by Professional ethics are ethics that refer to the moral rules and regulations governing the professional world. In other words, they are the moral values that guide the way corporations or other business makes decisions. Professional ethics are standards or codes of conduct set.by people in a specific profession.
Code of ethics and code of conduct specify the ethical standards that a group (e.g., staff or a professional group) should follow in order to continue as a member of the group. They are generally formally stated and members are required to accept them as part of their membership of the group while accepting employment/membership. Values vary between individuals and across cultures. Hofstede’s four value dimensions help us understand cultural value clashes. Long-term versus short-term values affect many aspects of organizational life. The four key ethical principles are egalitarianism, utilitarianism, individual right, and distributive justice.
Fairness and Justice
As human resource professionals, we are ethically responsible for promoting and fostering fairness and justice for all employees and their organizations. To create and sustain an environment that encourages all individuals and the organization to reach their fullest potential in a positive and productive manner.
Professional Responsibility
As HR professionals, we are responsible for adding value to the organizations we serve and contributing to the ethical success of those organizations. We accept professional responsibility for our individual decisions and actions. We are also advocates for the profession by engaging in activities that enhance its credibility and value.
- To build respect, credibility and strategic importance for the HR profession within our organizations, the business community, and the communities in which we work.
- To assist the organizations we serve in achieving their objectives and goals.
- To inform and educate current and future practitioners, the organizations we serve, and the general public about principles and practices that help the profession.
- To positively influence workplace and recruitment practices.
- To encourage professional decision-making and responsibility.
- To encourage social responsibility.
Conflicts of interest
As HR professionals, we must maintain a high level of trust with our stakeholders. We must protect the interests of our stakeholders as well as our professional integrity and should not engage in activities that create actual, apparent, or potential conflicts of interest.
To avoid activities that are in conflict or may appear to be in conflict with any of the provisions of this Code of Ethical and Professional Standards in Human Resource Management or with one’s responsibilities and duties as a member of the human resource profession and/or as an employee of any organization.
Use of Information
HR professionals consider and protect the rights of individuals, especially in the acquisition and dissemination of information while ensuring truthful communications and facilitating informed decision-making.
To build trust among all organization constituents by maximizing the open exchange of information, while eliminating anxieties about inappropriate and/or inaccurate acquisition and sharing of information.
Ethical Leadership
HR professionals are expected to exhibit individual leadership as a role model for maintaining the highest standards of ethical conduct.
- To set the standard and be an example for others.
- To earn individual respect and increase our credibility with those we serve.
Professional Development
As professionals we must strive to meet the highest standards of competence and commit to strengthen our competencies on a continuous basis.
- To expand our knowledge of human resource management to further our understanding of how our organizations function.
- To advance our understanding of how organizations work (“the business of the business”).
