Ethics-Chapter 18: Code of Ethics

Levels of codes of ethics

Basic Currently attainable Practical Theoretical

Authorship

The code of ethics 'effectiveness' is dependent on its authors.

Moral code

is a definitive statement of right and wrong

"revolving door" lobbying

a government official who leaves office is permitted to immediately return as a paid lobbyist, attempting to influence the decisions of his or her ex-colleagues

William Shaw

"We do not want a system in which busiess people believe that their only obligation is to obey the law and that it is morally permissable for them to do anything not (yet) illegal."

What are the characteristics of effective professional codes?

1. Covers the important ethical issues in the field clearly, thoroughly, and adequately 2. Are protective of the public interest and the interests of the individuals who are served by that profession. 3. Members of the profession MUST be familiar with the code and its contents 4. Quality professional codes are specific and honest 5. Codes must be enforceable and actually policed 6. Codes must be revised periodically 7. Codes of ethics must be regulative to be effective

Levels of Codes of Ethics

Basic Level Currently attainable level practical level theoretical level

What are the categories of codes of ethics?

Corporate professional government/public service

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 . It's a formal statement of good intentions.

"purposes" of the codes

Professional and corporate codes of ethics can vary widely in several important ways.

Codes of Ethics vary by

Purpose Authorship Level

Richard DeGeorge

Said, "No individual or group can make actions moral or immoral by fiat." Meaning that a typical code of ethics contains rules and principles of behavior based on moral principles but are not moral principles themselves.