Professional Values and Ethics
Values and ethics are components of every person’s life, both personally and professionally. Values are one’s ideals and beliefs of right and wrong. Ethics are a “set of principles of right conduct” (The Free Dictionary, 2009).
Most businesses will offer their employees a Code of Ethics. A company’s Code of Ethics is used to definitively state what is considered acceptable behavior and what is not. ‘‘The most common and important way in which ethics are institutionalized is through the design and implementation of a corporate Code of Ethics’’ (Johnson and Smith, 1999: 1365). Another resource for professional values and ethics is one’s personal values. Values are vital for creating the basis for ethical behavior (Elango et al, 2010, p. 6). Personal values are qualities about oneself that are placed in high regard. They persuade one to turn away from choices that are believed to be wrong and lead one toward those that seem right. Thirdly, leadership example is a source of professional ethics and values and affects ethical decision-making (Elango et al, 2010, p. 2). Social norms also come into play with professional ethics. Companies must be concerned with what is expected from them in order to thrive. “The Johnson & Johnson Credo, for example, which expresses the company’s belief in their primary responsibility to children and their parents, is clearly influenced by the perception of real social obligations” (Long & Driscoll, 2008, p. 6 ).
Professional values and ethics are key elements that will influence career success by abiding by them at all times. A good example would be for those who enlist into the armed forces and took oath to proudly serve this country. The United States Navy, which has been established for the last 234 years, has what are called the core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment. Honor would be defined as one who is a strong moral character, who adheres to ethical principles, and has respect and admiration for superiors,
Most businesses will offer their employees a Code of Ethics. A company’s Code of Ethics is used to definitively state what is considered acceptable behavior and what is not. ‘‘The most common and important way in which ethics are institutionalized is through the design and implementation of a corporate Code of Ethics’’ (Johnson and Smith, 1999: 1365). Another resource for professional values and ethics is one’s personal values. Values are vital for creating the basis for ethical behavior (Elango et al, 2010, p. 6). Personal values are qualities about oneself that are placed in high regard. They persuade one to turn away from choices that are believed to be wrong and lead one toward those that seem right. Thirdly, leadership example is a source of professional ethics and values and affects ethical decision-making (Elango et al, 2010, p. 2). Social norms also come into play with professional ethics. Companies must be concerned with what is expected from them in order to thrive. “The Johnson & Johnson Credo, for example, which expresses the company’s belief in their primary responsibility to children and their parents, is clearly influenced by the perception of real social obligations” (Long & Driscoll, 2008, p. 6 ).
Professional values and ethics are key elements that will influence career success by abiding by them at all times. A good example would be for those who enlist into the armed forces and took oath to proudly serve this country. The United States Navy, which has been established for the last 234 years, has what are called the core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment. Honor would be defined as one who is a strong moral character, who adheres to ethical principles, and has respect and admiration for superiors,