Code of Ethics

A code of ethics document may outline the mission and values of the business or organization, how professionals are supposed to approach problems, the ethical principles based on the organization’s core values and the standards to which the professional is held. A code of ethics is usually established by a professional order as a way to protect the public and the reputation of the professionals. Indeed, people who breach their code of ethics incur disciplinary actions that can range from a warning or reprimand to dismissal or expulsion from their professional order. A code of ethics is important because it clearly lays out the rules for behavior and provides the groundwork for a preemptive warning. Regardless of size, businesses count on their management staff to set a standard of ethical conduct for other employees to follow.