Does a code of ethics have a place in the professional world or should professionals simply be expected to behave in the same ethical manner as a person outside of the office? There are several positions on this debate. One position states that a code of ethics is irrelevant and even troublesome in that it tends to confuse ethics with issues of the law, while another asserts that a separate "code" for professionals is useless since professionals have no special rights or duties separate from those rights and duties of an ordinary person. Still another viewpoint on the subject suggests that a code of ethics should be understood as conventions between professionals and protects members of a profession from certain consequences of competition and protects individuals from putting business concerns ahead of professional ethics (Illinois Institute of Technology). Understanding the fundamental debate of a code of ethics itself is useful because it then illuminates the diversity and complexity of the particulars of the practice of business ethics in the workplace, government, and community.
Who is responsible for acting ethically? Is it the manager, the "company," the stockholders? Ultimately, it is every individual. Each person is responsible for his or her own actions, including professional ethics. There are three "R's" when thinking of ethics that may help guide professionals in the right direction.
The first "R" stands for Respect. Each worker must have an attitude of respect applied to people, organizational resources, and the environment. To act with respect means to treat everyone û customers, coworkers, and vendors û with dignity and courtesy. It also means to use company supplies, equipment, time, and money appropriately, efficiently, and for business use only. Being respectful is further applied to the work environment by protecting and improving the work environment, and abiding by laws, rules and regulations tha...