Question

Should Ethics be codified? please add the reference also.

Answer 1

Unlike values, professional ethics are often codified as a set of rules, which a particular group of people use.

This means that all those in a particular group will use the same professional ethics, even though their values may be unique to each person.

A code of ethics is important because it clearly lays out the rules for behavior and provides the groundwork for a preemptive warning. Regardless of size, businesses count on their management staff to set a standard of ethical conduct for other employees to follow.

Benefits of a code:

In essence, a code of ethics provides the operating instructions for the association’s values, giving fair warning to those operating outside of the code that they may need to make some changes. In some cases, the code may provide the context for further dialog; in other cases, it might provide clear grounds for sanctions. It also serves to consolidate scattered policies and unspoken rules into one authoritative and comprehensive document.

Steps to codifying ethics:

The more people who are involved in developing your code of ethics, the greater the sense of ownership. Here are five steps for developing a code for your association:

1. Get commitment from all key stake holders. Ask each group to draft a code covering its own area of association involvement. (Circulate publications on ethics and sample codes from other associations as resources.) Remind everyone that the code should be consistent with the mission and values of the organization.

2. Arrange for representatives from each group to meet and share their drafts. An outside facilitator can help bring out differing opinions without compromising personal or professional relationships of board members, volunteers, or staff.

3. Determine how you will proceed with writing and refining the code. Before going to the board, send the drafts to an oversight committee charged with converting them into one document.

4. Once the code is written, ensure that all organizational concerns are addressed (e.g., fiscal management; board-staff relations; responsibilities to association clients and the larger community; and so forth).

5. Submit the code to your board of directors for endorsement and dissemination. Establish a process to provide counseling and consultation for those expected to adhere to the code.

Finally, remember that a good code of ethics not only makes clear what practices are prohibited or discouraged (e.g., include a statement on what constitutes a conflict of interest) but also emphasizes what practices are encouraged and promoted within the organization.