If you misrepresent someone in promotional materials, which ethical principle is violated?

Misrepresenting someone in promotional materials violates the ethical principle of honesty. This principle is foundational in public relations, as it emphasizes the importance of truthful representation and communication. When an individual is distorted or falsely portrayed in promotional efforts, it undermines trust and can damage the credibility of both the individual and the organization responsible for the materials.

Honesty is vital for maintaining strong and positive relationships with stakeholders, including the public, clients, and media. Ethical practice in public relations requires practitioners to provide accurate information and fair portrayals, which fosters trust and supports effective communication. Misrepresentation directly contradicts this foundational commitment to truthfulness, hence making honesty the correct answer in this context.

While fairness, integrity, and accountability are also important ethical principles in public relations, the most direct violation in the scenario described relates to honesty, since it specifically addresses the issue of truthful representation of individuals.