Professionalism and Ethics 💚

Professionalism

Manner of conducting and executing tasks with integrity, respect, effectively and efficiently

What professionalism involves

The way a person acts, works, talks, dresses, and generally conducts his/her life’s work

Code of conduct

Will prescribe what is regarded as acceptable and professional behavior

Code of conduct aims

Regulate behavior of people in a particular profession

Importance of professionalism

• Ensures positive first impression and repeat business

• Establishes set of common values

• Creates a favorable image

• Ensures behaviour is aligned with the values and code of ethics of a business

• Creates trust and reliability

• Shows and invites respect

Elements of professionalism

Image, communication, actions, working environment, respect

(Elements of professionalism) Image

Grooming, neatness. Must be appropriate for profession

(Elements of professionalism) Communication

Written, verbal, gestures, actions

(Elements of professionalism)  Actions

• Thorough understanding of job

• An expert in his/her field of

• Work independently

• Governed by code of conduct

• Interest of client above all

• Best quality at all times

(Elements of professionalism) Working environment

• Free from prejudice and discrimination

• Promote professionalism

• Be neat and tidy

• Customers must be made to feel comfortable

(Elements of professionalism) Respect

Culture, beliefs, gender, qualifications must be respected. People should feel safe to discuss ideas and be themselves

Ethical behavior

About deciding what is right

(Ethical theories) Moral absolutism

There is only one ethical solution to a problem

(Ethical theories) Moral relativism

There can be more than one moral solution to a problem depending on different cultures (actions guided by norms and values, upbringings, culture and religion influence moral compass)

(Ethical theories) Deontology

An ethical theory that uses universal moral rules to distinguish right from wrong

(Ethical theories) Consequence-based theories

The consequence of an action will determine if an action is right or wrong. If the consequence is positive, then there is nothing wrong with the action

(Ethical theories) Principle based theories

Implies having very strong personal moral boundaries

(Ethical theories) Narrative - based theory

Stories are used to teach the understanding of right or wrong

(Ethical theories) Utilitarian theory

Whatever is done must be done for the good of the greatest number of people

Business ethics definition

A set of rules and guidelines that define what is considered morally right and acceptable in the context of business conduct

(Business Ethics) Management responsibility

To formulate policies regarding ethics and ensure that organizational structure underpins ethical behavior, management must lead by example

(Business Ethics) Employee responsibility

To do the right thing and comply with policies, the way the employee behaves when nobody is watching is a test of ethical behaviour.

(Business Ethics) Non-compliance harms

Will bring negative publicity to the business

The king code of corporate governance definition

A set of guidelines for ethical governance structures in a business

Business use of King Code

Guide their activities and must provide explanations when they choose to deviate from the standards set by the code

Use of King code

Provides a benchmark standards for companies to meet in their business practices, this makes the economy more appealing to foreign investors

King Code

Transparency, Responsibility, Accountability, Fairness

(King code) Transparency

Being open and honest

(Business Ethics) Responsibility

A business must be accountable for its actions and decisions

(Business Ethics) Accountability

The obligation of a business to be answerable for its actions and decisions

(Business Ethics) Fairness

A business should make judgements free from unfair discrimination and bias

(Business Ethics) Difference between responsibility and accountability

Responsibility can be shared, accountability cannot

Unethical business behavior

Financial misconduct, Misrepresentation, Employee related issues, and stealing

Unethical behavior harms

Loss of profits and bad publicity and a violation of human rights

Advantages of business ethics

• Follow law

• Moral awareness

• Improve teamwork and productivity

• Standard of behavior

• Builds trust and improves relationships

Research Ethics

Data collection, respect to respondents and respect to sources being used