Chapter 18

categories of codes of ethics

corporate, professional, and government/public service

William Shaw

"don't want a system in which business people believe their only obligation if to obey the law and that it is morally permissible for them to do anything not (yet) illegal"

Raiborn and Payne's "Hierarchy of Code of Ethics"

1. Basic level (behavior within the letter of the law) 2. Currently attainable level (behavior normally exhibited by individuals, socially acceptable) 3. Practical level (behavior that can be achieved the majority of the time through diligent effort) 4. Theoretical level (ethical ideal that represents the highest potential towards which society should continually strive)

Characteristics of Effective Professional Codes

1. The content of quality professional codes covers the important ethical issues in the field clearly, thoroughly, and adequately. 2. Effective professional codes are protective of the public interest and the interests of the individuals who are served by that profession. 3. The members of the profession must be familiar with the code and its contents. 4. Quality professional codes are specific and honest. 5. In order to work well, professional codes must be enforceable and actually policed. 6. Quality professional codes must be revised periodically. 7. Most importantly, professional codes of ethics must be regulative to be effective.

how code of ethics vary

1. purpose 2. authorship 3. ethical level

moral code

a definitive statement of right and wrong

code of ethics

a written set of principles and rules intended to serve as a guideline for determining appropriate ethical behavior for those individuals under its authority

levels of code of ethics

basic, currently attainable, practical, theoretical

Richard DeGeorge

founded the study of business ethics and published 20 books and more than 200 articles

"revolving door" lobbying

tendency of public officials, journalists, and lobbyists to move between public and private sectors

whisteblowing

the disclosure by a person, usually an employee in a government agency or private enterprise, to the public or to those in authority, of mismanagement, corruption, illegality, or some other wrongdoing.

codes for public officials and employees

those who work for the government and salaries are paid for by taxes