Code Of Ethics (2)

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Code of ethics

Ethics codes are as old as antiquity. Religious traditions and civic cultures have codes as their foundations. The Mosaic Decalogue (Ten Commandments) is the keystone for Judaism, Islam and Christianity. Pericles made the Athenian code the underpinning of ancient Greek politics and culture. In each case codes carry general obligations and admonitions, but they are far more than that. They often capture a vision of excellence, of what individuals and societies should be striving for and what they can achieve. In this sense codes, which are often mistaken as part of law or general statements of mere aspiration, are some of the most important statements of civic expectation.

When applied to certain classes of people – public servants, doctors – codes are the ultimate terms of reference. They are the framework upon which professions are built. Often codes are what professionals use to make the claim that they are “professionals” and are often the founding document for a profession, e.g. the Hippocratic Oath. While it is true that not all such oaths are codes, it is often the case that codes are built into oaths or other related ceremonies related to become a professional. They can be found in the ceremonies ordaining religious leaders in many faiths, and in swearing the oath of office for many political leaders around the world.

Because the term code is often used in different contexts its meaning can be confused. For our purposes code is not synonymous with law. Laws can have codes within them. But legal systems are not codes (e.g. Hammurabi’s Code ) in the way the term “code” is used in this document. Laws, often referred to as legal codes, are a series of detailed proscriptions dealing with the “crime or offense” and the punishment. An example would be a city code forbidding spitting on the sidewalk that provides a 30 day jail sentence for violations. Ethics codes or codes of conduct seldom provide detailed, specific prohibitions. Rather, they are broader sets of principles that are designed to inform specific laws or government actions.

The Purpose of Codes

Codes of ethics are written to guide behavior. Any final analysis of the impact of a code must include how well it affects behavior. Scholarly researchers’ debates about codes generally revolve around whether more general codes are mere platitudes, and whether more detailed codes require behavior about which reasonable people can disagree. They even debate whether ethics codes are necessary at all because good people should know how to act ethically without any guidance.  These are worthy academic questions, but they are different than those a practitioner must ask. For those working with developing Public Service communities the more important questions are what blend of the general and specific are most likely to affect behaviors that a Society needs from its civil servants and its political leaders. Contemporary social psychological research also strongly suggests that codes can guide or induce behaviors in developing countries that are critical to a functioning public service.

Model code of ethics for civil servents

Basic principles

• Civil servants shall perform their official duties in compliance with the Constitution and law. When performing their operations, civil servants shall act exclusively in the public interest.  
• Civil servants shall ensure equal treatment of the citizens and the legal entities when performing official duties.
• Civil servants shall perform their activities to a high professional level, which shall be continuously upgraded.
• Civil servants shall perform their activities in the most conscientious, direct, the most efficient, timely and methodical manner in the interest of the citizens and the other entities in realizing their rights, duties and interests.
• Civil servants shall not be engaged in any activities that are contrary to the legitimate performance of their official duties, and they shall do everything to avoid situations and conduct that could impair the interest or the reputation of the body in which he/she is employed or of the state administration as a whole.

Impartiality

• When performing their official duties, civil servants shall not be influenced by partiality for achieving certain results.  
• When performing specific tasks and deciding about the rights, the duties and the interests of the citizens and the legal entities, civil servants shall not be led by incorrect, unjustified or unreasonable assessment of the factual situation due to prejudice, realization of ambitions for career promotion, conflict of interests, intimidation or threats by the superior civil servants, the official managing the body in which the civil servant is employed or by the persons affected by the respective act or decision.
• When performing the official duties, civil servants shall provide equal treatment of the citizens contacting the body in which they are employed. To that effect, they shall not reject to render service to a person that is regularly rendered to other persons nor shall render service to a person that is regularly not rendered to other persons.  
• Civil servants shall not deliberately cause damage to other person, group of persons, body or legal entity. On the contrary, they shall ensure the realization of the rights and the legitimate interests of the citizens and the other entities.

Independence in reaching decisions

• Civil servants shall independently reach decisions and shall decide objectively on the basis of the facts of the case, taking into consideration only the legally relevant facts and acting without unnecessary delay.  
• Civil servants shall adhere to the appropriate procedure when performing the official duties within their competence, especially rejecting any pressure, even the one from their superiors.

Misuse of the authorizations and the status of civil servants

• Civil servants shall not use advantages arising from their status as civil servants nor shall they use the information acquired due to their position for their personal benefit. Their duty shall be to avoid any conflict of interests, as well as situations that could lead to suspicion for conflict of interests.  
• Except when legally correct, civil servants shall not offer nor provide any advantages that would in any way be related to their position in the state administration.  
• Civil servants shall not consciously mislead the public or the other civil servants within the body.  
• Civil servants shall refuse to act contrary to the legal regulations or in a manner that presents a possibility to misuse the authority arising from their position, should the citizens and the legal entities for whose rights and obligation they decide ask from them to act so.

Information transparency

• Civil servants shall treat the information they acquired due to their position in the state administration with the all necessary secrecy and shall provide appropriate information protection.
• Civil servants shall facilitate the access of citizens to the information they have the right to obtain for the purpose of realization of their rights and interests.  
• Civil servants shall not refuse to provide and shall not provide incorrect data or information to the state bodies, the legal entities and citizens, should the provision of data be stipulated by law.

Conflict of financial interests

• Civil servants shall not let their personal financial interest to be in conflict with their position and the status of civil servant.
• Financial interest shall include any benefit for the civil servant, for his/her family, relatives, friends, for physical persons and legal entities with whom he/she has or had business relations.
• Civil servants shall not accept relations of cooperation with persons or organizations that have or had economic interest from the decisions or the activities of the body in which the civil servant is employed in the past three years.

Gifts and other form of benefits

• Civil servants shall not ask for nor accept, for themselves or for others, gifts, Services, assistance or any other benefit that could affect or that could seem to affect their decisions for certain issues, or that could corrupt their professional approach towards certain issues.
• Civil servants shall not accept gifts or gratitude that could be deemed as reward for those activities the performance of which is their responsibility.

Protection and economy usage of government funds

• Civil servants shall put all efforts to ensure maximum effective and economy management and usage of tangible assets, equipment and other objects entrusted to them, and shall prevent their illegal disposal.
• Civil servants shall take care of undertaking appropriate measures to ensure security of entrusted objects as well as of eliminating the possibilities to cause material damage in the body in which they are employed.

Conduct at the service

• Civil servants, except due to justified causes, shall not postpone or entrust the performance of the activities or the DECISION MAKING within their responsibility to other civil servants. They shall not refuse the performance of the official duties of the working post assigned to them nor shall reject the orders by the direct superior civil servant, except in the cases stipulated by law.  
• Respecting office hours, civil servants shall pay special efforts and time to perform the official duties. They shall limit absence from their working post to that strictly indispensable.

Conduct in private life

Civil servants shall avoid activities and conduct in their private life that could diminish the confidence of the public in state administration. They should avoid actions or activities that are in conflict with the legal or ethical norms and that could be a reason for their personal blackmail related to the performance of the official duties.

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A code of ethics is a set of principles that guide the behavior of professionals in a particular field. It is designed to protect the public from unethical or unprofessional conduct, and to promote the highest standards of practice.

There are many different codes of ethics, each with its own specific focus. However, most codes of ethics share some common Elements, such as:

• A commitment to honesty and Integrity
• A commitment to confidentiality
• A commitment to respect for others
• A commitment to professional responsibility
• A commitment to safety

A code of ethics is not just a set of rules to be followed. It is also a statement of values that should guide the behavior of professionals. When professionals follow a code of ethics, they are not only protecting the public, but they are also setting a good example for others.

Here are some examples of how the subtopics of a code of ethics might be applied in the workplace:

• Conflicts of interest: A conflict of interest occurs when a professional’s personal interests interfere with their professional duties. For example, a professional who is asked to give an opinion on a product that they own Shares in would have a conflict of interest.
• Confidentiality: Professionals have a duty to keep confidential information that they have learned in the course of their work. This includes information about clients, patients, and colleagues.
• Discrimination: Professionals must not discriminate against others on the basis of race, religion, gender, age, or any other protected characteristic.
• Harassment: Professionals must not harass others, either verbally or physically. Harassment can include making unwanted sexual advances, making offensive comments, or creating a hostile work Environment.
• Honesty and integrity: Professionals must be honest and ethical in their dealings with others. This includes being truthful in their communications, and not taking credit for the work of others.
• Professionalism: Professionals must conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times. This includes dressing appropriately, speaking respectfully, and maintaining a positive Attitude.
• Respect: Professionals must respect the rights and dignity of others. This includes respecting the privacy of others, and not engaging in any form of discrimination or harassment.
• Responsibility: Professionals must take responsibility for their actions. This includes being accountable for their mistakes, and taking steps to correct them.
• Safety: Professionals must take steps to ensure the safety of themselves, their colleagues, and the public. This includes following safety procedures, and reporting any potential hazards.
• Solicitation and gift giving: Professionals must not solicit or accept gifts or favors from clients or patients. This could be seen as a conflict of interest, and could lead to accusations of bribery.
• Whistleblowing: Whistleblowing is when a professional reports unethical or illegal behavior to the authorities. This can be a difficult decision to make, but it is important to protect the public from harm.
• Work-life balance: Professionals must find a balance between their work and personal lives. This can be difficult, but it is important to avoid burnout and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

A code of ethics is an important tool for professionals. It helps to protect the public, and it sets a high standard of conduct for professionals to follow. By following a code of ethics, professionals can make a positive impact on the world.

1. What is the difference between a code of ethics and a Code Of Conduct?

A code of ethics is a set of principles that guide the behavior of professionals in a particular field. A code of conduct is a set of rules that govern the behavior of employees in a particular organization.

2. What are the benefits of having a code of ethics?

There are many benefits to having a code of ethics, including:

• It can help to protect the public from unethical behavior.
• It can help to promote professionalism and integrity in the workplace.
• It can help to create a positive work environment.
• It can help to attract and retain top talent.
• It can help to reduce the risk of lawsuits and other legal problems.

3. What are the different types of codes of ethics?

There are many different types of codes of ethics, but they typically fall into one of two categories: aspirational or mandatory.

Aspirational codes of ethics are guidelines that are meant to be followed, but they are not legally binding. Mandatory codes of ethics are rules that must be followed, and there may be consequences for violating them.

4. Who develops codes of ethics?

Codes of ethics are typically developed by professional organizations, trade associations, or government agencies. They may also be developed by individual companies or organizations.

5. How are codes of ethics enforced?

Codes of ethics are typically enforced through a variety of mechanisms, including:

• Education and training
• Monitoring and Auditing
• Disciplinary action
• Public disclosure

6. What are some common ethical issues that professionals face?

Some common ethical issues that professionals face include:

• Conflicts of interest
• Confidentiality
• Plagiarism
• Harassment
• Discrimination
• Bribery
• Insider trading

7. What are some Resources for professionals who need help with ethical issues?

There are many resources available to professionals who need help with ethical issues, including:

• Professional organizations
• Trade associations
• Government agencies
• Ethics hotlines
• Ethics consultants

8. What are some things that professionals can do to avoid ethical problems?

Some things that professionals can do to avoid ethical problems include:

• Be aware of the ethical issues that can arise in their work.
• Know the code of ethics for their profession.
• Seek advice from a trusted colleague or mentor.
• Talk to a lawyer if they have any questions about the law.
• Make sure they are familiar with the organization’s policies and procedures.
• Be honest and transparent in their dealings with others.
• Be respectful of others.
• Be accountable for their actions.

9. What are some things that professionals can do if they are faced with an ethical dilemma?

If a professional is faced with an ethical dilemma, they should:

• Take the time to think about the issue carefully.
• Talk to a trusted colleague or mentor.
• Seek advice from a lawyer if they have any questions about the law.
• Talk to a representative from their professional organization.
• Make a decision that they can live with.
• Be prepared to take responsibility for their decision.

10. What are some things that professionals can do to promote ethical behavior in the workplace?

Some things that professionals can do to promote ethical behavior in the workplace include:

• Set a good example.
• Talk about ethics with their colleagues.
• Encourage others to report unethical behavior.
• Support ethical initiatives in the workplace.
• Hold themselves and others accountable for their actions.

Here are some multiple choice questions on the following topics:

• The role of a professional:

• A professional is someone who:

  • Has a high level of skill and knowledge in a particular area.
  • Is committed to providing high-quality services to their clients.
  • Is ethical in their dealings with others.
  • All of the above.

• Which of the following is not a characteristic of a professional?

  • A professional is someone who is paid to do a job.
  • A professional is someone who has a high level of skill and knowledge in a particular area.
  • A professional is someone who is committed to providing high-quality services to their clients.
  • A professional is someone who is ethical in their dealings with others.

• Which of the following is not a responsibility of a professional?

  • To provide high-quality services to their clients.
  • To keep their clients’ information confidential.
  • To charge their clients a fair price for their services.
  • To dress in a professional manner.

• Ethics:

• Ethics is the study of:

  • What is right and wrong.
  • What is good and bad.
  • What is just and unjust.
  • All of the above.

• Which of the following is not an ethical principle?

  • Honesty.
  • Integrity.
  • Fairness.
  • Professionalism.

• Which of the following is not an example of unethical behavior?

  • Lying to a client.
  • Stealing from a client.
  • Cheating on a test.
  • All of the above are examples of unethical behavior.

• Professionalism:

• Professionalism is the:

  • Quality of being a professional.
  • Conduct or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or a professional person.
  • Way in which a professional person conducts himself or herself.
  • All of the above.

• Which of the following is not a characteristic of professionalism?

  • Competence.
  • Integrity.
  • Honesty.
  • Dress code.

• Which of the following is not an example of unprofessional behavior?

  • Arriving late for work.
  • Taking credit for someone else’s work.
  • Lying to a client.
  • All of the above are examples of unprofessional behavior.

• Which of the following is the most important characteristic of a professional?

  • Competence.
  • Integrity.
  • Honesty.
  • All of the above are equally important.