Improving Business Ethics with the Sapir-Whorf-Korzybski Hypothesis in Business Communication Classes

Abstract

Abstract There has been an apparently notable decline of ethics in the business world and, accompanying that decline, an increase in the acceptability of words that connote violence. These words are those commonly associated with corporate warfare terminology and military metaphors. Though such words may not directly cause violent behavior, the antisocial climate thus created can readily stimulate unethical behavior in the business community. Furthermore, evidence will be presented that suggests that the use of specific language can influence the way people think. In this article, I propose that business communication instructors give greater attention to discouraging words that connote violence and include general semantics training to sensitize students to the importance of appropriate and precise wording. Additionally, research should be conducted to determine if that attention and training will improve business ethics.