered greater transparency and potentially alleviated some of the public’s concerns.
Response 02
According to the instructions of COM-127 4-1 Discussion: Legal and Ethical Considerations in Business Communications, we are supposed to write two peer responses. I have addressed the given instructions in one response. Following these instructions, you can quickly write your peer responses to 4-1 Discussions without a hassle.
Closing
Following these guidelines will fulfill the COM-127 4-1 Discussion: Legal and Ethical Considerations in Business Communications requirements. Successfully navigating the discussions and replies around the legal and ethical considerations in business communications requires an understanding of the historical context and a thoughtful analysis of stakeholder perspectives. By applying the lessons learned from Facebook’s experiences, students can better prepare themselves for future challenges in business communications. We hope you nail this COM-127 4-1 Discussion: Legal and Ethical Considerations in Business Communications. Good luck!
References
Cohen, M. A., & Kouvelis, P. (2021). Revisit of AAA Excellence of Global Value Chains: Robustness, Resilience, and Realignment. Production and Operations Management, 30(3), 633–643. https://doi.org/10.1111/poms.13305
Gunessee, S., & Subramanian, N. (2020). Ambiguity and its coping mechanisms in supply chains lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters. International Journal of Operations & Production Management, 40(7/8), 1201–1223. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOPM-07-2019-0530
Xu, Z., Elomri, A., Kerbache, L., & El Omri, A. (2020). Impacts of COVID-19 on Global Supply Chains: Facts and Perspectives. IEEE Engineering Management Review, 48(3), 153–166. https://doi.org/10.1109/EMR.2020.3018420
