Module III: Code of Ethics

Principles of Ethics
Ethical principles provide a foundation for moral decision-making in personal,
professional, and organizational contexts. The key principles of ethics include:

1. Autonomy – Respecting individuals' rights to make their own decisions.

2. Beneficence – Acting in the best interest of others and promoting well-being.

3. Non-Maleficence – Avoiding harm or unethical actions.

4. Justice – Ensuring fairness and equality in decision-making.

5. Integrity – Upholding honesty, transparency, and accountability.

Compliance-Based vs. Values-Based Code of Ethics

1. Compliance-Based Code of Ethics

● Focuses on legal and regulatory requirements.

● Aims to prevent misconduct through strict rules and punishments.

● Example: Anti-bribery policies, workplace safety laws.

2. Values-Based Code of Ethics

● Centers on ethical principles and corporate culture.

● Encourages employees to act ethically beyond legal obligations.

● Example: A company promoting integrity, respect, and responsibility in all business dealings.

Key Difference: Compliance-based codes enforce legal requirements, while values-based codes promote ethical
culture and personal responsibility.
Professional Obligation
Professional obligation refers to the ethical duties and responsibilities that individuals must uphold in their
respective fields. These obligations ensure integrity, trust, and competence in professional practices.

Key Aspects of Professional Obligation:

● Honesty – Being truthful in communication and actions.

● Competence – Continuously improving skills and knowledge.

● Accountability – Taking responsibility for decisions and actions.

Example:

A doctor follows medical ethics by providing proper patient care, maintaining confidentiality, and acting in
the best interest of the patient.

Professional obligation helps maintain trust, credibility, and ethical standards in workplaces.
Role of Regulatory Authority
Regulatory authorities are organizations that ensure ethical standards and legal compliance in various industries. They help
maintain fairness, transparency, and accountability in business and professional practices.

Functions of Regulatory Authorities:

1. Setting Ethical Guidelines & Enforcing Laws – Establishing rules that organizations must follow to ensure ethical
operations.

2. Conducting Audits & Investigations – Monitoring businesses to detect fraud, misconduct, or violations.

3. Protecting Consumer Rights & Workplace Ethics – Ensuring businesses operate fairly and employees work in
ethical conditions.

Examples of Regulatory Authorities:

● SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) – Regulates financial markets to prevent fraud and insider trading.

● FDA (Food and Drug Administration) – Ensures the safety and effectiveness of food, drugs, and medical products.

These authorities play a crucial role in maintaining trust, fairness, and ethical standards across industries.
Respect for Privacy
Respecting privacy means protecting individuals' personal data, private communications, and personal space in both
physical and digital environments. Organizations must ensure that employees and customers feel secure about their
information.

Key Aspects of Privacy Protection:

1. Personal Data Security – Preventing unauthorized access to personal or sensitive information.

2. Digital Privacy – Protecting emails, online activities, and confidential records.

3. Workplace Monitoring Policies – Ensuring ethical and legal employee surveillance without violating rights.

4. Respecting Personal Boundaries – Avoiding intrusive questioning or unnecessary access to private spaces.

Example:
Companies must comply with GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) to safeguard users' personal data by ensuring
transparency, consent, and security measures in handling private information.

By enforcing privacy policies, organizations build trust, ethical responsibility, and legal compliance in professional
environments.
Confidentiality

Confidentiality refers to the ethical and legal duty of protecting sensitive information from
unauthorized access or disclosure. It ensures trust and security in professional settings where
privacy is crucial.

Key Aspects of Confidentiality:

1. Restricted Access – Only authorized individuals should handle confidential data.

2. Data Protection – Implementing security measures to prevent leaks or breaches.

3. Ethical Responsibility – Professionals must respect private information and avoid sharing it
without consent.
Where Confidentiality Applies:
● Healthcare – Doctors and nurses must protect patient records.

● Legal Sector – Lawyers must keep client information private.

● Business – Companies secure trade secrets and employee data.

● Research – Participant data is kept confidential in studies.

Example:
Under HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), doctors must
maintain patient confidentiality by securing medical records and only sharing them with
authorized personnel.
Informed Consent & Debriefing

1. Informed Consent
● Ensuring individuals are fully aware of risks, benefits, and consequences before making decisions.

● Common in medical treatments, research, and legal agreements.

● Example: A patient signing a consent form before surgery.

2. Debriefing
● Providing individuals with full information after an event, particularly in research or psychological
studies.

● Ensures transparency, addresses concerns, and corrects deception if used.

● Example: A psychological study participant being informed of the true purpose after the experiment.