Ghostwriting and the Ethics of Authenticity

This book presents an ethical framework which evaluates the legitimacy of the practice of ghostwriting. It explores the connection between personal authenticity and the use of ghostwriters in corporate, political, legal, higher education, and scientific contexts. It then examines the history of ghostwriting as a professional practice and introduces a model for ethical analysis.
In this book, the authors shrewdly address crucial ethical questions such as: When is it acceptable for a leader to claim the words of a ghostwriter as their own? When may this be inappropriate or even dangerously misleading? What are the consequences when public awareness of this practice leads to cynicism about the authenticity of leaders and their communications? And when, if ever, is the use of a ghostwriter ethical? This book will be welcomed by scholars and practitioners alike as an original and timely contribution tothe literature of business, politics, and communications.

Provides an in-depth examination of ethical issues in the practice of ghostwriting beyond the traditional political landscape Traces the history of ghostwriting from its ancient roots to its practice today Includes real world examples of interest to scholars and practitioners in disciplines, including business, politics, and medicine

Autorentext
John C. Knapp is President and Professor of Hope College, USA. He is an internationally recognized speaker and the author and editor of several books. Earlier in his career, Dr. Knapp led a corporate communications firm and founded and directed two university ethics centers.
Azalea M. Hulbert is a Ph.D. candidate in higher education administration at The Pennsylvania State University, USA where she focuses on organizational, student, and faculty issues. She previously served as Program Manager of a university ethics center, and is an internationally recognized speaker on academic integrity.

Klappentext

This book presents an ethical framework which evaluates the legitimacy of the practice of ghostwriting. It explores the connection between personal authenticity and the use of ghostwriters in corporate, political, legal, higher education, and scientific contexts. It then examines the history of ghostwriting as a professional practice and introduces a model for ethical analysis. In this book, the authors shrewdly address crucial ethical questions such as: When is it acceptable for a leader to claim the words of a ghostwriter as their own? When may this be inappropriate or even dangerously misleading? What are the consequences when public awareness of this practice leads to cynicism about the authenticity of leaders and their communications? And when, if ever, is the use of a ghostwriter ethical? This book will be welcomed by scholars and practitioners alike as an original and timely contribution tothe literature of business, politics, and communications.

Inhalt

1. Authenticity and Ethics in Ghostwriting.- 2. Emergence of a Professional Practice.- 3. Political Communications.- 4. Corporate and Institutional Communications.- 5. Judicial Opinions and the Legal Profession.- 6. Academic Dishonesty.- 7. Scientific Publications.- 8. Book Publishing.- 9. Personal Contexts.