Ethical Issues

sunandaC

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Ethical Issues

Advertising is a dynamic social form where business interests, creativity, consumer needs and government regulations meet. The high visibility of advertising makes it particularly vulnerable to criticism. E.g.: Benetton is both a vehicle to sell clothing as well as a platform to express opinions on social issues. As a consequence of these mixed perspectives, it has had to pay a heavy price – number of stores dropped as well as lost out in 1991.

Another aspect is that people feel that advertising plays the role of the “Hidden Persuader” and that consumers are its victims as they are manipulated to buy products they neither need nor can afford.

Also findings indicate that while ad executives are fed up with bad ads produced by their trade, consumers do not care much one way or the other because of the overdrive of advertising products.

However, it is worthwhile to be aware of the social issues facing advertising, as social responsibility requires a balance between public welfare and freedom of speech.
Ethical Criteria

In spite of regulation, every issue is not covered by a clear, written rule. Many issues are left to the discretion of the advertiser and these decisions may be based on a variety of considerations – objective of ad campaign, attitudes of target audience and the legal precedent. Many decisions are also based on ethical concerns.

Issues central to an ethical discussion on advertising are:
• Advocacy
• Accuracy
• Acquisitiveness
 
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