Ethical Advertising
Running Header: Ethical Advertising
Ethical Advertising
Raquel Rodriguez
12/13/2011
David Frost
BUS 3200
Abstract There is a major concern when it comes to ethical advertising in today’s society. First off not many understand what is and what is not ethical. Companies that use an advertising strategy must be honest, fair and consider taste and decency when deciding on their advertising idea. Advertising companies do a great job when it comes to being truthful due to many regulations. For the most part advertisements are also fair, but need to improve on being fair to children. Where there is major concern is with the taste and decency aspect of advertising. Companies must make a greater effort in improving their advertisements to be more tasteful, decent and socially responsible.
Ethical Advertising “My definition of advertising ethics includes three components: (1) truth, (2) fairness, and (3) taste and decency” (Snyder, Wallace S). These three components, if followed, would make advertising in an ethical manner easier for companies that are big on advertising. When it comes to being honest, advertising companies know that they must be truthful or they could be sued for false advertising. This part of ethical advertisement is usually covered through regulations by the federal government. The two other components, however, are where advertising companies are lacking. “Fairness includes both the nature of the audience and the nature of the service or product” (Snyder, Wallace S). When advertising on television advertising companies must consider who would be watching certain shows at certain times and advertise accordingly.
Areas for Improvement
Though fairness still needs some considerations, the area that seems to need much improvement is that of taste and decency, “while clear cut standards are not possible, advertisers must demonstrate greater self-restraint and show respect for everyone who will view their advertisements”
Ethical Advertising
Raquel Rodriguez
12/13/2011
David Frost
BUS 3200
Abstract There is a major concern when it comes to ethical advertising in today’s society. First off not many understand what is and what is not ethical. Companies that use an advertising strategy must be honest, fair and consider taste and decency when deciding on their advertising idea. Advertising companies do a great job when it comes to being truthful due to many regulations. For the most part advertisements are also fair, but need to improve on being fair to children. Where there is major concern is with the taste and decency aspect of advertising. Companies must make a greater effort in improving their advertisements to be more tasteful, decent and socially responsible.
Ethical Advertising “My definition of advertising ethics includes three components: (1) truth, (2) fairness, and (3) taste and decency” (Snyder, Wallace S). These three components, if followed, would make advertising in an ethical manner easier for companies that are big on advertising. When it comes to being honest, advertising companies know that they must be truthful or they could be sued for false advertising. This part of ethical advertisement is usually covered through regulations by the federal government. The two other components, however, are where advertising companies are lacking. “Fairness includes both the nature of the audience and the nature of the service or product” (Snyder, Wallace S). When advertising on television advertising companies must consider who would be watching certain shows at certain times and advertise accordingly.
Areas for Improvement
Though fairness still needs some considerations, the area that seems to need much improvement is that of taste and decency, “while clear cut standards are not possible, advertisers must demonstrate greater self-restraint and show respect for everyone who will view their advertisements”
References: Dubihlela, Job, and Dorah Dubihlela. "Youth Attitudes towards Advertisements Depicting Nudity and Alcohol: Ethical Dilemmas in Adveritising." South African Journal of Psychology 41.2 (2011): 207-17 Jones, Tim, Peggy H. Cunningham, and Katherine Gallagher. "Violence in Advertising: A Multilayered Content Analysis." Journal of Advertising 39.4 (2010): 11-36 Moore, Chris. "Ethics in Advertising." Advertising Educational Foundation –Educational Advertising Resources - AEF. Ogilvy and Mather, 2004. Web. 6 Dec. 2011. <http://www.aef.com/on_campus/classroom/speaker_pres/data/3001>. Snyder, Wallace S. "The Ethical Consequences of Your Advertisement Matter." Journal of Advertising Research 48.1 (2008): 8-9