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