It is rightly said that ethics is knowing the difference between what you have the right to do and what is the right thing to do. Ethics applies to both personal as well as professional aspects of life.
Professional ethics is comprised of a set of defined guidelines, which are used to define the right or good conduct in the professional space. These guidelines give you the road ahead, on how to solve problems within the ethical framework. They also facilitate honest working and foster a healthy work environment.
Why are professional ethics important?
- They facilitate positive growth
- They establish credibility
- They encourage correct moral conduct
- They form long-lasting bonds of trust
- They help maintain honesty
- They create a strong brand
- They enhance job satisfaction
- They strengthen core values
Read about what are values and determine why they are important.
What Are Values?
Code of ethics consists of certain values. Some fundamental beliefs are called values. They motivate or guide us to take certain actions and help us set out priorities right.
In the professional scenario, values are the actions or attitudes that enable us to behave in a morally right way. In this context, they are the principles of professional ethics.
The principles of professional ethics encourage socially acceptable behavior. For an organization, they form the statement of the company’s values and vision. Let us have a look at some important principles of professional ethics.
- Integrity
Professional integrity is a much-valued quality in personal as well professional life. It is honesty and fairness in all professional decision-making processes. It is always doing the right thing, especially when no one is looking. It means staying true to yourself, your work, your loved ones and other close connections.
- Commitment
Some professionals are more committed than the rest. Therefore, they perform better and gain competitive edge over others. Commitment is doing your best work consistently, individually, as well as as a team player. Commitment as a professional virtue takes you higher in the organizational ranks.
- Respect
Giving respect to your boss, your colleagues and associates is a prerequisite of good working relations. Mutual respect is very important in a professional setting. It means valuing everyone’s contributions, acknowledging and appreciating differences, and honoring unity in diversity.
- Responsibility
Taking responsibility and being accountable is one of the most important professional virtues. Being responsible for your work, your performance and your team increases the sense of belonging. The approach becomes corrective and solution-oriented. A responsible professional is realistic and optimistic. He does not get into the blame game.
- Fairness
Fairness or lawfulness is a significant principle of professional ethics. Abiding by the law of the nation and the region where you are working is mandatory. But following the laws of your organization is equally important. Fairness is being just and transparent, giving equal justice to all and being consistent in your justice.
- Objectivity
Successful leaders and respected seniors are objective. They do not let any bias, any vested interests or any conflict of interests influence their decisions. They apply the same rules to everyone.
- Competence
You must ensure that your competence is adding value to the environment that has hired you. You should upgrade your skills and knowledge to evolve into a competent and confident professional who is an asset to the organization.
- Confidentiality
Confidentiality, as a principle of business ethics, respects the confidentiality of acquired data or information. Your business relationships open you up to various types of information. It should not be disclosed without the right to disclose.
Ethical behavior is the foundation of long-term personal and professional growth. If you abide by these professional ethics, you can become an asset to your organization.
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