Question

When is it unethical to use emotionally manipulative language? Give examples of what you consider ethical and unethical uses of emotionally manipulative language.

Answer 1

Use of emotionally manipulative language becomes unethical, when it drives people to take the action that are not based upon the logic, not a reasonable action and the action is considered as morally incorrect action. When, an emotionally manipulative language, plays with the emotions & sentiments of the individuals and make the person to take irrational action, then the language becomes unethical. It is also verified by the consequential approach of ethics, where the use of language results into an action that is not considered as of high moral in the society. Besides, the deontological approach also questions the intentions of the emotional language that is not right, because it focuses upon the manipulation that is not considered as morally right in society.
I consider it as ethical when an emotionally manipulative language is used to group the people and form a strong team to transform the organization. For example, a transformational and charismatic leader uses language, including the emotional language with action, to bring a cohesion among the different employees and form a team. This team, under the influence of the team, will have a value that is more than the sum of its parts. This team will be driven to deliver the best performance and transform the organization. Here, the emotional language is used to create benefits for the employees, their families and society at large. It is ethical as per the utilitarian approach of ethics.
Though, the emotional manipulative language can be unethical also. For example, a manager uses its influence and emotionally charged language to encourage the employee to perform malpractices such as manipulation in accounts or creation of fictitious accounts in the organization. Here, the undue influence is used to make subordinate involve in wrong doings. It is unethical in nature.