Investigating the relationship between dimensions of professional ethics and components of communication skills among faculty members at Alborz University of Medical Sciences in 2023: a cross-sectional study

Azadeh  Babaei; Arezoo  Aghakouchakzadeh; Morteza  Motaharipour; Ali  Lotfalian; Iman  Rajaei

doi:10.18502/jmehm.v19i1.21497

Azadeh Babaei Assistant Professor, Community Oral Health Department, School of Dentistry, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran.
Arezoo Aghakouchakzadeh Assistant Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, School of Dentistry, Alborz University of Medical Science, Karaj, Iran.
Morteza Motaharipour Student Research Committee, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran.
Ali Lotfalian Student Research Committee, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran.
Iman Rajaei Student Research Committee, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jmehm.v19i1.21497

Keywords: Professional ethics; Communication skills; Faculty.

Abstract

Ethics is the systematic study of moral principles that guides conduct in complex social and professional contexts. In medical education, faculty members’ professional ethics and communication skills are critical, since they influence student development and institutional success. This study examines the relationship between professional ethics and communication skills to inform faculty development programs. This was a descriptive-analytical, cross-sectional study conducted in 2023–2024 at Alborz University of Medical Sciences. It investigated the relationship between professional ethics and communication skills among 178 faculty members using validated Cadozier & Brown and Queendom questionnaires. Pearson’s correlation, t-tests, and ANOVA revealed significant associations (P < 0.05) between ethics, communication, and demographic variables. Most participants were female (53.4%) and mid-career (35–45 years, 43.8%). The majority were assistant professors (78.7%) with medical specializations (60.1%) or PhDs (36.0%). Self-reported ethics (M = 65, SD = 5.7) and communication skills (M = 116, SD = 7.7) were high, with 85.4% and 96.6% rated “Good.” A moderate positive correlation (r = 0.33, P < 0.01) was observed between the constructs, and listening skills were strongly associated with ethical dimensions such as honesty and empathy. *Corresponding Author Iman Rajaei Address: School of Dentistry, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran. Postal Code: 3198684868 Tel:(+98) 26 33 53 16 14 Email: imanrajayee@abzums.ac.ir; imanrajayee@gmail.com Received: 6 Oct 2025 Accepted: 27 Dec 2025 Published: 10 May 2026 Citation to this article: Babaei A, Aghakouchakzadeh A, Motaharipour M, Lotfalian A, Rajaei I. Investigating the relationship between dimensions of professional ethics and components of communication skills among faculty members at Alborz University of Medical Sciences in 2023: a cross-sectional study. J Med Ethics Hist Med. 2026;19:1. Gender, age, experience, employment status, and rank influenced sub-dimensions, showing patterns. The findings revealed a significant positive correlation between faculty professional ethics and communication skills, shaped by academic rank, teaching experience, and employment type. Integrated training and supportive policies are recommended to enhance faculty communication skills and ethics.