Professional Ethics

Ethics forms a major classification of philosophy and is a study of values and customs of a person or a group. It deals with the analysis and application of concepts such as right or wrong, good and evil and clear distinction of responsibilities. Professional ethics refers to ethics specifically concerned with human character, acceptable behavior and conduct. Ethical behavior is something that goes beyond simply obeying a set of rules and regulations, it is about committing yourself to do and act according to what is right, cognizant of your own conscience. To put it simply, professional ethics concerns one’s behavior, conduct and practice when carrying out professional work; it could be any profession such as consulting, research or writing. Most professional bodies set a code of conduct that is to be followed by its members such as doctors, accountants, lawyers to name a few. It is assumed that the members accept the adherence to these codes or rules, including restrictions that apply. At the same time, no two codes of ethics are identical. They vary on the basis of cultural group, profession or discipline.

Avoiding Conflict of Interest

Professional ethics need to be set, especially in a business or a large organization where a group of individuals may find themselves in situations where their values are in conflict with another, and they are in need of some reference as to what is considered ethical and not.

A conflict of interest may be described as a situation where your personal interests or activities could influence your judgement or decision-making and consequently, your ability to act in the best interests of the company or business.

Professional ethics or the code of ethics comprises of a range of issues, including:

• Data privacy and protection of sensitive information
• Adherence to confidentially agreements
• No bias in analysis of data and professional consulting
• Resolution of conflict of interest
• Accountability towards business

A code of ethics enables the business to establish the ideals and responsibilities of the profession or business. It serves as a reference on acceptable conduct, increases awareness and maintains consistency and ensures improved quality. When professionals follow a set code of conduct, it also enables their customers to trust the business with their critical information and is a conscious effort to protect the interests of the clients and professionals.

Standards of Professional Conduct

Members of any professional body are expected to understand and comply with all applicable laws, rules and regulations of any government, regulatory organization, licensing agency or professional committee governing their official or professional activities.

Professionalism

Professionals must exercise reasonable care and sound judgement to achieve and maintain independence and objectivity in their business related activities. They must not intentionally conceal or misrepresent information or facts relating to recommendations, actions and findings or in revealing any kind of information to deceive their customers, clients or partners, as the case may be. In short, professionalism is all about doing the right things in the interest of the organization, profession or business, as the case may be.

Avoid breach of conduct

Members, employees or businesses must refrain from indulging in any kind of dishonesty, fraud or deceit that adversely affects the business integrity, goodwill or competence. They must act for the benefit of their clients or customers and place their client’s interests before their personal interests.

Protect sensitive and critical information

It is assumed that professionals maintain confidentiality and do not disclose sensitive and critical information about their clients/customers to third parties except or unless you are required to disclose by law or if the information concerns illegal activities on the part of the client or if the client expressly permits disclosure of information. When it comes to their employment, employees must act for the benefit of their employer and not deprive their employer of the advantage of their skills, expertise or cause harm to their employer or the organization.

A code of conduct may be specified for all disciplines and adhered to. Finally, it is important to behave ethically on both personal and professional fronts with a clear conscience.