essay on the importance of professional ethics

Essay on Work Ethics and Professionalism

Students are often asked to write an essay on Work Ethics and Professionalism in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

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100 Words Essay on Work Ethics and Professionalism

Introduction.

Work ethics and professionalism are essential in any job. They help maintain a positive environment and ensure success.

Work Ethics

Work ethics refer to the moral principles that guide our actions at work. They include honesty, responsibility, and respect.

Professionalism

Professionalism means conducting oneself with responsibility, integrity, and competence. It’s about doing your job effectively and respectfully.

Good work ethics and professionalism lead to job satisfaction and success. They build trust and respect among colleagues.

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250 Words Essay on Work Ethics and Professionalism

Introduction to work ethics and professionalism.

Work ethics and professionalism are fundamental principles that govern the conduct of individuals in a professional setting. These principles are quintessential in defining an individual’s character, commitment, and integrity within the workplace.

Understanding Work Ethics

Work ethics encompass a set of values based on hard work and diligence. It involves a belief in the moral benefit and importance of work and its inherent ability to strengthen character. A strong work ethic emanates from an individual’s inner drive and perseverance to achieve success. It includes attributes like reliability, responsibility, quality, discipline, and teamwork.

Professionalism: A Vital Component

Professionalism, on the other hand, is the conduct, behavior, and attitude of an individual in a work or business environment. It involves maintaining a level of etiquette, exhibiting a positive attitude, showing respect to others, and demonstrating a high level of competence and efficiency. Professionalism is about conducting oneself in a manner that enhances one’s image and the image of the organization one represents.

The Intersection of Work Ethics and Professionalism

Work ethics and professionalism are intertwined. A professional with strong work ethics is likely to be more successful because they are dependable, respectful, and competent. They value their work, respect their obligations, and strive for excellence.

500 Words Essay on Work Ethics and Professionalism

Work ethics and professionalism are two integral elements that define the caliber and value of an individual in a professional setting. Work ethics refer to a set of moral principles that guide a person’s actions in the workplace, while professionalism is the conduct, behavior, and attitude of someone in a work or business environment.

Work ethics are a set of values centered on the notions of hard work and diligence. It involves a belief in the moral benefit of work and its ability to enhance character. An individual with a robust work ethic exhibits qualities such as integrity, responsibility, quality, and discipline. These values are not inherent; they are cultivated through experiences and societal interactions.

The Essence of Professionalism

Professionalism, on the other hand, is the practical application of work ethics. It is reflected in an individual’s conduct, behavior, and attitude in the workplace. Professionalism involves maintaining an appropriate level of etiquette, demonstrating a high degree of competence, and showing respect for others in the workplace.

Professionalism is not just about following a set of rules; it’s about embodying a professional identity. This includes being reliable, respectful, and accountable. It also means being able to handle criticism constructively, communicate effectively, and maintain a positive attitude, even in challenging situations.

The Interplay between Work Ethics and Professionalism

The presence of work ethics and professionalism in an individual can significantly enhance their career growth. Employers value these traits as they contribute to a positive work culture, improved productivity, and a better reputation for the company.

In conclusion, work ethics and professionalism are not just desirable traits but essential for anyone seeking to excel in their professional life. They are the pillars upon which successful careers and organizations are built. By fostering these values, individuals can not only enrich their professional journey but also contribute to creating a healthy and productive work environment. The cultivation of work ethics and professionalism is a continuous process, one that demands conscious effort and commitment. But the rewards, both personal and professional, are well worth the effort.

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How to Develop a Strong Work Ethic

• Tutti Taygerly

Hiring managers want to see your motivation, can-do attitude, and dedication.

In our early career years, it can be challenging to figure out what behaviors are and are not acceptable in different professional environments. Employers are now expecting more of entry-level workers and they want to see that you have good work ethic. So what is work ethic?

• Work ethic refers to a set of moral principles, values, and attitudes around how to act at work. It often surrounds what behaviors are commonly acceptable and appropriate (or not).
• Qualities like reliability, productivity, ownership and team support all demonstrate professional integrity, or a strong commitment to ethical behavior at work. In contrast, low-quality work, tardiness, or lack of attention to details demonstrates bad work ethic.
• If you’re new to the workplace, a good way to start is by observing. Pay attention to how your coworkers behave in meetings to gain a better understanding of their “etiquette,” as well as the communication styles of different people and teams. Another essential part of building good work ethic is adopting a “do it like you own it” attitude. You can do this by being proactive in small, but powerful, ways.

Where your work meets your life. See more from Ascend here .

Have you ever wondered about how to behave appropriately at work? Throughout your career, and especially in the early years, it’s challenging to figure out what behaviors and attitudes are and are not acceptable in different professional environments. The more you traverse companies and industries, the clearer your understanding will become. When you’re just starting out, though, it can be hard to pin down these behaviors.

• Tutti Taygerly is an executive coach and speaker with 20+ years of product design experience in Silicon Valley. Her book Make Space to Lead: Break Patterns to Find Flow and Focus on What Matters Most (Taygerly Labs, 2021) shows high achievers how to reframe their relationship to work.

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What is Professional Ethics?

Professional ethics play a crucial role in ensuring that professionals maintain the highest standards of conduct and provide quality services to their clients or stakeholders.

Professional ethics refers to the ethical principles and standards that govern the behavior and decisions of professionals in their specific fields. These principles and standards are established to ensure that professionals act with integrity, honesty, and accountability while providing services to their clients, customers, or stakeholders.

Professional ethics cover a wide range of professions, including medicine, law, engineering, accounting, teaching, and others. Each profession has its own set of ethical standards that are designed to guide the behavior of its members.

Professional Ethics Meaning

• Professional Ethics means conduct of behavior and practice when carrying out professional work, e.g., consulting, researching, teaching, and writing.
• These are standards or codes of conduct set by people in a specific profession.

Definition of Professional Ethics

The professional ethics of an organisation are the moral principles or standards that govern the conduct of the members of that organisation.

• “Professional values and ethics as evidenced in behavior and comportment that reflect the value and ethics of psychology, integrity, and responsibility.” – Fouad et al., 2009
• “A code of ethics is usually a written document produced by a professional association, occupational regulatory body, or other professional body with the stated aim of guiding the practitioners who are members, protecting service users and safeguarding the reputation of the profession.” – Banks, 2003
• Professional ethics is a shared process of critical reflection upon our obligation as professionals. Ethical codes communicate a profession’s distinctive responsibilities and relationships, both among practitioners and between practitioners and society. – Feeney and Kipins 1985

Objectives of Professional Ethics

Here are some specific objectives of professional ethics:

Protection of the Public

Promotion of professional values, maintenance of professional standards, prevention of unethical behavior.

• Accountability

Professional ethics aim to protect the public by ensuring that professionals provide services that are safe, competent, and ethical. This includes maintaining confidentiality, avoiding conflicts of interest, and providing services that are in the best interests of the clients.

Prof. Ethics promotes the values that are important to a profession, such as honesty, integrity, respect, and responsibility. By adhering to these values, professionals can build trust and credibility with their clients and the public.

Prof. Ethics helps to maintain the standards of the profession by establishing guidelines and standards for ethical behavior. These standards are designed to ensure that professionals provide services that meet the required standards of quality and competence.

Prof. Ethics aims to prevent unethical behavior by providing guidance on how to identify and address ethical issues. By being aware of potential ethical dilemmas, professionals can take steps to prevent unethical behavior before it occurs.

Accountability in Professional Ethics

Prof. Ethics promotes accountability by holding professionals responsible for their actions. This helps to ensure that professionals are held accountable for any unethical behavior and that they take steps to prevent such behavior from occurring in the future.

Importance of Professional Ethics

Here are some additional points on the importance of professional ethics:

Ensures Responsible and Ethical behavior

Promotes trust and credibility, encourages ethical decision-making, fosters a positive work environment, promotes social responsibility.

Professional ethics define the principles and standards that guide responsible and ethical behavior in a profession. By adhering to these principles, professionals can ensure that they act with integrity, accountability, and responsibility, which can lead to positive outcomes for themselves and their stakeholders.

Adhering to Prof. ethics can help professionals build trust and credibility with their clients, colleagues, and the public. This trust and credibility can help professionals establish and maintain long-term relationships, and it can also enhance their reputation in their profession.

Prof. ethics provides guidance for ethical decision-making, which can help professionals make sound decisions that are in the best interests of their clients, colleagues, and stakeholders. This can help prevent ethical dilemmas, conflicts of interest, and other ethical issues that can negatively impact their profession.

Prof. ethics can help create a positive work environment by promoting respect, professionalism, and cooperation among colleagues. This can lead to better communication, collaboration, and productivity, and it can also improve employee morale and job satisfaction .

Prof. ethics can promote social responsibility by encouraging professionals to consider the impact of their work on society and the environment. This can lead to more sustainable and responsible practices that benefit society and the planet.

Nature and Characteristics of Professional Ethics

Here are some key characteristics of professional ethics:

Specific to a profession

Self-regulatory, based on values.

Professional ethics are specific to a particular profession or field. They are developed based on the nature of the work, the expectations of clients or stakeholders, and the standards of the profession.

Prof. ethics are often self-regulatory, meaning that they are developed and enforced by the professionals themselves, rather than by external regulations or laws. This is because professionals are seen as experts in their field, and they are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethical behavior.

Prof. ethics are based on fundamental values such as honesty, integrity, accountability, and respect. These values are central to the ethical behavior of professionals and are reflected in the ethical codes of their profession.

Prof. ethics are obligatory, meaning that professionals are expected to adhere to these ethical principles and values in their work. Failure to do so can result in disciplinary action, loss of license or certification, or legal consequences.

Prof. ethics are dynamic, meaning that they are subject to change over time. As the nature of work, the expectations of clients, and the standards of the profession change , so too do the ethical principles and values that guide the behavior of professionals.

Prof. ethics serve a purpose beyond just guiding the behavior of professionals. They also promote the welfare of clients or stakeholders, protect the public interest, and maintain the integrity and credibility of the profession.

Scope of Professional Ethics

Here are some examples of the scope of professional ethics:

Standards of Conduct

Relationships with clients or stakeholders, professional competence, responsibility to society and the environment, ethical decision-making, disciplinary processes.

Professional ethics sets standards of conduct that professionals are expected to follow in their work. These standards cover issues such as honesty, integrity, confidentiality, respect, and accountability.

Prof. ethics guides the behavior of professionals in their relationships with clients or stakeholders. This includes issues such as informed consent, conflicts of interest, and maintaining appropriate boundaries.

Prof. ethics includes standards for professional competence and performance . Professionals are expected to maintain their knowledge and skills and to practice within the limits of their competence.

Prof. ethics covers the responsibilities that professionals have to society and the environment. This includes issues such as sustainability, social justice, and community engagement.

Prof. Ethics provides guidance on ethical decision-making. Professionals are expected to consider the impact of their decisions on clients or stakeholders and to make decisions that are consistent with ethical principles and values.

Prof. ethics includes processes for addressing ethical violations and enforcing ethical standards. This includes mechanisms for investigating complaints, imposing sanctions, and revoking licenses or certifications.

Advantages of Professional Ethics

Professional ethics offer several advantages for both professionals and the organizations they work for. Here are some of the key advantages:

• Enhances Professional Reputation
• Improves Decision-Making
• Encourages Accountability
• Fosters a Positive Workplace Culture
• Protects the Public Interest

Limitations of Professional Ethics

Here are some of the limitations of professional ethics:

• Limited Enforcement Mechanisms
• Conflicts Between Personal and Professional Values
• Lack of Clarity
• Limited Scope
• Inadequate Training

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Why Are Ethics Important in Engineering?

• 16 Feb 2023

Engineers are vital to shaping our world. Their decisions have far-reaching consequences—typically related to risk management. As such, it’s essential for engineers to hold themselves to a high standard.

In a survey published by the International Conference on Engineering Education (IEEE) , 92 percent of respondents said ethical issues exist in engineering and could be improved. This kind of sentiment has led companies to examine their ethical standards, particularly in relation to engineering leadership.

If you’re interested in learning about how ethics shape engineering, here’s an overview of the industry’s ethical standards, why they’re important, and the role they play in leadership.

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What Are Engineering Ethics?

Engineering ethics are principles and guidelines engineers follow to ensure their decision-making is aligned with their obligations to the public, their clients, and the industry. The National Society of Professional Engineers’ (NSPE) code of ethics outlines the standards of ethical behavior engineers should follow in their professional lives. Those include:

• Protecting public safety
• Only performing tasks they’re qualified to do
• Being honest in public communications
• Remaining faithful and trustworthy to employers
• Acting with integrity

These principles are designed to help you, as an engineer, make ethical decisions in your work and promote responsible use of industry technologies.

7 Reasons Ethics Matter in Engineering

Trust is required between engineers and the public, which is why it’s crucial for you to understand the importance of acting ethically. Here are seven reasons why ethics matter in engineering.

1. Promotes Safety

The NSPE’s code of ethics requires you to prioritize public safety in your work.

For instance, you’re expected to notify employers and clients when their judgment is overruled because of dangerous circumstances or when documents don’t conform with applicable standards. Doing so can prevent harm to individuals and communities and ensure your work meets the highest safety and reliability standards.

In addition to ethical considerations, there’s a business case for safety in the workplace. Prioritizing safety not only protects employees and customers but also improves productivity and reduces costs associated with accidents and injuries. According to Liberty Mutual’s 2021 Workplace Safety Index , U.S. employers spend more than $1 billion per week on serious, nonfatal workplace injuries.

2. Enhances Quality

Engineering ethics are also critical to improving your quality of work. According to NSPE’s code of ethics, you should only perform tasks that closely align with your education and experience.

This is important when working toward an engineering leadership position. For instance, as an organizational leader , you’ll often manage individuals who are experts in areas you know little about. You’ll need to shift from a specialist to a generalist management style by focusing on relationships, adding value by enabling work, considering the bigger picture, and relying on executive presence. The goal is to enable specialists on your team to do their highest-quality work.

The “leader as architect” concept—discussed in the Harvard Business School Online course Organizational Leadership taught by HBS professors Anthony Mayo and Joshua Margolis—refers to your role in enabling work to happen rather than doing it yourself.

“Since leaders can’t personally make those conditions happen for each person every day across a big organization, they don the hat of the architect,” Mayo says in Organizational Leadership . “And their work is to use a set of organizational components to create and sustain motivation, competence, and coordination.”

3. Improves Public Opinion

Ethics also help improve public opinion about engineering professions.

For example, the NSPE’s code of ethics requires you to be honest in your public communications through objective, truthful statements free of private interest, deception, or misrepresentation. Honesty in public relations is crucial to building trust. It’s even more critical for you as an engineer because your decisions directly affect the public’s safety and well-being.

In an era where communication skills are increasingly valued, it’s crucial to act ethically in your interactions with the public. Doing so can help improve perceptions about the engineering industry and demonstrate your commitment to ethical, responsible behavior.

4. Safeguards the Company’s Interests

Adhering to engineering ethics can also help protect your company’s interests.

The NSPE’s code of ethics discourages you from disclosing sensitive or confidential company information without explicit consent, obtaining employment or advancement with improper methods, and unethically harming other engineers’ professional reputations.

By adhering to these principles, you can help protect your firm’s interests—as well as your team's—and ensure you contribute to its success.

5. Fosters Sustainability

Engineering ethics promote sustainability by requiring you to consider your work's long-term impact on the environment and society. Additionally, sustainability is vital to modern business because it can improve your organization’s reputation, increase growth opportunities, and boost financial performance.

If you struggle to understand sustainability's context in your role as an engineer, consider the triple bottom line , a concept that asserts businesses should go beyond financial performance and measure their social and environmental impacts. If you consider profit, people, and the planet in your daily work, you’re more likely to follow the industry’s ethical standards around sustainability.

6. Protects Other Engineers

Engineering ethics aren’t just meant to protect employers, clients, and the public. They also help protect individual engineers by discouraging all industry professionals from engaging in unethical or illegal behavior for their benefit.

The NSPE’s code of ethics specifically states that “engineers shall not attempt to obtain employment or advancement by untruthfully criticizing other engineers.” It also specifies that “engineers shall not attempt to injure, maliciously or falsely, directly or indirectly, the professional reputation, prospects, practice, or employment of other engineers.”

These guidelines are especially important when considering your team’s performance and productivity. Fostering an environment that promotes employee engagement can prevent negative dynamics from corrupting your workplace.

7. Secures Company Assets

Engineering ethics help ensure your team members and organizational leaders act in ways that protect your company’s intellectual property and confidential information.

The designs, inventions, and writings created by your team are often recognized as the property of either your client or the individual responsible for those assets. You must acknowledge such ownership agreements prior to beginning work. In doing so, you can prevent theft and misuse of your company’s assets and protect its investments.

The Importance of Ethical Leadership

Leading ethically is critical to long-term success in the engineering industry. Ethical leaders model honorable behavior, set an example, and foster cultures of integrity and respect.

“A leader needs to be adaptable and step out of their comfort zone if they want to foster a culture in which others do the same,” Mayo says in Organizational Leadership .

By adhering to the tenets of ethical leadership, you can hire individuals whose principles align with your organization’s values.

“You want to look for individuals whose values, attitudes, and skills are consistent with what your organization needs and cares about,” Margolis says in the course.

Elevate Your Organizational Leadership as an Engineer

Ethics are crucial in engineering. They not only promote quality work but also encourage you to operate safely and maintain a high standard of ethical responsibility.

As an organizational leader, you often dictate your company’s culture and values. Understanding engineering ethics—and the business skills needed to apply them—is essential to your success.

By furthering your education through an organizational leadership course , you can learn how to adapt to constantly evolving responsibilities and become an effective leader .

Do you want to learn more about how to lead ethically? Enroll in our online certificate course Organizational Leadership —one of our leadership and management courses —and develop in-demand business skills that can benefit your engineering career. If you aren’t sure which course is right for you, download our free flowchart to explore your options.

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How to Write an Ethics Paper: Guide & Ethical Essay Examples

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An ethics essay is a type of academic writing that explores ethical issues and dilemmas. Students should evaluates them in terms of moral principles and values. The purpose of an ethics essay is to examine the moral implications of a particular issue, and provide a reasoned argument in support of an ethical perspective.

Writing an essay about ethics is a tough task for most students. The process involves creating an outline to guide your arguments about a topic and planning your ideas to convince the reader of your feelings about a difficult issue. If you still need assistance putting together your thoughts in composing a good paper, you have come to the right place. We have provided a series of steps and tips to show how you can achieve success in writing. This guide will tell you how to write an ethics paper using ethical essay examples to understand every step it takes to be proficient. In case you don’t have time for writing, get in touch with our professional essay writers for hire . Our experts work hard to supply students with excellent essays.

What Is an Ethics Essay?

An ethics essay uses moral theories to build arguments on an issue. You describe a controversial problem and examine it to determine how it affects individuals or society. Ethics papers analyze arguments on both sides of a possible dilemma, focusing on right and wrong. The analysis gained can be used to solve real-life cases. Before embarking on writing an ethical essay, keep in mind that most individuals follow moral principles. From a social context perspective, these rules define how a human behaves or acts towards another. Therefore, your theme essay on ethics needs to demonstrate how a person feels about these moral principles. More specifically, your task is to show how significant that issue is and discuss if you value or discredit it.

Purpose of an Essay on Ethics

The primary purpose of an ethics essay is to initiate an argument on a moral issue using reasoning and critical evidence. Instead of providing general information about a problem, you present solid arguments about how you view the moral concern and how it affects you or society. When writing an ethical paper, you demonstrate philosophical competence, using appropriate moral perspectives and principles.

Things to Write an Essay About Ethics On

Before you start to write ethics essays, consider a topic you can easily address. In most cases, an ethical issues essay analyzes right and wrong. This includes discussing ethics and morals and how they contribute to the right behaviors. You can also talk about work ethic, code of conduct, and how employees promote or disregard the need for change. However, you can explore other areas by asking yourself what ethics mean to you. Think about how a recent game you watched with friends started a controversial argument. Or maybe a newspaper that highlighted a story you felt was misunderstood or blown out of proportion. This way, you can come up with an excellent topic that resonates with your personal ethics and beliefs.

Ethics Paper Outline

Sometimes, you will be asked to submit an outline before writing an ethics paper. Creating an outline for an ethics paper is an essential step in creating a good essay. You can use it to arrange your points and supporting evidence before writing. It also helps organize your thoughts, enabling you to fill any gaps in your ideas. The outline for an essay should contain short and numbered sentences to cover the format and outline. Each section is structured to enable you to plan your work and include all sources in writing an ethics paper. An ethics essay outline is as follows:

• Background information
• Thesis statement
• Restate thesis statement
• Summarize key points
• Final thoughts on the topic

Using this outline will improve clarity and focus throughout your writing process.

Ethical Essay Structure

Ethics essays are similar to other essays based on their format, outline, and structure. An ethical essay should have a well-defined introduction, body, and conclusion section as its structure. When planning your ideas, make sure that the introduction and conclusion are around 20 percent of the paper, leaving the rest to the body. We will take a detailed look at what each part entails and give examples that are going to help you understand them better.  Refer to our essay structure examples to find a fitting way of organizing your writing.

Ethics Paper Introduction

An ethics essay introduction gives a synopsis of your main argument. One step on how to write an introduction for an ethics paper is telling about the topic and describing its background information. This paragraph should be brief and straight to the point. It informs readers what your position is on that issue. Start with an essay hook to generate interest from your audience. It can be a question you will address or a misunderstanding that leads up to your main argument. You can also add more perspectives to be discussed; this will inform readers on what to expect in the paper.

Ethics Essay Introduction Example

You can find many ethics essay introduction examples on the internet. In this guide, we have written an excellent extract to demonstrate how it should be structured. As you read, examine how it begins with a hook and then provides background information on an issue. 

Imagine living in a world where people only lie, and honesty is becoming a scarce commodity. Indeed, modern society is facing this reality as truth and deception can no longer be separated. Technology has facilitated a quick transmission of voluminous information, whereas it's hard separating facts from opinions.

In this example, the first sentence of the introduction makes a claim or uses a question to hook the reader.

Ethics Essay Thesis Statement

An ethics paper must contain a thesis statement in the first paragraph. Learning how to write a thesis statement for an ethics paper is necessary as readers often look at it to gauge whether the essay is worth their time.

When you deviate away from the thesis, your whole paper loses meaning. In ethics essays, your thesis statement is a roadmap in writing, stressing your position on the problem and giving reasons for taking that stance. It should focus on a specific element of the issue being discussed. When writing a thesis statement, ensure that you can easily make arguments for or against its stance.

Ethical Paper Thesis Example

Look at this example of an ethics paper thesis statement and examine how well it has been written to state a position and provide reasons for doing so:

The moral implications of dishonesty are far-reaching as they undermine trust, integrity, and other foundations of society, damaging personal and professional relationships. 

The above thesis statement example is clear and concise, indicating that this paper will highlight the effects of dishonesty in society. Moreover, it focuses on aspects of personal and professional relationships.

Ethics Essay Body

The body section is the heart of an ethics paper as it presents the author's main points. In an ethical essay, each body paragraph has several elements that should explain your main idea. These include:

• A topic sentence that is precise and reiterates your stance on the issue.
• Evidence supporting it.
• Examples that illustrate your argument.
• A thorough analysis showing how the evidence and examples relate to that issue.
• A transition sentence that connects one paragraph to another with the help of essay transitions .

When you write an ethics essay, adding relevant examples strengthens your main point and makes it easy for others to understand and comprehend your argument. 

Body Paragraph for Ethics Paper Example

A good body paragraph must have a well-defined topic sentence that makes a claim and includes evidence and examples to support it. Look at part of an example of ethics essay body paragraph below and see how its idea has been developed:

Honesty is an essential component of professional integrity. In many fields, trust and credibility are crucial for professionals to build relationships and success. For example, a doctor who is dishonest about a potential side effect of a medication is not only acting unethically but also putting the health and well-being of their patients at risk. Similarly, a dishonest businessman could achieve short-term benefits but will lose their client’s trust.

Ethics Essay Conclusion

A concluding paragraph shares the summary and overview of the author's main arguments. Many students need clarification on what should be included in the essay conclusion and how best to get a reader's attention. When writing an ethics paper conclusion, consider the following:

• Restate the thesis statement to emphasize your position.
• Summarize its main points and evidence.
• Final thoughts on the issue and any other considerations.

You can also reflect on the topic or acknowledge any possible challenges or questions that have not been answered. A closing statement should present a call to action on the problem based on your position.

Sample Ethics Paper Conclusion

The conclusion paragraph restates the thesis statement and summarizes the arguments presented in that paper. The sample conclusion for an ethical essay example below demonstrates how you should write a concluding statement.  

In conclusion, the implications of dishonesty and the importance of honesty in our lives cannot be overstated. Honesty builds solid relationships, effective communication, and better decision-making. This essay has explored how dishonesty impacts people and that we should value honesty. We hope this essay will help readers assess their behavior and work towards being more honest in their lives.

In the above extract, the writer gives final thoughts on the topic, urging readers to adopt honest behavior.

How to Write an Ethics Paper?

As you learn how to write an ethics essay, it is not advised to immediately choose a topic and begin writing. When you follow this method, you will get stuck or fail to present concrete ideas. A good writer understands the importance of planning. As a fact, you should organize your work and ensure it captures key elements that shed more light on your arguments. Hence, following the essay structure and creating an outline to guide your writing process is the best approach. In the following segment, we have highlighted step-by-step techniques on how to write a good ethics paper.

1. Pick a Topic

Before writing ethical papers, brainstorm to find ideal topics that can be easily debated. For starters, make a list, then select a title that presents a moral issue that may be explained and addressed from opposing sides. Make sure you choose one that interests you. Here are a few ideas to help you search for topics:

• Review current trends affecting people.
• Think about your personal experiences.
• Study different moral theories and principles.
• Examine classical moral dilemmas.

Once you find a suitable topic and are ready, start to write your ethics essay, conduct preliminary research, and ascertain that there are enough sources to support it.

2. Conduct In-Depth Research

Once you choose a topic for your essay, the next step is gathering sufficient information about it. Conducting in-depth research entails looking through scholarly journals to find credible material. Ensure you note down all sources you found helpful to assist you on how to write your ethics paper. Use the following steps to help you conduct your research:

• Clearly state and define a problem you want to discuss.
• This will guide your research process.
• Develop keywords that match the topic.
• Begin searching from a wide perspective. This will allow you to collect more information, then narrow it down by using the identified words above.

3. Develop an Ethics Essay Outline

An outline will ease up your writing process when developing an ethic essay. As you develop a paper on ethics, jot down factual ideas that will build your paragraphs for each section. Include the following steps in your process:

• Review the topic and information gathered to write a thesis statement.
• Identify the main arguments you want to discuss and include their evidence.
• Group them into sections, each presenting a new idea that supports the thesis.
• Write an outline.
• Review and refine it.

Examples can also be included to support your main arguments. The structure should be sequential, coherent, and with a good flow from beginning to end. When you follow all steps, you can create an engaging and organized outline that will help you write a good essay.

4. Write an Ethics Essay

Once you have selected a topic, conducted research, and outlined your main points, you can begin writing an essay . Ensure you adhere to the ethics paper format you have chosen. Start an ethics paper with an overview of your topic to capture the readers' attention. Build upon your paper by avoiding ambiguous arguments and using the outline to help you write your essay on ethics. Finish the introduction paragraph with a thesis statement that explains your main position.  Expand on your thesis statement in all essay paragraphs. Each paragraph should start with a topic sentence and provide evidence plus an example to solidify your argument, strengthen the main point, and let readers see the reasoning behind your stance. Finally, conclude the essay by restating your thesis statement and summarizing all key ideas. Your conclusion should engage the reader, posing questions or urging them to reflect on the issue and how it will impact them.

5. Proofread Your Ethics Essay

Proofreading your essay is the last step as you countercheck any grammatical or structural errors in your essay. When writing your ethic paper, typical mistakes you could encounter include the following:

• Spelling errors: e.g., there, they’re, their.
• Homophone words: such as new vs. knew.
• Inconsistencies: like mixing British and American words, e.g., color vs. color.
• Formatting issues: e.g., double spacing, different font types.

While proofreading your ethical issue essay, read it aloud to detect lexical errors or ambiguous phrases that distort its meaning. Verify your information and ensure it is relevant and up-to-date. You can ask your fellow student to read the essay and give feedback on its structure and quality.

Ethics Essay Examples

Writing an essay is challenging without the right steps. There are so many ethics paper examples on the internet, however, we have provided a list of free ethics essay examples below that are well-structured and have a solid argument to help you write your paper. Click on them and see how each writing step has been integrated. Ethics essay example 1

Ethics essay example 2

Ethics essay example 3

Ethics essay example 4

College ethics essay example 5

Ethics Essay Writing Tips

When writing papers on ethics, here are several tips to help you complete an excellent essay:

• Choose a narrow topic and avoid broad subjects, as it is easy to cover the topic in detail.
• Ensure you have background information. A good understanding of a topic can make it easy to apply all necessary moral theories and principles in writing your paper.
• State your position clearly. It is important to be sure about your stance as it will allow you to draft your arguments accordingly.
• When writing ethics essays, be mindful of your audience. Provide arguments that they can understand.
• Integrate solid examples into your essay. Morality can be hard to understand; therefore, using them will help a reader grasp these concepts.

Bottom Line on Writing an Ethics Paper

Creating this essay is a common exercise in academics that allows students to build critical skills. When you begin writing, state your stance on an issue and provide arguments to support your position. This guide gives information on how to write an ethics essay as well as examples of ethics papers. Remember to follow these points in your writing:

• Create an outline highlighting your main points.
• Write an effective introduction and provide background information on an issue.
• Include a thesis statement.
• Develop concrete arguments and their counterarguments, and use examples.
• Sum up all your key points in your conclusion and restate your thesis statement.

Contact our academic writing platform and have your challenge solved. Here, you can order essays and papers on any topic and enjoy top quality. 

Daniel Howard is an Essay Writing guru. He helps students create essays that will strike a chord with the readers.

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Ethical practice and the role of people professionals

Explores the role people professionals play in applying ethical values to organisational practice

Scandals involving workplace harassment and poor treatment of workers have highlighted what can happen when ethics aren’t integral to the way an organisation operates. Having unique access to staff and opportunities to influence an organisation’s strategy and the way it manages its workforce; people professionals are uniquely placed within an organisation. They can support the embedding of principled decision-making into daily practice. Ethics are at the heart of professionalism. To create cultures of transparency and trust, practitioners should demonstrate strong standards of integrity when advising business leaders.

This factsheet explores what ethical practice means and why it matters in an organisational context. It outlines the trade-offs involved in upholding ethical values and the challenges faced by people professionals. Finally, it looks at the profession’s role in creating ethical organisational cultures.

On this page

• What is ethical practice in organisations?
• Why is ethical practice important?
• Establishing an ethical culture
• Embedding ethics
• The role of people professionals
• Communicating ethics
• Key systems
• Assessing and reinforcing ethical behaviours
• Useful contacts and further reading

Ethical practice is the application of ethical values to organisational behaviour. It applies in all aspects of organisational conduct, including corporate governance , employment practices, sales techniques, stakeholder relations, accounting practices, and issues of product and  corporate responsibility . It’s about the discretionary decisions that organisations and the people who work for them make, and transparency with all stakeholders about those decisions. Are colleagues treated with dignity and respect? Are customers treated fairly? Does the organisation acknowledge its responsibilities to wider society?

People management decisions often involve trade-offs between different needs or priorities. Being aware of and understanding the outcomes of alternative courses of action will enable people managers to make sound judgements. Transparency means being open with employees and stakeholders about decisions and the rationale behind them. Such communication builds trust.

Our  ethical-decision making research discusses eight different perspectives or ‘lenses’ to consider when making workplace decisions. These expand on ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ judgements giving alternative ways of seeing a situation. For example, the ‘fairness’ lens considers that everyone should be able to agree to a decision regardless of their place in an organisation, and the ‘handing down’ lens considers responsibilities to conserve and maintain. The research informed our  principles for the profession , reflected in our  Profession Map which has ethical practice as a core behaviour.

Reputations are based not only on an organisation’s delivery of its products and services, but on how it values its relationships with its staff and stakeholders, and how it establishes responsibility and accountability towards them. Demonstrable ethical practice is not only an effective insurance policy, mitigating risk; it gives organisations competitive advantage. An organisation's success depends on trustful relationships with employees, customers, suppliers and the community.

Serious risks can occur when an organisation’s culture is at odds with its stated ethical values. The ‘say/do gap’ – where leaders say one thing but do another – is harmful to their credibility and leaves workers cynical and disengaged. As a result, the organisation is susceptible to ethical lapses and damage to its reputation. Leaders should be clear on what the organisation’s ethical values are, demonstrate them day-to-day, and set expectations that employees reflect these values in their own behaviours. In our  Purposeful leadership report, we investigate what business ethics means for leaders at various levels of the organisational hierarchy, and the extent to which these leaders can help organisations articulate and embed ethical values. 

The term ‘ethical culture’ is about how ethical values are brought to life in the day-to-day running of the organisation. A company may have ‘excellence’ as a value, but how is excellence defined in that organisation? How is it achieved? Is it with integrity, or is it at the expense, for example, of child labour or poor working conditions?

An organisation's ethical climate also matters. It's about the social norms and values that outline what ‘the right behaviour’ is and how ethics should guide behaviour. Ethical climate is influenced by policies and practices, meaning businesses need to pay attention to management practices and how they shape the ethical environment. Find out more about  organisational culture and climate .

To operate ethically, an organisation needs an ethics programme to support and bring its values to life. This may be a formal or informal programme depending on the size of the organisation, but it should include a code of ethics as the key element. If values are a compass to guide behaviour at work, then a code of ethics is the map that helps people navigate ethical dilemmas in the workplace. When done well, a code articulates expected behaviours and brings the organisation’s values to life – and isn’t seen just as a compliance-driven initiative. To understand expectations and ensure they are achievable, staff need guidance from their leaders. And once a code of ethics is launched, organisations shouldn’t stop ethics activities as valuable insights can be fed back from staff, customers and stakeholders.

Listen to our  Creating ethical workplaces podcast  which explores how organisations can support ethical behaviour through their people management practices.

Core values exist in most organisations, whether they’ve been consciously created or left to chance, and whether or not they are formally articulated. An organisation’s values provide a framework for the company’s culture and decision-making.

In the rapidly changing world of work, there is not always a ‘golden rule’ or ‘best practice’ to help practitioners navigate workplace dilemmas. The ability to exercise situational judgement is critical to making the best possible decisions, by drawing on both knowledge and sensitivity to the ethical choices.

Ethical dilemmas can arise in many situations and at all levels within organisations, from those related to strategy and policy in the boardroom to those faced by managers or individuals in their daily work. While the boundaries of right and wrong as defined in law are clear, behaving ethically is discretionary. Dilemmas arise when the best choice is not clear; for example, when someone is faced with a choice between the least wrong options, or when the needs of different stakeholders are in conflict.

To operate ethically, an organisation needs an ethics programme to support and bring its values to life. This may be a formal or informal depending on the size of the organisation, but it should include a code of ethics. If values are a compass to guide behaviour at work, then a code of ethics is the map that helps people navigate workplace ethical dilemmas. Done well, a code articulates expected behaviours and isn’t seen just as a compliance-driven initiative. To support embedding a code, organisations should facilitate continued activities and communications with staff, using valuable insights from staff, customers and stakeholders.

Some organisations provide individuals with 'ethical tests' to help them make decisions and navigate ethical values and principles. These might involve a series of questions, such as:

• Is it consistent with the organisation's code of ethics?
• How would I feel about it being on the front page of tomorrow's newspapers?

Organisations should articulate what ethical principles mean in day-to-day practice and support employees in embracing them, as well as working with individuals to recognise when an ethical dilemma arises and how to deal with it. Our  Ethics at work employer's guide  includes a ‘Transparent decision making’ flowchart that can be shared with the workforce.

People professionals can often be blamed for organisational decisions or outcomes that are less favourable, such as redundancy programmes or having to carry out dismissals. CIPD members are required to adhere to our  Code of Conduct & Ethics  but it’s important to understand that in executing a policy or process on behalf of an organisation, a member would not usually breach the Code. We advise practitioners to ensure transparency in decisions and be clear about their role and scope in employment matters.

In 2019, our  research found that while HR professionals want to make ethical decisions, there’s often a gap between that ambition and actual practice. Practitioners sometimes feel they must compromise on their principles because they feel under pressure from the business. Since the remit and identity of HR has been closely tied to organisational goals, the ability of people professionals to operate independently, with the power to challenge organisational decisions when they violate ethical values, has been questioned.

Our 2021  People Profession survey found that most people professionals said they would not compromise their professional principles in their work. However, meeting business needs and pressure from senior stakeholders are areas where they are more likely to compromise. Developing a strong sense of purpose and identification with the people profession can equip practitioners with the courage to challenge unethical practice.

CIPD members facing challenges can use our discussion forum  Workplace dilemmas: in confidence  to post anonymously and seek valuable guidance and peer support from the member community.

There's a checklist on addressing the ethical climate of your organisation in our  Ethics at work employer's guide .

Communicating the organisation’s values indicates a long-term strategic commitment to building and maintaining an ethical culture. Regular internal communications should regularly refer to the values and ethical expectations. Where there has been an ethical lapse or scandal, communications can help  rebuild internal trust  by revitalising the commitment to behaving ethically. But it needs care to avoid the impression that ‘everyone is doing it’ or suggesting unethical behaviour is the norm in the organisation.

Where different cultures have merged (for example, in an acquisition), internal communications of ethical values can help develop cohesion, consistency in behaviours, and common purpose. Global companies will find this approach helpful as it supports the task of uniting different cultures in the corporation behind one set of values. A useful way to do this is to nominate ethics ambassadors and obtain case studies from each business area.

If an organisation has an ethical code, it should be regularly reviewed and interactively discussed with employees. It shouldn’t just be covered during induction. Talking internally about ethical values will also enhance the  employer brand .

The people profession is responsible for key systems and processes underpinning the effective delivery of an organisation’s ethics messages. With its expertise in change management and internal communications, and by working in partnership with those responsible for ethical performance within their organisation, the profession can help to integrate ethics into the following organisational processes:

• Recruitment and induction.
• Equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Learning and development.
• Performance management.
• Reward, including bonuses and incentives.

Our  Ethics at work employer’s guide  has sections on job design, and targets and reward.

People professionals can also introduce specific activities to familiarise staff with ethical issues, for example anti-bribery, modern slavery and data protection training.

Finally, people professionals should ensure they understand the governance structure of the organisation and enable full transparency by implementing  confidential ways for employees to raise concerns . There’s a  ‘Speaking Up’ checklist in our Ethics at work employer’s guide  and more on  employee voice  in our factsheet.

Our research reviewing  unethical workplace behaviour highlights the key risk factors. By understanding better what influences people’s decision-making and behaviour, businesses can take evidence-based action to tackle it. This includes people management practices like reward and job design. There’s practical guidance on how to promote ethical behaviours in our Ethics at work employer’s guide .

As well as establishing and communicating ethical values, organisations should assess and reward ethical behaviours.  Performance management  requires commitment to organisational ethical values, and performance reviews should look for ways in which employees and their departments have supported these values. For example, how have difficult decisions been made? As with other performance measures, these can demonstrate how staff have contributed to the organisation’s ethical performance and can be included in decisions regarding bonuses or promotions.

Developing a reward system which promotes ethical behaviours is another way to encourage and reinforce expectations. This could include ethics awards, or remuneration and promotion based on ethical behaviours.

Assessing employees’ application of ethical values can encourage them to behave ethically, as well as monitoring the effectiveness of the ethics programme to see where further training should be focused. People professionals and senior leaders should agree on the extent to which ethics are core expectations of employees and any organisation’s representatives, and what consequences might arise if those ethics are not upheld.

Institute of Business Ethics

Institute of Business Ethics - Speak Up Toolkit

Business in the Community

The Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues

Institute for Business in Society - 'Giving Voices to Values' Program

TED talk - The surprising ingredient that makes businesses work better by Marco Alverà

Books and reports

Epstein, M. and Hanson, K. (2021)  Rotten: why corporate misconduct continues and what to do about it . Los Alton, CA: Lanark Press.

Francis, R. and Murfey, G. (2015)  Global business ethics . 3rd ed. London: Kogan Page.

Institute of Business Ethics (2014) The collaboration between the ethics function and H R . Briefing 40. London: IBE.

Leigh, A. (2013) Ethical leadership . London: Kogan Page

Robinson, S. and Dowson, P. (2012)  Business ethics in practice . London: Kogan Page.

Thompson, A., Maile, A. with Russell, T. (2020) Bringing character to life: virtues in business and finance . Birmingham: University of Birmingham, The Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues.

Visit the  CIPD and Kogan Page Bookshop  to see all our priced publications currently in print.

Journal articles

Bashford, S. (2021)  Life isn't fair – but your workplace can be .  People Management (online). 28 January.

Epley, N. and Kumar, A. (2019) How to design an ethical organization. Harvard Business Review . May-June. Reviewed in Bitesize research.

Grave, K. (2018) HR must speak up about ethics .  People Management  (online). 10 September.

Karlsson, P-O., Aguirre, D. and Rivera, K. (2017) Are CEOs less ethical than in the past? Why more chief executives are losing their jobs after scandals and corporate misconduct.  Strategy + Business . Issue 87, Summer. Reviewed in Bitesize research.

Sharp, R. (2019) Ethics and HR. HR Magazine . April. Reviewed in Bitesize research.

CIPD members can use our  online journals  to find articles from over 300 journal titles relevant to HR.

Members and  People Management  subscribers can read articles on the  People Management  website.

This factsheet was last updated by Amy Bosley, Research Adviser, CIPD

Amy’s research focuses on organisational design and development and changing people functions and operating models. Before her research career, Amy worked as an HR practitioner during which time she earned a master’s degree in Human Resource Management. 

Tackling barriers to work today whilst creating inclusive workplaces of tomorrow.

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Essay on Professional Ethics | Profession | Management

In this essay we will discuss about:- 1. Meaning of Professional Ethics 2. Need of Professional Ethics 3. Importance.

Essay on Professional Ethics

Essay # 1. meaning of professional ethics:.

Professional ethics are ethics that refer to the moral rules and regulations governing the professional world. In other words, they are the moral values that guide the way corporations or other business makes decisions. Professional ethics are standards or codes of conduct set.by people in a specific profession.

Ethics related to a professional e.g., a manager of a factory are known as – professional ethics. Ethics may be internal or external. As regards internal ethics, a manager must be honest with oneself, since one’s greatest asset is one’s character. And one should be honest and straightforward with others also, treating them in the same manner in which one wishes to be treated (external ethics).

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Fairness in dealings with compeers and subordinates is mandatory; one should never discriminate by dispensing special favours or privileges, whether for remuneration or not. Information coming to a professional confidentially should neither be revealed nor used to the disadvantage of any subordinate or worker. One should ensure one’s employment right to privacy. With reference to external ethics, the same suggestions as stated above can be followed.

A code of ethics is a part of the expectations of those involved in many different types of professions. People in a profession don’t want to condone bad, dishonest or responsible behaviour if it does occur by someone in their field. By setting out expected behaviours in the form of professional ethics, professionals work together to try to uphold a good reputation. Professional ethics are commonly known as ethical business practices.

Respect and honesty are the two main Components of professional ethics. All employees are expected to represent a business ethically as they are a part of it. This is why business people traditionally speak of ‘we’ or ‘us’ rather than the more personal ‘I’ for the most part.

For instance, if an employee must mention company policy to a customer, he or she may say “I’m sorry, but this is our company policy in these situations.” Policies are another type of preferred standards in how business is done, and everyone in a company is expected to represent them.

Professional ethics training is often included in career education programs. For instance, medical assistants are trained on the many ethics issues regarding patient confidentiality. It is both unethical and unlawful to discuss a patient’s health records with others who are not involved in the medical care of the individual.

Engineering, journalism, religious organizations and many other professions have professional ethics. These ethical codes or rules must never go against laws, but rather often coordinate with them as in the case of medical record confidentiality. In general, professional ethics always include upholding honesty and respect in the profession over personal needs, conflicts or biases. A bias is a personal belief such as prejudice towards a certain group of people.

Essay # 2. Need of Professional Ethics:

Every company or business needs their own set of ethics and standards for several reasons.

Some of the important reasons are:

1. Success.

2. Checking Tool.

3. Integrity.

4. Mutual Respect.

1. Success:

Success is the most important reason for need of professional ethics. A company should give their employees in writing the list of moral and ethics codes that they have to follow. In the world, every singles person’s individual set of morals and ethics differ.

In the workplace, all these individuals come together and work under the same roof. If one person’s ethics is totally against another person’s set of ethics, then this will lead to confusion and politics. No professional organization can afford to have warring factions within their office if they have to conduct business successfully.

2. Checking Tool:

Work place ethics act as a moral police and check the employees when they are wrong. An employee, who knows what the work ethics are, will not go wrong and live up to the business standards. This is the biggest advantage that an organization gets by defining a set code of ethics.

3. Integrity:

Integrity is one thing that every business should have. When employees follow work ethics, they show integrity to the outside world. Customers believe in the company and also business prospects increase. Every industry has its own ethical guidelines, and a business should make sure that they follow these standards.

4. Mutual Respect:

Mutual respect also should be one of the strongest ethical points for a company. When employees respect each other, then everyone else, including the customers, respect the business.

Essay # 3. Importance of Professional Ethics:

Professional ethics are important for several reasons as explained below:

(a) Ethics corresponds to basic human needs :

It is a human trait that the man desires to be ethical, not only in his private life but also in his profession/business affairs where, being a manager, he knows his decisions will affect the lives of thousands of employees.

Also, most people want to be a part of an organisation which they can respect and be publically proud of, because they perceive its purpose and activities to be honest and beneficial to society.

These basic ethical needs compel the organisations/business enterprises to be ethically oriented.

(b) Ethics create credibility with the public :

A company ethically and socially responsive is honoured in the society, people favour its products and its public issues attract an immediate response.

(c) Ethics give management credibility with employees :

The management automatically gets credibility with its employees when it has credit with the public. The leadership and the people (employees) come and work together.

(d) Ethics help better decision making :

An ethical attitude of management helps making decisions in the interest of public, their employees and the company.

(e) Ethics and profit :

Ethics and profit go together. Value driven companies are always successful in the long run.

(f) Ethics can protect society :

What ethics can do, probably government, and law cannot, to protect society. For example, an ethical oriented management can prevent pollution and protect the health of their workers, and people in general, much before being mandated by law.

Related Articles:

• Essay on Ethics: Top 5 Essays | Employees | Management
• Ethical and Unethical Behaviour at Workplace | Ethics | Management
• Do you think Business Management is a Profession?
• Management Ethics: Meaning, Need and Importance

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What are professional ethics and why are they important?

• Redaction Team
• August 26, 2021
• Professional Career , Professional Development

Professional ethics is important because it dictates to professionals a series of rules related to the way a professional acts towards the people with whom he/she relates professionally.

From a philosophical point of view, ethics has to do with morality and with the way people act in the sense of goodness or badness.

In this article I will inform you about professional ethics, types of ethics, characteristics of professional ethics, principles on which it is based and the reasons why professional ethics is important.

What is professional ethic?

Professional ethics is constituted by all the moral standards that govern the behavior and actions of professionals. It should be noted that for each profession these rules may vary, but they will always be based on principles and values.

It is also pertinent to conceptualize a professional, morals and ethics.

Professional . Generally refers to a university graduate who has completed a degree and who exercises his or her profession with ability and application.

Moral . This term refers to a person’s way of acting, in terms of his or her social and individual life, relating this action to good and evil or to goodness and malice.

Ethics . It refers to the moral norms on which the conduct of a person is based in the environment in which he/she develops; be it individual, social or professional, among others. Ethics is divided into three branches or types: metaethics, normative and applied.

Professional ethics is of the applied type, where controversial issues are dealt with from the point of view of morality.

Why are professional ethics important?

Professional ethics are important because they serve to create organizations based on moral standards of conduct.

Here are a number of reasons why professional ethics are important.

• Based on a set of rules, it can organize a group of professionals from the same profession.
• The organization formed contributes to the personal growth of the associated professional.
• Motivates teamwork and increases the bonds between colleagues.
• Creates a system for each profession, called a code of ethics; in which the duties to be fulfilled by each professional are twinned.
• Provides personal and professional benefits by regulating the actions of a profession and highlighting the virtues of the professional.

General characteristics of professional ethics

Professional ethics has general characteristics from which other more specific ones can be derived:

It is related to morality.

Professional ethics arises from the impulse to keep human performance in order and under rules.

Professional ethics seeks to support and improve the service provided by a professional.

It pursues the moral rectitude of the professions.

Professional ethics seeks to ensure that the professions follow the positive paths established in each society.

Professional ethics implies compliance with values.

It presents the virtues with which professionals practice.

Principles of professional ethics

Professional ethics are based on the principles of beneficence, autonomy, non-maleficence and justice.

Principle of beneficence.

Its foundation refers to goods and virtues; and the professional's actions are oriented to maintain a favorable behavior towards the person requesting the service and towards society in general.

Principle of autonomy.

It is oriented in the respect for freedom, in the search for balance and equity as a rule in the relationship between the professional and the client; so that there are no conflicts of interest and much less ethical.

Principle of non-maleficence.

It is based on the omission of any act that may cause harm; the professional is obliged not to harm in any way the people he/she deals with.

Principle of justice.

It is based on the social sense of the profession; it pursues the commitment of the professions to seek the common good, dignified life and the establishment of justice and equity.

Types of professional ethics

Professional ethics refers to principles and criteria that regulate the actions of a professional; however, there are several types of professional ethics, each of which is related to a profession. The following are the most relevant ones.

• Legal ethics . It has as its main characteristic professional secrecy and refers to the practice of law.
• Medical ethics . It regulates the actions to be followed in a conflict between the morals of a health professional and his or her professional duty.
• Engineering ethics . Refers to placing the best interests of communities above personal desires.
• Teaching ethics . As a guidance counselor and role model for children and young people, this professional should observe the best of conduct.
• Military ethics . Indicates a series of criteria to limit their actions in relation to the use of force.
• Administrator ethics . Loyalty, honesty and legality, among others are basic aspects expected of this professional.
• Ethics of the psychologist . Respect for the individual, confidentiality, honesty, and responsibility are the most important aspects of this professional.

Professional Code of Ethics

There is no one-size-fits-all code of ethics for professionals, as the ethical principles that guide a professional’s conduct will vary depending on the individual’s field of practice.

However, there are some general ethical principles that all professionals should adhere to, such as honesty, integrity, and respect for others.

Additionally, professionals should always put the interests of their clients or patients first and avoid any conflicts of interest.

The framework of the disciplinary ethical standards must be set out by the organization.

It will be an obligation to follow the code of conduct and ethics for the members of that profession.

The aim of having a code of ethics is to reduce the doubts in ethical decision making processes.

Moreover regardless of the industry, professionals have to preserve the integrity and reputation of the company.

With a code of ethics, organizations might not ensure totally that employees wil behave, but it sets out a minimum ethical behavior that is expected to reduce or eliminate any complaints, confidential information leakage or ethical issues where the image of the company can be damaged.

How to develop higher professional ethical standards?

Professionals can learn about ethical procedures and how to apply them in their work. 

Higher professional ethical standards can be developed through education and training.

Some ways to develop professional conduct in ethical standards may include taking courses or workshops on ethics, attending professional conferences, or reading professional journals. 

Individuals can also seek out mentors, supervisors or role models who exemplify ethical responsibilities with professionalism at their workplace.

They can also receive guidance on how to deal with ethical dilemmas and relevant laws.

Additionally, organizations can create an ethical culture by setting clear expectations for employees and providing resources to help them make ethical decisions.

How do professional ethics impact decision-making?

When faced with ethical dilemmas, professionals are tasked with considering ethical principles to make informed decisions that align with moral values and professional obligations. Ethical decision-making involves evaluating the potential consequences of actions on stakeholders and society as a whole.

Balancing professional obligations with ethical considerations requires individuals to prioritize ethical standards and integrity in their decision-making processes. Addressing conflicts of interest and maintaining transparency are vital aspects of upholding professional ethics.

Professional ethics influence the choices individuals make in their professional functions, emphasizing the importance of ethical behavior and responsible decision-making in all aspects of their work.

What are some common ethical principles in professional settings?

Confidentiality stands as a fundamental ethical principle in professional practice, highlighting the importance of safeguarding sensitive information and respecting clients’ privacy. Maintaining confidentiality builds trust and protects the interests of individuals seeking professional services.

Professionals are expected to strive for excellence and uphold professional integrity in all their endeavors. This commitment to excellence involves continuous learning, adherence to ethical guidelines, and demonstrating a high level of competence in their respective fields.

Upholding the dignity of individuals is an ethical obligation that professionals must adhere to. Respecting the autonomy and rights of clients and colleagues fosters a culture of mutual respect and promotes a supportive and inclusive work environment.

How to navigate ethical challenges in professional practice?

Establishing a framework for ethical decision-making is essential for professionals to navigate ethical challenges effectively. This framework should encompass ethical principles, codes of ethics, and guidelines for ethical conduct within the profession.

Proceeding with ethical considerations in all actions is crucial for maintaining professional integrity and upholding ethical responsibilities. Professionals must be mindful of the impact of their decisions on stakeholders and society, ensuring that their actions align with ethical standards.

When faced with ethical dilemmas, professionals can refer to established guidelines and seek advice from relevant committees on professional ethics. Addressing ethical challenges requires a thoughtful and deliberate approach that prioritizes ethical values and principles.

Examples of compliance with professional ethics

Compliance with professional ethics is evident when:

• A physician who suppresses prejudices and interests to save a life.
• The lawyer who defends his client and respects confidentiality even when it is against his personal ethics.
• The journalist who listens to both sides of the story and disseminates it objectively and impartially.
• Offering respectful treatment to colleagues in the same profession, or to any other professional with whom he/she interacts.

In conclusion, there is a close relationship between ethics and the profession, since professionals in all areas must act under the principle of not doing wrong voluntarily to another human being and comply with ethics by contributing to collective development and social welfare.

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6 Professional Ethics: Origins, Applications, and Developments

Hugh Gunz, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Sally Gunz is Professor of Business Law and Professional Ethics in the School of Accounting and Finance, University of Waterloo, Canada. Her primary research interests centre around the legal and ethical responsibilities of professionals and, increasingly, how professionals make ethical decisions, and what factors impact those decisions. She has studied professionals in both employed and private practice settings. She is the author of The New Corporate Counsel (Carswell: 1991) and several academic studies relating to in-house lawyers, lawyers in private practice, accountants and actuaries. She is a past-President of the Academy of Legal Studies in Business and the former director of the Centre for Accounting Ethics.

Ronit Dinovitzer is Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Toronto, where she is cross appointed to the Institute for Management and Innovation. She is also a Faculty Fellow at the American Bar Foundation in Chicago, where she is Co-Director of the Research Group on Legal Diversity, and she is an Affiliated Faculty in Harvard’s Program on the Legal Profession. As a sociologist of the professions her research focuses on the social organization of lawyers, the role of labor markets, and the effects of culture on professional work. Recent projects include the “After the JD” study, the first national longitudinal study of law graduates in the US, the “Law and Beyond” Study, the first national study of law graduates in Canada, and a Canadian study on Ethics, the Professional Service Firm and Corporate Governance (with Hugh and Sally Gunz).

• Published: 05 October 2015
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This chapter introduces professional ethics as a specific example of applied or practical ethics. The authors provide a short review of the literature on theoretical and applied ethics in order to give context for the subsequent discussion. They examine three foundational concepts of professional ethics: codes adopted by professional bodies, professional autonomy, and the contested role of gatekeeper. Next, the authors consider ethical pressures experienced by professionals in the non-professional organization (NPO), and then the Professional Service Firm (PSF). Here the authors compare the pressure exerted by employer and clients and examine how so-called “client capture” can become a complex phenomenon when both client and professional are corporate entities. Finally, the chapter considers the challenges for the study of ethics in the PSF highlighted by this account.

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The Importance of Ethics in Research Essay

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Introduction

Factors that increase vulnerability of subjects to research abuse, the solution to reduce vulnerability of subjects to research abuse.

In science and medical research, ethics is essential in enhancing the safety and well-being of the subjects or participants. Different studies globally expose vulnerable populations or subjects to abuse, affecting their overall health. In the same case, researchers are employing diverse strategies to enhance ethics and reduce subjects’ vulnerabilities to negative implications of studies and abuse. For these reasons, it is essential to examine the factors that enhance subjects’ vulnerability to abuse and maltreatment during scientific studies. These reasons are economic and financial problems, impractical hope, improper patient advocacy, as well as non-compliance to research ethics. Contrarily, encouraging compliance with ethical principles during research would reduce subjects’ susceptibility to abuse and negative research implications.

Economic and financial issues are among the factors that increase subjects’ vulnerability to abuse during research. Kelly (2013) indicates that “people struggling to put food on the table and a roof over their heads” are vulnerable to abuse during clinical trials and pharmaceutical studies. Washington (2008) also notes that “jobless white men turned their noses at the disgusting work and partly pay” when referring to a perilous clinical experiment conducted in 1935 by the University of Pennsylvania. The sentiment indicates that the university conducted unethical and dangerous medical research on subjects with economic and financial problems (Washington, 2008). The phrase “when you see an opportunity to feed your starving family, […], or get treatment for a terminal disease?” also indicates how financial issues make subjects partake in unsafe clinical trials (Kelly, 2013). Thus, these studies increase the health risks, burden, disparity, and complications among subjects from developing and low-income countries as well as communities.

Unrealistic hope is another factor that increases the risks of abuse among subjects of research activities. According to Washington (2008), patients desperate for healing from diseases, surviving, living longer, and stressed about their health conditions are vulnerable to abuse during medical studies. The phrase “was described to him as his last chance at a meaningful life” shows that James Quinn was a victim of research abuse because of hoped to live a productive life after artificial heart implantation (Washington, 2008). The quote, “Do you have a choice about participating when you see an opportunity to (…) get treatment for a terminal disease,” indicates that subjects are always hopeful of improving their health after clinical studies (Kelly, 2008). This makes patients accept risky treatments or clinical trials that are mentally or physically abusive to their health, hoping to enhance their lifespan.

Improper patient advocacy and education are also major factors that increase the dangers of abusing subjects during clinical research. Washington (2008) questions how medical researchers and providers empower patients about the risks and benefits of clinical trials before treatments. Washington (2008) asks, “But are such warnings offered in a fair and intelligible manner?” The quote proves that researchers obtain patients’ consent for treatments when they are mentally, emotionally, and cognitively incapable of making informed decisions about these interventions. Kelly (2013) also agrees that healthcare researchers fail to provide accurate and quality patient information before clinical trials. The sentence “one of the most commonly cited ethical qualms with clinical trials tends to be misinformation” indicates that patients’ advocacy teams misinform subjects before clinical trials (Kelly, 2013). The wrong information affects the ability of patients to make informed decisions about participating or not partaking in medical studies.

Finally, non-compliance to research ethics and regulations among researchers also makes subjects vulnerable to abuse during studies. Washington (2008) indicates that “the informed consent process consists of much more than obtaining a patient signature on a piece of paper.” The quote implies that medical researchers are violating the informed consent ethics of research that requires patients’ participation only after knowing all the risks and benefits of a treatment. In the statement, “one of the most commonly cited ethical qualms with clinical trials tends to be misinformation,” Kelly (2013) supports Washington (2008) about the voluntary and involuntary deception of subjects to participate in their studies. Generally, violation of ethics makes vulnerable subjects partake in medical or scientific studies that harm their health and those around them.

To reduce the susceptibility of patients or subjects to abusive medical and scientific studies, adherence or compliance to research ethics is essential. For instance, Kelly (2013) suggests that continuous investigation by ethics boards on researchers violating ethical requirements would enhance compliance with research regulations, integrity, and morals. The statement “informed consent is an ongoing process of patient notification and education” also implies that continuous patient advocacy, edification, and communication before treatments and clinical trials is essential in reducing non-compliance to research ethics (Washington, 2008). Moreover, when seeing patient permission for research inclusion, Washington (2008) proposes that researchers should make patients aware of treatment risks through the phrase “the scientist must […] knows all the known risks and must inform the subject proxy.” This will make subjects decide to participate in research after knowing the benefits and negative implications on them and the people around them.

Conclusively, the lack of compliance with ethical research principles among scientists and the economic issues of patients make them susceptible to abuse during studies. Unrealistic hope, desperation, and inappropriate patient advocacy and education make subjects vulnerable to research abuse. Based on these, developing, implementing, and complying with research ethics is a feasible approach to reducing the vulnerability of research subjects to abuse. Therefore, patient abuse is a systemic issue in medical and scientific studies. This means that this problem requires universal or systemic solutions to achieve the desired outcome of protecting patients’ interests and well-being during and after research.

Kelly, S. (2013). Testing drugs on the developing world . The Atlantic. Web.

Washington, H. (2008). Medical apartheid: The dark history of medical experimentation on Black Americans from colonial times to the present. Psychiatric Services , 58 (10), 1380-1381.

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We have shortlisted these essay on ethics, that define ethics, meaning, purpose & importance of ethics in our lives. These short & long essays are really helpful for children and students

Essay on Ethics | Role Value & Importance of Ethics in human Life Essay

Ethic describes the moral standards of right and wrong as well as the moral requirements of good and bad conduct. Albert Camus once wrote, “A man without ethics is a wild beast loosed upon the world”.

Types of Ethics

Here is a brief look at the four main categories of ethics:

1. Duty Ethics :  It relates ethics to religious beliefs. Defining right and wrong behavior or actions, these ethics are also called deontological ethics. Ethics are taught from the beginning. We must follow them to fulfill our duties.

2. Virtue Ethics :  Ethics refers to personal behavior of an individual. The focus is on a person’s moral values , mentality, and character. As children, we are also inculcated with virtue ethics. We are taught what is right and wrong even if there is no logic to it in many cases.

3. Relativistic Ethics :  In line with this, everything is equal. Everyone is free to form his own opinion, based on his own analysis of the situation. This theory holds that what works for one may not be right for another. The same thing may apply in one situation, but not the other.

4. Consequential Ethics :  In the Era of Enlightenment, rationalism was a goal. These ethical values are associated with that quest. According to this ethical theory, the outcome of an individual’s behavior determines whether his actions are wrong or right.

Ethics Vary in Each Culture

According to some, ethics are values that must be taught since childhood, and that one must strictly adhere to them. If one disobeys these, they are viewed as deviant. Quite a few people are very rigid when it comes to the ethical codes. Their behavior is constantly judged by others.

However, there are also people who are flexible about these issues and feel that they can be adapted to some degree depending on the situation. As such, the basic ethical and moral codes expected from individuals are almost the same from nation to nation. Nevertheless, there may be some ethical behaviors that are right in some cultures but not accepted in others. It is ethically wrong for women in many eastern countries to wear short dresses, whereas women in western countries can wear any outfit they choose.

Conclusion:  Ethics can be described in many different ways according to different schools of thought. Some people follow the norms of right and wrong, while others make up their own standards.

Essay on Ethics, Values | Ethics in Personal & Professional Life

The concept of ethics refers to the behavior one should display in any given circumstance. From an early age, ethical values are deeply ingrained in us and almost every decision we make throughout our lives is guided by them. Ethics determine whether a person is good or bad.

In both our personal and professional lives, ethics are extremely important. Someone who holds high ethical standards, believes in them, and follows them will be far more sorted than someone who follows the ethical norms without truly believing in them. And then there are still others – those who don’t believe in ethical norms and disregard them. There may be disruptions in peace in society as a result of these factors.

Importance of Ethics in Our Personal Life

The morals and ethical values of the society in which people are raised influence their minds. It is impossible to undermine the importance of ethics. It is critical to teach children from the beginning which behaviors are acceptable in society and which are not so that they can interact with the society effectively. Basically, this system was put into place to teach people how to behave properly and to maintain a peaceful and harmonious society.

People find it easier to make decisions once they have defined right and wrong. Consider a world where there were no definition for right and wrong. Everyone would act according to their own definition of right and wrong. Chaos and crime would result from this.

Ethics at Work Place/Professional Life

Ethics play a vital role in the workplace. The ethics and values set by society are not the only ethical values determined by organizations. For the organization’s code of conduct to remain effective, everyone working there must follow them. For example, ethical codes of conduct set by organizations state that employees must be treated fairly, honesty must be maintained, company secrets must never be leake, respect for coworkers must always be observed, and problems with management or employees must be addressed politely without creating unnecessary commotion.

This helps to ensure an organization’s smooth functioning. Employees who violate the ethical code run the risk of receiving warning letters or being penalized differently depending on the severity of the issue.

Whenever an organization lacks the set ethical codes, chaos and inefficiencies are likely to ensue. This is why it is essential that each organization establishes these standards. In an organization, ethical codes are not only important for ensuring a good working environment, but they also instruct employees on how to handle customers in different situations. Ethics are fundamentally a reflection of an organization’s core values and responsibilities.

Conclusion:  Ethics must be set for the society, for the workplace, and for all other institutions. People are able to recognize what is right and what is wrong, and it encourages them to behave in the right manner.

Essay on Importance of Ethics For a Student

Ethos is the Ancient Greek word for habits, customs, or character, and hence was used as the basis for the term ethics. The real meaning of ethics is found in this. It is clear from one’s habits and character that he or she is guided by ethical values. The character of a person is defined by their ethical values. As a society, we set ethical norms that determine what is good and what is bad.

Ethics provides a set of definitions for terms such as right and wrong, good and evil, virtue and vice. We constantly think about the ethical and moral values we were taught from an early age whenever we are in doubt, and this always gives us clarity.

These rules of ethics are supposed to promote the well-being of society and the overall happiness of the people living there, but sometimes they can cause some people to be unhappy. This is due to people going overboard with them. Early in Indian history, women were seen as housewives. The women were not allowed to work outside their home or to question the decisions of the male family members.

Many people still adhere to the ethics and norms defined centuries ago, although nowadays women are given the freedom to go out and work and take various decisions for themselves. Women are still held to the belief that their place is in the kitchen and that going out to work is unethical for them.

>> Related Post:  ” Essay on Helen Keller ”

Thus, ethics and moral values must go into the hearts and minds of people in order for society to function smoothly as well as to be redefined periodically for a community’s good.

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Home — Essay Samples — Philosophy — Ethics — The Importance of Virtue Ethics

The Importance of Virtue Ethics

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Published: Mar 20, 2024

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Personal development, professional conduct, societal well-being.

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