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How to Write a Personal Ethics Statement—And Why Every Professional Should

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What is a Personal Ethics Statement?

Personal ethics are your guidelines for forming relationships, overcoming challenges, and decision- making. A personal ethics statement is a one-page essay that gives a picture of your core values and what potential supervisors, colleagues, or clients can expect from working with you. It can be useful when you’re applying for school , just starting out in your career, looking for a new job, trying to expand your client base, or advancing your career.  

In this article we will discuss personal ethics—which should not be mistaken for professional ethics. Personal ethics relate to the values you hold in personal relationships and daily life, an whereas professional ethics relate to how you conduct yourself in business settings, deals, and professional relationships.  

An important part of your personal ethics statement is identifying your personal beliefs and personal values. Some code of ethics examples include integrity, selflessness, honesty, loyalty, equality, fairness, empathy, respect, and self-respect. This article is a complete resource for forming your personal ethics and transforming them into a compelling personal ethics statement.

Professional Impacts of Personal Ethics

There are many occasions your personal ethics will play a role in your behavior in professional settings. No matter your line of work, it’s important that you maintain unshakable personal ethics in your professional relationships and how you interact in the workplace.

Business Ethics

Business ethics are the practices and policies put into place to ensure people and resources are treated ethically in business dealings. While you’re making decisions in business to benefit a company, you must consider the impact of those decisions on others. Developing your personal code of conduct will help support you in upholding your company policies in the workplace, which will help you maintain personal integrity, as well as avoid potential business scandals . Learn about how to be an ethical leader in a business setting.

With a career in information technology, part of your job involves having access to private or confidential information. Your moral compass plays a significant role in keeping this type of information safe, especially since cyber-attacks—which happen every 39 seconds on average—are so prevalent in modern society. Having a career in IT immerses you in the world of cyber security , where ethical behavior and policy adherence are essential.

Healthcare Ethics

In the healthcare field, you’re responsible for human lives, so it’s no wonder that strong professional competence and integrity are important in how you carry yourself at work. There are plenty of complex issues, regulations, and compliance policies that you’ll encounter in a hospital or care facility, which demands that you seek the guidance of your personal ethics.

Teaching Ethics

Strong moral values are a necessary component of being a teacher. When your job is to sculpt young minds, you have must take responsibility for setting a strong example for them. Part of this is keeping students safe, part of this is treating all students equally and without discrimination. Part of this is creating healthy boundaries between your students and your personal life . If you build a personal ethics statement, you have a north star to look towards in this professional setting as you encounter ethical dilemmas. If you’re planning to become a teacher, you should also consider writing a teaching philosophy statement.

How Do I Write a Personal Ethics Statement?

There are five essential steps to writing—and perfecting—your personal ethics statement: 

1. Know your audience. 

The first step to writing an effective personal ethics statement is knowing and understanding the audience you’re writing for. This one-page piece of writing is supposed to influence the reader, so keeping the motivations and sentiments of your audience in mind while writing is important to completing your goal. Once you know your audience, whether it be an admissions counselor or a potential employer, then you can choose words and reference practices and policies that resonate with them and meet any guidelines in place.  

2. Choose your goals. 

There are two important types of goals to think about when building your personal ethics statement: your short-term and long-term goals. For example, your short-term goal may be getting into college, while your long-term goal is becoming a software engineer. Once you identify these, then you can phrase your personal ethics in terms of how they relate to your desired career path. To build off the previous example, if you aspire to be a software engineer, you can talk about personal ethics that relate to cyber security or the hard work required to get to your desired goal. 

3. Determine your influences. 

What influences the decisions you make? This is an essential step in determining your code of ethics because every choice you make is influenced by internal and external factors. One factor that affects everyone is personal traits. Your personality plays a crucial role in the decisions you make and how you carry yourself with others. Another factor is the people in your life who have helped in shaping who you are today. A third example is momentous events. Everyone experiences wonderful, pivotal moments in their life, as well as tragic and traumatic moments. All these factors play a role in your personal ethics, and they should be included in your personal ethics statement. 

4. Identify your beliefs and practices. 

This step is about writing down examples of how you move through the world and the core beliefs you live by. Compelling stories elicit emotional reactions from your audience and prove that you put your personal ethics into daily practice. Examples are essential to creating a strong personal ethics statement. 

5. Name your “why.”  

Why did you choose the ethical principles that you did? Confidently answering this question and providing details is essential to the authenticity of the statement. Decide why your personal ethics are important to you, how your life experiences brought you to those ethics, and how you’ll continue to keep them at the center of your decisions going forward. This step is important to making sure your audience walks away with a clear understanding of what ethical standards are important to you and why. 

What Should I Include in a Personal Ethics Statement?

Your personal ethics statement should consist of an introduction, a body, and a conclusion.  

Start your personal ethics statement with a one- to two-paragraph introduction. Use the introduction to talk about the life experiences that helped form your ethical background. Maybe you had a major injury in your childhood that resulted in lifelong ability differences, and this made you an advocate for accessibility. Find a personal story that will engage your reader and provide a foundation for your statement.

In the body of your personal ethics statement—about two or three paragraphs—you should list each of the ethical principles that are central in your life. This is your opportunity to make sure the reader knows your core beliefs. If you have a personal mantra, include it here. In this section, true life examples are your friend.

What Should I not Include in a Personal Ethics Statement?

Since a personal ethics statement is a deeply personal piece of writing, it’s important to be honest and authentic. The last thing you want to do is include fake life experiences just to make a point. This also isn’t an opportunity to profess all your life’s mistakes. You are human and your personal ethics statement should reflect that, but in a positive and inspiring light.  

How to Conclude

Every personal ethics statement should have a strong conclusion. Sum it all up in a final paragraph where you explain how your core values make you a great person to have in a professional organization or an excellent candidate for an academic program.

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How To Create Your Code Of Ethics (With Examples)

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Creating a code of ethics can help you navigate difficult situations and allow you to make better decisions. When you enter the workforce and begin working with a company, they will typically have something called a code of ethics that they expect all employees to follow.

To help you create your professional and personal code of ethics, we’ll go over how to create your code of ethics, provide some examples of code of ethics, and go over why having a code of ethics is important.

Key Takeaways:

You should not only have a code of ethics from your company but one for your personal beliefs and actions as well.

Your personal code of ethics will evolve over time as you learn new things and have new experiences.

A code of ethics can vary from individual to individual, with age, profession, and background.

What is a code of ethics?

How to write a code of ethics, personal code of ethics examples, professional code of ethics examples, why are codes of ethics important, personal code of ethics faq.

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A code of ethics is defined as “a guide of principles designed to help professionals conduct business honestly and with integrity.” Most organizations have what they call a business code of ethics, which ties into the company’s core values and mission statement .

A company code of ethics helps employees approach situations in an appropriate manner and is an expectation for all employees.

An individual’s code of ethics may include their personal morals, values, and background. For individuals, their personal ethics might guide both their personal and professional life. They may develop this code from their own personal values and work ethic. Personal ethics might include things like:

A code of ethics is specific for each company or individual and should incorporate what the group of people or person believes to be right or wrong. Your code of ethics will hold different weight depending on the person, but the advantages of developing and maintaining one are clear:

A code of ethics is something you can refer back to when you’re looking to make a decision .

It can reinforce your values, deterring you from making a wrong move or perhaps, helping you make the right one.

It can help clarify important decision-making and give people or organizations the confidence they need to move forward with something they may have otherwise not.

Your code of ethics may vary depending on your industry of employment. For example, doctors or lawyers may have a much stricter code of ethics to adhere to, regardless of the type of company they might work for or if they operate a private practice.

If you aren’t part of this type of profession, then you’ll likely be working with a code of ethics that is somewhat typical and mutually acceptable across the board. Personal ethics may vary from individual to individual, with age, profession, and background playing a significant role in what ethics are chosen.

To create a code of ethics, you should know what your intentions are, who you are as a person, and what relationships you would like to improve.

Your code may evolve over time as you learn new things during your professional or personal journey in life. To create your personal code of ethics, consider the following:

What is your intention? It’s important to understand why you are developing a code of ethics in the first place. It could be for various reasons, such as inspiration for the kind of person you would like to be in the workplace or help to make an important decision.

Your reasoning behind developing a code of ethics will help drive it and make it purposeful for your specific use.

Who are you as a person? Think about your traits and how you’d like to be perceived and represented as an individual. This could include things like integrity , kindness, loyalty, or anything else you believe you embody.

You can consider asking close friends, your spouse, or family members about what they may think from an external perspective if you feel comfortable. Doing this exercise will help you make an achievable code of ethics that you’ll be able to stick to.

What relationships would you like to improve? Consider your relationships with friends, family, and colleagues, and what you might like to improve. This is a great starting point for your code of ethics, as it will surface a goal for your existing relationships.

In your code of ethics, you can articulate how you want to maintain or improve the relationships in your life.

How will you accomplish your goal? It’s one thing to write down your intended goals, but how will you accomplish them? A list of statements can help guide you toward the actions necessary to complete any goal you may have set for yourself.

You can include the traits you’ve listed above that you’d like to hold onto as you move to accomplish the goals you’ve identified for yourself.

How will you sustain your code? To sustain your code, you should have clear guidelines for yourself that you follow. When you interact with people daily, it can be hard to remember your code of ethics, but having clear rules will remind you how to maintain them.

To write a personal ethics statement, you may want to consider a few things above, like who your audience might be, what your specific goals are, and your intention. A personal code of ethics may look something like this:

I will prioritize my mental health and maintain a healthy work-life balance .

This statement is a great personal one to hold onto, as it puts you first and in the driver ’s seat.

This will allow you to take a step back, especially in stressful or toxic situations, and evaluate whether or not you are sacrificing your mental health or the value of a work-life balance.

I will treat others with respect.

This one is essentially treating others as you wish to be treated. This is a good one to include as it will remind you that no matter the circumstance, you’ll do your best to treat others with respect, even if they might not deserve it.

I will be honest.

Honesty is an important one to include in your list, as it doesn’t necessarily come easy for many individuals. It’s an important reminder that honesty is the best policy in most cases.

I am dedicated to continuous growth.

Making an intention for yourself for continuous personal growth and improvement is a great reminder you may need to refer back to when prioritizing certain things in your life.

It’s also a great reminder that you may need to be the bigger person or learn an important lesson via criticism or feedback during hard times.

I will be accountable.

Being accountable is incredibly important in all aspects of life. Nobody is perfect, and we all make mistakes, but what differentiates us from one another is how we handle them. Being accountable is the stand-up thing to do and will ensure you maintain positive relationships.

I will be grateful.

Being grateful is another one that we typically all try to uphold, but many forget about it on a daily basis.

It’s easy to get bogged down with the hardships and stresses of life and work, but being grateful and choosing it as part of your ethical code, is a great way to remind yourself to be thankful for what you have.

I will honor my promises and commitments.

Loyalty and trustworthiness are important in all aspects of professional and personal life. Holding yourself accountable is one thing, but showing up is another matter in itself. Honoring the commitments you make makes you a trustworthy person and a good person.

I will treat others as I wish to be treated.

Treating others the way you wish to be treated is a great way to hold yourself accountable for the way you treat others. It’s important to have a positive impact on the people you encounter to create positive relationships with them.

I will remain accountable for my shortcomings or mistakes.

Holding yourself accountable for your mistakes is important. This will show others that you can be trustworthy and strive to do better.

I appreciate my life and will be grateful for it every day.

Being grateful for your life is a great code of ethics to have because there will be others who are less fortunate. Recognizing what you have and being grateful for it will allow you to find more joy in things.

A written code of ethics for a business will, of course, differ widely from personal ones, but the end game is ultimately the same. These are reminders on how to be a good professional, employee, manager , and colleague. Some examples of professional code of ethics include:

Do the right thing.

Simple, straightforward, and to the point. Doing the right thing covers a broad range of topics but is an important reminder for all employees always to make the right ethical decision.

This might mean surfacing an uncomfortable fact or giving difficult feedback , so it’s a good one to include.

Be respectful.

Reminding employees to be respectful of one another might seem childish, but it’s one of the most important considerations and expectations a company might have of their employees.

Individuals may have different backgrounds, beliefs, and opinions, but remaining level-headed and civil during turbulent times or times where you might butt heads is important to an inclusive and productive work environment.

Be professional .

Ensuring your employees stay professional is very important. This means steering clear of inappropriate behaviors, comments, or activities. This one might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised at how effective it can be as an important reminder for your employees.

Be inclusive.

This is a significant one for all areas of any given company. Inclusivity allows for a diversity of ideas, approaches, tactics, and more. Being open-minded about hiring falls into this category as well, which means you can and should not discriminate against someone based on what they look like, their status, background, or family.

Be considerate.

Being considerate to those around you is important to the workplace. Everyone on the team is essential and each decision you make will impact them in some way so it’s important to be considerate.

Personal codes of ethics are important because they create achievable goals for yourself as you develop personally. It helps you communicate more effectively , better understand your priorities, clarify decision-making, and improve goal-setting and achievement.

You may consider creating them for things like college applications , job applications , or performance evaluations.

What does a company’s code of ethics cover?

A company’s code of ethics covers the principles that dictate how employees should behave. This includes actions like being inclusive, being professional, and avoiding conflicts of interest.

A code of ethics can also include more specific instructions such as what defines a conflict of interest, how to uphold safety rules, and how to handle harassment.

What makes up your code of ethics?

Your code of ethics is made up of the morals and values that you want to guide your personal and professional actions and decisions. When you’re writing a code of ethics, you’ll include statements like, “I will be honest,” and “I will seek to understand others’ perspectives before making a judgment.”

What determines your code of ethics?

Your code of ethics is determined by your beliefs, values, and background. Your code of ethics are principles you adhere to when conducting business. A code of ethics will differ in importance between people, but most people will refer to it when they are morally unsure about a situation.

Brown University – A Framework for Making Ethical Decisions

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Caitlin Mazur is a freelance writer at Zippia. Caitlin is passionate about helping Zippia’s readers land the jobs of their dreams by offering content that discusses job-seeking advice based on experience and extensive research. Caitlin holds a degree in English from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA.

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Best Personal Ethics Statement Example, Meaning, and Guide

Table of Contents

In need of a personal ethics statement example ? You need to read this article.

Your code of ethics is the framework within which you build relationships, face adversity, and make important life choices. This article focuses on personal ethics, which is not to be confused with business ethics. Business and coworker ethics differ from personal ethics.

This article provides an all-inclusive guide to creating a powerful personal ethics statement. Following our guidelines and example can yield a statement that will stand out while applying for jobs, classes, or programs.

Meaning of Personal Ethical Statement

A personal ethics statement is a brief essay outlining your principles and the experience you will provide to future employers , coworkers, and clients. It can help you get into school, get your first job, find more clients, or move up your current position.

Belief and value declarations are essential components of a personal ethics statement. Integrity, selflessness, honesty, loyalty, equality, justice, empathy, respect, and self-respect are all tenets of a moral code.

How to Construct a Personal Ethical Statement

A personal ethical statement requires the following five phases to be written and polished to perfection:

1. Who is your Audience?

To wow your readers with your ethical statement, you should start by learning as much as possible about them. Writing this one-page paper with the reader’s goals and emotions in mind can help you achieve your goal of persuasion. To impress an admissions officer or future employer, adjust your wording and references to their needs.

2. Determine What You Want to Accomplish

When crafting your ethics statement, it’s crucial to consider the near and distant future. To become a software engineer can be a long-term objective while attending college might be a short-term one. When you know what you want to do professionally, you may frame your ethics regarding that goal.

If you want to be a software engineer, you can discuss your ethics concerning cybersecurity. You can even write about the dedication and perseverance you’ll need to get there.

3. Figure Out Who or What Has Impacted You

Why do you think the way you do? Considering the internal and external elements that play into every decision is crucial to developing a personal code of ethics. Unique qualities are something that influences everyone.

Your personality heavily influences the choices you make and the way you act with other people. The individuals you’ve known and interacted with also play a role in who you are now.

Wonderful, defining moments in one’s life, as well as tragic, painful ones, are shared by all. These are all important considerations that should be reflected in your ethical statement.

4. Figure Out What You Think and How You Act

The next step is to document some working instances of your worldview and guiding principles. Evoking solid feelings in your listeners and demonstrating that your principles inform your daily actions are two goals of telling compelling stories. Providing concrete examples is crucial to developing an exciting personal moral statement.

5. Explain Your “why”

Justify your moral compass by explaining why you settled on those particular tenets. This question must be answered with conviction and specifics provided if the assertion is to be believed.

Consider how you arrived at your ethics, how your experiences have formed them, and how you wish to continue making decisions based on them. This is the first stage in ensuring listeners fully grasp what ethical standards mean to you and why.

How to Present a Personal Ethical Statement

It is recommended that your ethical statement have an introduction, the main body, and a summary.

Write an introductory paragraph (or two) for your personal ethics statement. Talk about how your upbringing and early experiences shaped your morals in the introduction.

Maybe you’re an accessibility champion because of a traumatic childhood injury that permanently impaired you. Find anecdotes that illustrate your point and put your argument over.

Within the main body of your personal ethics statement (two to three paragraphs), you should detail all of the values you hold dearest. Incorporate your motto if you have one. Real-world situations are beneficial here.

Because of the intimate nature of a personal ethics statement, an author must adhere to the highest standards of integrity. Don’t makeup anecdotes to prove a point.

Notwithstanding, this is not the time to admit every failure you’ve ever had. Your personal ethics statement ought to acknowledge your humanity while also being encouraging and motivating.

Personal Ethical Statement Example With INK

Personal ethical statements are thought-provoking to write. The style you compose should be determined by whom you’re writing for. Here’s a great one for your perusal.

I always strive to act with integrity and honesty in all my dealings. I am committed to being open, truthful, and fair in everything I do.

I’ve got a personal ethical statement that I try to live by. It is important to me to be honest and truthful with others and myself. I also believe in treating everyone fairly, no matter who they are or what they have done. Finally, I strive for compassion and understanding in all my interactions with people.

A personal ethical statement example like the one above is helpful to all audiences. But, the best approach is to develop one that fits your needs. Because it’s personal, it should reflect your experience.

Your ethical statement is not simply a list of rules to follow. It should remind you what you believe in and why you believe it.

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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How to Write a Personal Ethics Statement

Eric reeder.

Writing a personal ethics statement can be a thought-provoking experience. How you write it depends on your target audience. If you are writing a personal ethics statement by choice, such as for a book or personal growth, write it in any way you choose as long as it reflects your values. When writing for a job opportunity, an academic course or admission to a program, following basic guidelines can help you craft an acceptable personal ethics statement.

Explore this article

• List Your Values
• Write Your Statement

1 List Your Values

A personal ethics statement should reflect your personal values and morals. It should explain the values that are important to you and should act as a road map for how you conduct your life. Draft an outline spelling out the values that are most important to you and that influence your actions and your interactions with others. Use words or phrases in your outline. For example, if honesty and integrity are important to you, write those down. Or, if you firmly believe that “giving is more important than receiving,” write that down.

2 Write Your Statement

Once you have jotted down your most influential personal values, organize your thoughts and write your statement. Describe the values and ethics you strive to demonstrate and, if appropriate, provide examples of how they affect your daily life. You might start out by declaring, for example, “Because service to others is one of my guiding values, I strive to help people of all types in all situations whenever possible, such as through my charitable donation of money and clothes to help veterans.” Your statement should then demonstrate your guiding ideals and philosophies and show how you put them into practice.

• 1 George Mason University: Your Personal Ethics Statement
• 2 All About Philosophy: How Do I Develop a Personal Code of Ethics?

About the Author

Eric Reeder has worked as an editor, educator and writer for more than 13 years. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of School Administration in educational leadership. Reeder has written numerous nonfiction articles and edited many types of papers and manuscripts.

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15 Code of Ethics Examples (Copy and Paste)

A code of ethics, also known as a code of conduct, is a set of guiding principles that helps a company and its employees maintain a high standard of ethical behavior, integrity, and compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

To write your code of ethics, you need to keep in mind a range of ethical factors including conflicts of interest, confidentiality, transparency, privacy, respect, diversity, and fairness.

Below, I’ll explore some key considerations, then code of ethics examples from 15 different industries.

What to Include in your Code of Ethics

Here are some key elements to include in a code of ethics:

• Vision and mission: Start by outlining the company’s vision and mission, which serve as a foundation for the code of ethics and guide the overall direction of the company.
• Core values: Clearly define the company’s core values, which serve as guiding principles for ethical decision-making and behavior. Examples of core values include integrity , honesty, respect, responsibility, and fairness.
• Compliance with laws and regulations: Emphasize the importance of complying with all applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards, as well as the company’s internal policies and procedures.
• Conflict of interest: Address potential conflicts of interest and provide guidance on how to identify, disclose, and manage them to avoid compromising the company’s interests.
• Confidentiality and privacy: Include provisions for safeguarding confidential and proprietary information, protecting personal data, and respecting privacy rights.
• Fair competition: Encourage ethical business practices and fair competition, including compliance with antitrust and competition laws.
• Anti-bribery and corruption: Establish policies and procedures to prevent bribery, corruption, and other unethical practices in business dealings.
• Respect and diversity: Promote a respectful, inclusive, and diverse work environment, free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.
• Workplace safety and health: Commit to providing a safe and healthy work environment for all employees, in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Environmental stewardship: Encourage sustainable business practices and environmental responsibility, including compliance with relevant environmental laws and regulations.
• Financial integrity and reporting: Maintain accurate financial records and reporting practices in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and accounting standards.
• Intellectual property and copyright: Protect the company’s intellectual property and respect the intellectual property rights of others.
• Reporting and accountability: Establish procedures for reporting ethical concerns or violations, and outline the company’s commitment to investigating and addressing such reports.
• Implementation and enforcement: Describe the roles and responsibilities of management, employees, and stakeholders in implementing and enforcing the code of ethics. Include potential consequences for non-compliance.
• Training and education: Provide ongoing training and education to employees on the company’s code of ethics, policies, and procedures.

A well-crafted code of ethics should be clear, concise, and accessible to all employees. It should be regularly reviewed and updated as needed to ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness.

Code of Ethics Examples

Here are several industries, each with unique considerations when creating a code of ethics:

1. Code of Ethics for Teaching

• Confidentiality: Teachers must protect students’ personal information, as well as respect the confidentiality of their academic performance and progress.
• Professional boundaries: Teachers should maintain appropriate relationships with students, avoiding favoritism and maintaining a clear distinction between personal and professional roles.
• Fair assessment: Teachers must ensure that assessments and grading are transparent, fair, and based on objective criteria.
• Inclusivity: Teachers should create an inclusive learning environment that respects and values diversity, free from discrimination and bias.

See Also: Examples of School Vision and Mission Statements

2. Code of Ethics for Childcare

• Child safety and welfare: Childcare providers must prioritize the safety, health, and well-being of the children in their care, following all applicable laws and regulations related to child protection.
• Positive guidance: Childcare providers should use positive guidance techniques, encouraging appropriate behavior and fostering a supportive and nurturing environment.
• Parent partnerships: Childcare providers should work closely with parents and guardians to address concerns, share information about children’s progress, and support their development.

See Also: Examples of Childcare Vision and Mission Statements

3. Code of Ethics for Nursing

• Patient advocacy: Nurses should advocate for the best interests of their patients, ensuring they receive appropriate care and have access to necessary resources.
• Confidentiality: Nurses must protect patients’ privacy and maintain the confidentiality of their medical information, following applicable laws and regulations.
• Professional competence: Nurses should maintain and develop their professional skills and knowledge, ensuring they provide safe, effective, and evidence-based care .
• Ethical decision-making: Nurses may encounter complex ethical dilemmas in their practice and should follow established ethical guidelines and principles to make informed decisions that prioritize patient well-being.

4. Code of Ethics for Finance

• Transparency : Financial professionals should provide clear, accurate, and timely information to clients, stakeholders, and regulatory authorities.
• Conflict of interest: Financial professionals should disclose and manage any conflicts of interest that could compromise their objectivity or the best interests of their clients.
• Compliance: Financial professionals must adhere to all relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards, including those related to anti-money laundering, fraud prevention, and insider trading.
• Client protection: Financial professionals should prioritize the interests of their clients, acting with integrity and providing suitable financial products and services based on clients’ needs and risk tolerance.

5. Code of Ethics for Engineering

• Public safety: Engineers have a responsibility to ensure that their work prioritizes public safety, health, and welfare, adhering to relevant codes, regulations, and industry standards.
• Environmental stewardship: Engineers should consider the environmental impact of their work, striving to minimize negative effects and promote sustainable practices .
• Competence: Engineers must maintain and develop their professional skills and knowledge, working within the scope of their expertise and seeking assistance when needed.
• Intellectual property: Engineers should respect the intellectual property rights of others and avoid using proprietary information without proper authorization.

6. Code of Ethics for Journalism

• Accuracy: Journalists should strive for accuracy, verifying facts and correcting errors promptly.
• Fairness: Journalists should present news and information objectively, avoiding bias or favoritism.
• Independence: Journalists must maintain their independence , avoiding conflicts of interest that could compromise their objectivity or the integrity of their reporting.
• Protection of sources: Journalists should protect confidential sources and respect their privacy.

7. Code of Ethics for Law Firms

• Client confidentiality: Attorneys must maintain client confidentiality, protecting sensitive information and communications.
• Competence : Attorneys should maintain and develop their professional skills and knowledge, providing competent representation to their clients.
• Conflict of interest: Attorneys must identify, disclose, and manage conflicts of interest to ensure impartial representation.
• Zealous advocacy: Attorneys should represent their clients’ interests zealously within the bounds of the law.

8. Code of Ethics for Doctors

• Patient autonomy : Medical professionals should respect patients’ rights to make informed decisions about their healthcare.
• Beneficence and non-maleficence : Medical professionals should act in the best interest of patients, promoting well-being while minimizing harm.
• Confidentiality: Medical professionals must protect patients’ privacy and maintain the confidentiality of their medical information.
• Professional boundaries: Medical professionals should maintain appropriate relationships with patients, avoiding exploitation or undue influence.

9. Code of Ethics for Real Estate

• Honesty and integrity: Real estate professionals should act with honesty and integrity in all transactions and interactions with clients.
• Disclosure: Real estate professionals must provide accurate and complete information about properties and disclose any relevant material facts.
• Confidentiality: Real estate professionals should protect clients’ confidential information and respect their privacy.
• Fair representation: Real estate professionals must fairly represent all parties involved in a transaction and avoid misleading or deceptive practices.

See Also: Examples of Real Estate Vision and Mission Statements

10. Code of Ethics for Pharmacies

• Patient safety: Pharmaceutical companies should prioritize patient safety and well-being, adhering to rigorous testing, quality control, and regulatory compliance standards.
• Transparency: Pharmaceutical companies should be transparent about their products’ risks, benefits, and potential side effects.
• Ethical marketing: Pharmaceutical companies must ensure that their marketing and promotional activities are accurate, balanced, and not misleading.
• Research integrity: Pharmaceutical companies should promote scientific integrity and transparency in research, including the disclosure of potential conflicts of interest and the reporting of clinical trial results.

11. Code of Ethics for Information Technology

• Data security: IT professionals should prioritize data security and implement appropriate measures to protect sensitive information and systems.
• Privacy: IT professionals must respect users’ privacy and comply with relevant data protection laws and regulations.
• Intellectual property: IT professionals should respect the intellectual property rights of others, including software licenses, copyrights, and patents.
• Ethical development: IT professionals should consider the ethical implications of their work, ensuring that technologies are developed and deployed responsibly and do not harm individuals or society.

12. Code of Ethics for Marketing and advertising

• Truthfulness: Marketers and advertisers should create honest, accurate, and transparent promotional materials that do not mislead or deceive consumers.
• Privacy: Marketers and advertisers must respect consumers’ privacy and comply with data protection laws and regulations.
• Fair competition: Marketers and advertisers should engage in ethical business practices and avoid activities that unfairly harm competitors or manipulate market conditions.
• Social responsibility: Marketers and advertisers should consider the social and environmental impact of their campaigns and promote responsible consumption.

13. Code of Ethics for Construction

• Health and safety: Construction companies should prioritize worker safety and comply with all relevant health and safety regulations.
• Environmental stewardship: Construction companies should minimize their environmental impact by using sustainable materials, reducing waste, and following best practices for environmental management.
• Quality and compliance: Construction companies should adhere to applicable building codes, regulations, and industry standards to ensure the quality and integrity of their projects.
• Fair business practices: Construction companies should engage in ethical procurement, contracting, and employment practices, avoiding bribery, corruption, and collusion.

See Also: Examples of Vision and Mission Statements for Construction Companies

14. Code of Ethics for Hospitality

• Guest experience: Hospitality professionals should prioritize guest satisfaction, delivering exceptional service and addressing concerns promptly.
• Health and safety: Hospitality professionals should maintain a clean and safe environment for guests and employees, adhering to applicable health and safety regulations.
• Privacy: Hospitality professionals must protect guests’ personal information and respect their privacy.
• Inclusivity: Hospitality professionals should create an inclusive environment that welcomes diverse guests and employees, free from discrimination and bias.

15. Code of Ethics for NGOs

• Stewardship of resources: Non-profit organizations should use their resources responsibly and transparently, maximizing the impact of their programs and services.
• Donor relations: Non-profit organizations should maintain open, honest, and respectful relationships with donors, providing accurate information about their activities and impact.
• Conflict of interest: Non-profit organizations must identify, disclose, and manage conflicts of interest that could compromise their mission or reputation.
• Accountability and transparency: Non-profit organizations should be accountable to their stakeholders, including donors, beneficiaries, and the public, and maintain transparent governance and reporting practices.

See Also: Examples of Vision and Mission Statements for NGOs

Each industry has its unique ethical considerations, and a code of ethics should address these specific concerns in addition to general ethical principles.

Complete Code of Ethics Example

Morning Joe Coffee Shop’s Code of Ethics

1. Vision and mission

Our vision is to create a welcoming, vibrant, and sustainable coffee shop that serves high-quality coffee and provides exceptional customer experiences. Our mission is to cultivate strong relationships with our customers, employees, and suppliers while fostering a sense of community and social responsibility.

2. Core values

• Quality: We are dedicated to providing the highest quality coffee and products.
• Customer satisfaction: We strive to exceed customer expectations at all times.
• Integrity: We are honest, transparent, and ethical in all aspects of our business.
• Respect: We treat everyone with kindness, dignity, and respect.
• Sustainability: We are committed to minimizing our environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices.

3. Compliance with laws and regulations

We will adhere to all applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards governing our business, including food safety, labor, and employment regulations.

4. Conflict of interest

We will actively identify, disclose, and manage any conflicts of interest that could compromise the best interests of our coffee shop, customers, or employees.

5. Confidentiality and privacy

We will protect the personal and financial information of our customers and employees, as well as proprietary information relating to our business operations.

6. Fair competition

We will engage in fair and ethical business practices, avoiding any practices that could harm our competitors or compromise the integrity of our industry.

7. Anti-bribery and corruption

We will not engage in bribery, corruption, or other unethical business practices. We will conduct our business with integrity and transparency.

8. Respect and diversity

We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse work environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity, free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.

9. Workplace safety and health

We will maintain a safe, clean, and healthy work environment for our employees and customers, in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

10. Environmental stewardship

We will strive to minimize our environmental impact by implementing sustainable practices, such as reducing waste, using eco-friendly packaging, and sourcing ethically-produced coffee beans.

11. Financial integrity and reporting

We will maintain accurate financial records and reporting practices, ensuring the financial health and stability of our coffee shop.

12. Intellectual property and copyright

We will respect the intellectual property rights of others, including copyrighted materials, trademarks, and patents.

13. Reporting and accountability

We encourage employees and stakeholders to report any ethical concerns or violations. We commit to investigating and addressing such reports in a timely and fair manner.

14. Implementation and enforcement

All employees, managers, and stakeholders share responsibility for implementing and enforcing this code of ethics. We will hold everyone accountable for their actions, and consequences will be applied for non-compliance.

15. Training and education

We will provide ongoing training and education to our employees on our code of ethics, policies, and procedures to ensure a strong ethical culture within our coffee shop.

Your code of ethics depends upon your industry and its unique relationship with shareholders and customers. It needs to be sensitive to the dangers and risks in the industry as well as your responsibilities to your community. You can sum it up in a simple credo , or a complete list of values that you’ll commit to upholding.

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 5 Top Tips for Succeeding at University
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1 thought on “15 Code of Ethics Examples (Copy and Paste)”

Thank you Dr. Drew for this invaluable information. This will truly be one of the guidelines in our NGO organization journey.

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Personal Integrity Statement

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The Personal Integrity Statement [1]  is a private pledge to be retained by the person making the pledge.

Download ,  print  and  sign  the pledge.

I acknowledge that my career and my life must have a purpose greater than serving myself. My goal will be to serve the greater good by bringing together people and resources to create value that no single individual can build alone. Therefore I will seek a course that enhances the value I and others can create for society over the long term. As I reconcile the interests of different constituencies, I will face difficult choices.

Therefore I promise:

• I will act with utmost integrity and pursue my work in an honest and ethical manner.
• I will obey the letter and spirit of the law.
• I will take responsibility for my actions and consider the effects on others.
• I will strive to create a sustainable economic and social environment.
• I will be accountable to myself and to my peers for living by this oath.

This oath I make freely, and upon my honor.

Signature________________________________________

Date____________________________________________

1. Adapted from the MBA Oath taken by students at Harvard University.

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