What is a Code of Ethics?

What Does Code of ethics Mean

A code of ethics or deontological code is a document that brings together the norms , criteria and values that summarize the proper exercise of a professional activity , especially with regard to ethics .

');
}

');
}

These are self-regulatory mechanisms that, together with statutes, style books, agreements and other instruments, set the limits of what is acceptable in the exercise of a given profession.

There are numerous codes of ethics, mandatory for all those who are formally recognized as professionals in the area in question. They apply especially to those who belong to some type of professional association or similar organization, since these entities are in charge of standardizing and promoting careful professional practice.

Failure to comply with codes of ethics often leads to sanctions , suspensions or rejection among professional peers, or dismissal or termination, in the case of companies and organizations .

See also: Professional ethics

Characteristics of a code of ethics

The codes of ethics are normative, mandatory and ethical. They comprise a framework of rules to control people's behavior . Failure to comply leads to professional sanctions and enormous loss of prestige within the collegiate community, but does not necessarily carry sanctions punishable by law , depending on the case.

On the other hand, in a code of ethics there are usually guidelines for work management, communications , decision-making and other aspects that compromise the quality of professional life. Sometimes it can consist of a code of conduct, dress or life within a company or organization.

Importance and benefits of a code of ethics

Sports codes of ethics guarantee fair play.

Ethics is a fundamental part of professional life, since it provides the collegiate community with a set of rules that guarantee as much as possible its good reputation, especially in those cases in which the physical, emotional or social life of clients depends on the rigorous behavior of professionals.

Consequently, codes of ethics provide the public with a series of guidelines expected from a good professional . Thus, those who turn to the professional can know when someone is not complying with their obligations and can formalize a complaint or simply change professionals.

In the business case, it is even more important to have a code of ethics that guarantees professional (and sometimes personal) harmony between the members of each work team , so that individual issues do not affect the operation of the entire organizational gear.

Examples of codes of ethics

Some examples of a code of ethics are:

  • Code of ethics of the public function of the Organization of American States ( OAS ), established by the Department of International Law to lay the foundations for the exercise of power among the politicians of its member countries.
  • Code of ethics of the Association of Psychologists of Buenos Aires , in which the professionals of this union establish what is considered appropriate and what is not in the daily exercise of the psychological profession in the city .
  • Code of ethics of Banco Galicia de Argentina, intended for all collaborators of the organization, as well as its workers and employees, and in which clear guidelines of conduct are established to solve problems and make decisions in the way that the bank considers appropriate , responsible and in accordance with the mission and vision of the company.
  • International Code of Medical Ethics , which attempts to universalize the ethical criteria for the practice of medicine, establishing the minimum standards necessary to preserve the dignity and responsibility of the profession in the world.

Continue with: Bioethic

Go up