Professional Ethics and Values
Definition
Ethics or moral philosophy is a branch of philosophy that
involves systematizing, defending, and recommending
concepts of right and wrong conduct.
Values denote the degree of importance of some thing or
action, with the aim of determining what actions are best
to do or what way is best to live. They deal with right
conduct and living a good life.
Self - principles and
values
Commitments
Family
Who are we responsible to?
Colleagues and
Society as a Duties team
whole
“When human values
are brought forth, a
new level of shared meaning
occurs,
leading to aligned, effective
action and results.”
© 2005 UN-Habitat and the Global Dharma
Center: “Human Values and Ethics in the
Workplace”. All rights reserved.
4
“Human values and ethics are directly
relevant to the art of responsible public
policy making. Human values and ethics
can become a source of political
mobilization and contribute to social
change.These fundamental values should
guide and inspire us in our efforts to
promote development and combat
poverty.”
Kjell Magne Bondevik
Prime Minister of Norway
© 2005 UN-Habitat and the Global Dharma
Center: “Human Values and Ethics in the
Workplace”. All rights reserved.
Professional ethics mean to intertwine learning and
relationships
Getting to know people and their needs will strengthen
the opportunities to help them developing.
Professional ethics mean an ambiguity that demands
responsible decisions.
Uncertainty makes learning of professional ethics
difficult.
Professional ethics are developed when theory and
practice are entwined in reflection.
People often say that they sometimes just do but
afterwards think about the situation.
Values at Workplace
1. Accountability
taking personal responsibility for all actions
following through on commitments for group work
coming to class prepared to learn
attending class regularly and taking responsibility for any
missed work/information
looking for solutions rather than placing blame
2. Integrity
maintaining honesty in all endeavours
taking credit only for own work (not that of others)
using resources wisely
being respectful of policies
3. Responsibility
completing all assignments on time.
arriving for all classes and program activities prepared and on time
notifying instructors of absences, late arrivals, early departures
using time-management strategies-calendars, priority (to do) lists
turning off cell phones and other personal electronic devices during
meetings and important discussions.
4. Respect
treating peers, guests, instructors and staff with the appropriate level
of respect whether in person, in writing or in electronic
communications
demonstrating acceptance of diverse groups
not disrupting/interfering with the learning of other
5. Professional Behaviour
using language and terminology appropriate for learning
environments (no foul language, minimal use of slang or
abbreviations)
dressing in a neat and appropriate manner for the environment
not using strong scents, perfumes or colognes
carrying ourselves in a manner that presents a positive image
6. Professional Attitude
being positive
communicating in a sincere manner
willingly accepting constructive feedback
maintaining composure under professional or personal
pressure
7. Adaptability
adapting to changes in schedule and procedures
exhibiting an open attitude and being receptive to new ideas
experimenting with new technique for completing tasks
8. Continuous Learning
seeking out learning opportunities
seeking new methods of learning tasks
9. Teamwork
listening to the views of others
giving and receiving feedback in a positive manner
managing conflict constructively and professionally
being committed to tasks
communicating with team members regarding tasks, due
dates, and meetings
10. Confidentiality
maintaining the confidentiality of clients.
not discussing items a person shared confidentially
not gossiping in person or on social networking sites
Relevant Documents
Academic Honesty Guidelines
References
http://camosun.ca/learn/school/business/current-
students/professional-values.html
http://www.ptcas.org/Professionalism/
file:///C:/Users/pcs1002/Downloads/Professional%20Valu
es%20(1).pdf
Joseph, J. (2007). Ethics in the Workplace. Retrieved
August 16, 2009
