The basic issues faced by organizational communication consultants can be considered according to five general principles. First, the communication consultant must be objective and unbiased in interacting with the client. When a conflict of values occurs, objectivity and honesty can be maintained if the consultant assumes responsibility for any personal decisions, recommendations, and changes discussed with the client. Second, communication consultants must maintain high standards of professional competence by providing only those services for which they have been uniquely trained and by admitting limitations regarding areas of expertise that are outside of their scope. Third, strict standards of confidentiality must be maintained, not only on ethical grounds, but for legal reasons as well. Fourth, the consultant must be familiar with the ethical standards of the profession, particularly those that govern the moral and legal practices of the corporation and the demands that the corporation places on the individual employee. Finally, the individual must not only be aware of the impact that his/her consulting practices have on the corporation, but must regularly evaluate and revise these practices. (MAI)