{"id":5,"date":"2023-10-02T13:10:50","date_gmt":"2023-10-02T13:10:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pressbooks.palni.org\/leadershipethics\/?p=5"},"modified":"2023-10-20T16:39:35","modified_gmt":"2023-10-20T16:39:35","slug":"chapter-1","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/pressbooks.palni.org\/leadershipethics\/chapter\/chapter-1\/","title":{"raw":"Chapter 1","rendered":"Chapter 1"},"content":{"raw":"

Chapter 1: Introduction to Ethics<\/h1>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_49\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"392\"]\""Ethics \"Ethics and Morals: Timeless and Universal?\" by stephenccwu is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nEthics is defined as a collection of moral principles of values which guide an individuals, groups, or institutions behavior. It is generally accepted most decisions will require some level of ethical judgement. Every participants in a situation will bring a different set of expectations, values, and other facets to navigate. Very often, a code of ethics will include the company's mission, values, and principles which will align with the professional expectations and standards (Freedom Learning Group).\r\n\r\nA code of ethics usually involves six universal moral values, which clarifies expectations. These elements include, fairness, respect, caring, responsibility, trustworthiness, and good citizen behavior. Each of these components will likely mean something different to the individual, group, or organization. As the textbook progresses, it will focus on each one of these components and its alignment with a specific element of ethical decision making. This first chapter acts as an overview of the main types of ethics, examples of codes of ethics, and other introductory information (Brown, 2022).\r\n\r\nIt is possible to confuse Code of Ethics with Code of Conduct. They are similar concepts, but not the same. Both are to manage and guide behavior. However, where ethics is used to guide judgments<\/strong> and more mental activities, conduct is more related to the actions<\/strong> of a person. It may include being on time and being honest (Hayes, 2023). A code of ethics is how we as citizens can hold companies accountable for their actions and upholding their mission. A code of ethics helps all of us.\r\n\r\n[h5p id=\"2\"]\r\n

Main Types<\/h2>\r\nThere are three types of ethics, including compliance based code of ethics, values-based codes of ethics, and also code of ethics among professionals. There's another factor which is becoming integral in ethics as well: climate change.\r\n

Compliance-Based Code of Ethics<\/h3>\r\n\"safetyLaws regulate issues such as hiring policies and safety standards. Compliance-based codes of ethics set parameters for conduct but also determine consequences for not adhering to the policies (Hayes, 2023). Compliance-based codes of ethics are used to enforce laws, regulations, policies; often to prevent liability and other legal issues should they not be followed. In some situations, a compliance officer may be beneficial to verifying these rules are being followed. As you may have surmised, it is very clear if someone is or is not following the ethical guidelines (Hayes, 2023).\r\n

Values-Based Codes of Ethics<\/h3>\r\nMeanwhile, a value-based code of ethics addresses a specific company's unique core values. It can include outlining specific terms and definitions related to appropriate conduct. Additionally, this form of ethics may required more self-regulation.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_56\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"344\"]\""Hierarchy \"Hierarchy of corporate brand values\" by renaissancechambara is licensed under CC BY 2.0.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nSelf-regulation means the individual is required to manage their own behavior, without significant oversight from a monitoring body, like a supervisor.\r\n\r\nIt is possible values-based codes of ethics will include both compliance components but also institutional values.\u00a0 For example, a department store may prioritize health and safety above profits; refusing connection with entities which do not have ethical guidelines or have inhumane practices.\r\n

Code of Ethics for Professionals<\/h3>\r\nThere are countless professional organizations with their own code of ethics. Review a couple of those listed below that pique your interest; as you progress through the course, you'll be building your own code of ethics and these can function as a foundation.\r\n