Personal Code of Ethics to Live By
January 19, 2020
Jane Addams might have described the need for creating a code of ethics perfectly in one sentence when she stated, action indeed is the sole medium of expression for ethics. (Jane Addams Quotes, n.d.) A code of ethics is a written guideline stating the expected ethics and values that a person or organization would wish to have expressed. These guidelines are created based off legal regulations, religious beliefs and regulations, and/or personal moral beliefs. It depends on what the code of ethics is being created for as to what they might entail. If a personal code of ethics is being created this might simply be a tool for one to use as a reminder to one’s self; something to use when reflecting personal actions. Having a personal code of ethics that utilizes positive moral values can also translate exceptionally well in employment positions.
An article in the Journal of Business Ethics entitled, Code of Ethics: A Stratified Vehicle for Compliance explained this best: Ethical codes have been hailed as an explicit vehicle for achieving more sustainable and defensible organizational practice…Limitations to an individual’s ethical choice can have profound effects on both the individual and subsequently the organization. (Adelstein & Clegg, 2013) Essentially, a code of ethics can help elevate the overall reputation and morale of an organization if the employees themselves have strong positive ethical and moral values. This same observation was also stated in a differing article related to code of ethics from the Journal of Applied Social Psychology entitled, The Relationship Between Personal Values and the Perception of the Corporation’s Code of Ethics. This article concluded that, one reason that the codes might be ineffective is because the values represented in the code do not correspond with the employee’s personal values. The more the code represents values that the individual agrees with, the more positively the employee may view the document. (Finegan & Theriault, 2006) Therefore, it’s imperative to create a moral personal code of ethics to live by to maintain personal accountability, and to refocus yourself on positive morals and values.
My personal code of ethics has generally translated exceptionally well into any employment position that I’ve held. When I held positions where I supervised or trained employees, I always wanted to lead by example and to set a higher standard than what was expected by the organization. This meant that I not only followed the organizations standards, but mine as well. Once I started thinking through some of the many ethical standards I try to abide by everyday these top five stood out:
· Code of Honesty: To convey truthful statements and accounts, and to willfully refrain from being deceitful.
The code of honesty is very important for me to live by since I have seen and experienced firsthand what can happen if someone is very dishonest. It can also stem from the golden rule, treat others how you would want to be treated. I don’t want people to lie about me or to lie to me; therefore, I have been honest in my accounts about other people, events, and situations. Furthermore, if someone is dishonest about another person and manipulates those less informed about a situation or event into believing the deceitful lie, then it can cause undue pain, suffering, and stress on the person (or organization) being lied about.
· Code of Accountability: Be accountable for all consequences of actions that occur due to one’s personal choices and preform steps to correct negative consequences when necessary.
· Code of Responsibility: Be responsible for one’s personal actions so they may stay in a positive state, and so one may avoid negative consequences.
The code of accountability and the code of responsibility balance each other out. Being accountable for your own actions is at the heart of the code of accountability. You must take responsibility for your own actions and know what consequences they will have. If you know that your actions are affecting others, know how they are making them feel or act. Sometimes a simple change with our own actions can make a better situation for both yourself and others.
· Code of Competency: To stay current on local, State, and Federal laws, any regulations, or discoveries that may directly affect one’s personal or professional life. Be knowledgeable in areas where you wish to succeed, so you may demonstrate the needed skills to do so.
The code of competency is a very important one. You cannot act with honesty and integrity, while being responsible if you aren’t competent. Ensuring that you are staying current in your field of interest and knowing what is within legal limitations is necessary.
· Code of Integrity: Be honest and respectful while acting fairly and exhibiting good moral intentions.
It’s been long stated that you need to be honest in order to have integrity. You exhibit integrity when you are honest, moral, and ethical. This means that the actions and decisions that you make are based on positive moral and ethical grounds. Being a person who adheres to the code of integrity is easy if you are a person who wants to be truthful and honest.
As you can see these five basic codes of ethics can translate into nearly every area of life. Each one works with another, and if all five are followed then it will be easy to be an ethical person in both your personal and professional life. Not only will being an ethical person help you in your personal life, it can also help you become successful in your professional life.
References
Adelstein, J., & Clegg, S. (2013, July 31). Code of Ethics: A Stratified Vehicle for Compliance. Journal of Business Ethics, 138(1), 53-66. Retrieved January 19, 2020, from https://www.academia.edu/29407062/Code_of_Ethics_A_Stratified_Vehicle_for_Compliance
APA Title Page. (2020). Retrieved January 19, 2020, from Aims Community College: https://www.aims.edu/student/online-writing-lab/common-formatting/apa-format/title-page.php
Finegan, J., & Theriault, C. (2006, July 31). The Relationship Between Perosnal Values and the Perception of the Corporation's Code of Ethics. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 27(8), 708-724. Retrieved January 19, 2020, from https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1559-1816.1997.tb00655.x
Jane Addams Quotes. (n.d.). Retrieved January 19, 2020, from BrainyQuote.com: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/jane_addams_388283
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