Accountability and Transparency Overview

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary benefit of transparency in communication according to Patrick Plaisance?

It allows communicators to promote their agendas.

It engages audiences as tools for persuasion.

It limits the influence of lobbyists. (correct)

It minimizes the accountability of journalists.

How do high moral standards influence people's perceptions of arguments?

They may help to appreciate strong arguments despite disagreements. (correct)

They encourage indifference toward the message presented.

They make individuals less likely to admire transparency.

They lead people to reject all decisions made by others.

Which communication model is referenced as a tool to demonstrate transparency?

Shannon-Weaver Model

Schramm's Model of Communication

Westley and MacLean Model

Berlo's Communication Model (correct)

What ethical failing occurs when journalists do not disclose conflicts of interest?

Creating barriers to public accountability. Signup and view all the answers

What concept does Sue Curry Jansen criticize in relation to public relations practices?

Disguising public relations to mislead the public. Signup and view all the answers

Why might advertisers use stealth commercials?

To obscure their selling intentions from the audience. Signup and view all the answers

What does true transparency encourage among communicators and audiences?

Participatory democracy and accountability. Signup and view all the answers

What is one consequence of concealed cameras in entertainment media?

They mislead audiences about reality-based shows. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern of post-conventional stages of moral growth?

Societal responsibility Signup and view all the answers

How is transparency described in relation to visibility?

As a quality that allows one to see beyond barriers Signup and view all the answers

What role does transparency play in the modern socio-legal context?

It serves as a pro-attitude ideal Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a synonym for transparency according to the content?

Obscurity Signup and view all the answers

What implication does transparency have beyond its literal meaning?

It represents a psychological and social concept Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects a common misconception about transparency?

Transparency is always beneficial to society. Signup and view all the answers

Why might a journalist be compelled to misrepresent information?

To convey a bigger reality Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of transparency can lead to its misunderstanding?

Its quasi-symbolic nature Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary relationship between transparency and credibility as described in the content?

Transparency helps enhance credibility by fostering trust. Signup and view all the answers

What does accountability entail according to the content?

It requires explaining ourselves and our judgments to stakeholders. Signup and view all the answers

How does the content describe the evolving role of transparency in media organizations?

Transparency is regarded as a replacement for objectivity. Signup and view all the answers

What does the idea of 'moral accounting' imply in the context of media ethics?

It requires a calculative approach to moral responsibility. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of societal behavior is tied to increasing demands for accountability and transparency?

A reduction in public trust towards institutions. Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'to add up' signify in the context of accountability?

It emphasizes personal reflection on one's choices and their impacts. Signup and view all the answers

What is one challenge associated with trustworthiness mentioned in the content?

The standards for determining trustworthiness are becoming more complex. Signup and view all the answers

What does the content imply about moral decisions in media communication?

They should consider responsibility, even in adverse situations. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Transparency, Accountability, and Credibility

Transparency is becoming a global standard, affecting institutions, markets, and societal norms.
It's linked to accountability and credibility.

Accountability Definition

Accountability: Obligation to explain one's actions and decisions to stakeholders.
Transparency: Honesty and openness in decision-making processes.
Credibility: The degree of trust in individuals, organizations, and institutions.

Accountability

Comes from Latin roots, meaning "to add up" or "reckoning."
Involves explaining actions, similar to facing a jury.
Often tied to financial accounting (bottom line), aiming for objective evaluation.
Moral responsibility is expected in mass communication.
Responsibility often overlaps with legal accountability.
Freedom and responsibility are interconnected.

Accountability to Self

Essential to making ethical judgments.
Based on personal beliefs, upbringing, and experiences.
Cognitive dissonance occurs when actions conflict with principles, requiring choices to resolve discomfort.

Burned Conscience/Moral Callousness

Lack of moral awareness or concern.
Excess of conscience can result in unnecessary guilt.
Media professionals may face criticism for perceived lack of empathy or disregard for others.

Transparency and Accountability

Transparency: A quality allowing visibility.
Accountability and transparency are vital in media due to the need to be credible to audiences and society.

Transparency vs. Invisibility/Opacity

Transparency provides visibility, allowing for transparency and scrutiny.
Opacity or invisibility hinders this and may allow ethically questionable actions to occur.

Transparency Qualities

Messengers' intentions and message formation are important aspects of transparency.
Maintaining power dynamics and avoiding undue influence on the audience are core components.
Trustworthiness and ethical decision-making processes enhance the transparency, both of the message and messenger.

Importance of Transparency in Communication

Transparency of information is fundamental to journalism, mass communication, and other fields.
Journalists must be transparent with facts, sources, and editing processes.
Transparency in media is essential for accountability.

Issues or Failings That Lack Transparency

Journalists failing to disclose conflicts of interest.
Public relations professionals using deceptive tactics (e.g., astroturf campaigns).
Advertising employing deceptive practices (e.g., "stealth commercials").
Social media accounts using bots.

Receiver Transparency

Audience understanding of themselves and the media landscape.
Media literacy is vital for effective interaction.
Crucial to fostering accountable interactions.

Credibility Aspects

Credibility is vital to successful communication.
Audiences' trust in messengers is crucial.
Perceptions of credibility are often reality.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz explores the concepts of accountability, transparency, and credibility in various contexts. Understand the definitions, historical roots, and the importance of these principles in personal and organizational decision-making. Test your knowledge on how these concepts interrelate and their impact on society.