professional ethics

Supervisory Training Series

Professional Ethics

February 8, 2017

What are Professional Ethics

A set of standards that are relied upon to:• Guide all our interactions on the job.• Reach conclusions in the workplace.• Make decisions.

Patterns of behavior – norms – that describe what people ought to do.

Is the foundation of trust in any organization.

Principles of Ethical Behavior

Responsible Conduct

• Compliance with laws regulations and policies.• Principled business transactions• Acting in good faith• Accountable for individual actions• Fulfilling obligations towards others• Communicating ethical standards by word and deed• Proactively detect and prevent unethical behavior

Principles of Ethical Behavior (Cont.)

Respect for Others

• Be respectful, fair and civil to everyone.• Strive to be objective in interactions with colleagues• Avoid all forms of harassment and discrimination.• Treat colleagues, co-workers and students with

respect, professionalism and dignity.• Accept your share of responsibility for the

governance of the college.

Group Exercise

Break up into pairs and talk to your colleague about a time when:

• You or someone you know were harmed by the unethical behavior of a company or organization.

• You or someone you know benefited from the high integrity of a company or organization.


Managing Conflicts of Interest

• When we or a family member has a relationship that may impair our independent judgment.

• When our positions or confidential information we obtain on the job can be used for personal gain.

• When we receive gifts from people doing business with the college.

• When we have relationships with individuals or organizations that do business with the college.


Managing Conflicts of Interest

• We must avoid actual and perceived conflicts of interest related to our positions.

• Actual or perceived conflicts must be disclosed.• Employees are responsible for identifying conflicts

and reporting them.• Conflicts should be managed or eliminated.

Group Exercise

At your tables, identify three potential conflicts of interest you have encountered or heard about and

• Explain why it is a conflict.• Identify strategies for mitigating the conflict.• Describe an appropriate process for reporting the

conflict.


Protecting Confidentiality and Privacy

• Many of us create and receive confidential information.

• We are expected to comply with all legal, regulatory and contractual obligations to ensure confidentiality.

• Examples include document preservation/disposal and data security.


Stewardship of College Property

• We are committed to the responsible use of college property, including funds and equipment.

• College resources should only be used to advance our mission.

• We should follow sound financial practices with appropriate monitoring.

• Special care should be given to resources restricted by donor intent.


Commitment to Safe and Healthy Work Environment

• We are dedicated to a building a diverse and inclusive community free of discrimination.

• We comply with all federal and state laws.• We avoid actions that would create a hostile environment.• We value freedom of expression, but not abusive and

harassing behavior.• We use appropriate safety equipment and report injuries

and unsafe situations.


Obligation to report Suspected Misconduct

• We are all obligated to report suspected violations of laws, regulations and policies.

• These reports can come through normal channels or to a higher level of management or anonymously.

• We have a strict policy against retaliation.

Group Exercise

At your table, reflecting on the topics we discussed today, discuss what are the most important ethical issues in your profession.

• Responsible Conduct• Respect for Others• Managing Conflicts of Interest• Protecting Confidentiality and Privacy• Stewardship of College Property• Commitment to Safe and Healthy Work Environment

Related Policies

• Drug and Alcohol • Scientific Misconduct• Sexual Harassment• Non-Discrimination• Equal Employment Opportunity• Computing Ethics and Responsibilities• Privacy• Employment of Family Members• Confidentiality

professional ethics

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