Professional ethics refers to the set of norms and values that improve the development of professional activities. It is in charge of determining the ethical guidelines that should govern within the work environment. These guidelines are based on universal values that human beings possess.
Ethics is the science in charge of studying the behaviors of human beings under norms that contribute to social harmony. The work ethic is fundamental in anyone who wants to work, since it implies the practice of values such as responsibility, punctuality, honesty, perseverance, character, justice, discretion.
Responsibility is an essential part when we talk about professional ethics, since it will allow each person to carry out their work fairly and professionally.
Conflicts usually appear when there are discrepancies between professional ethics and personal ethics. In such cases, people must take action, such as conscientious objection, if they believe that they are not acting correctly. Here are 4 fundamental principles of professional ethics;
1. Respect
Respect is a fundamental value that must be observed in all professional interactions.
This means treating all colleagues, customers and suppliers with equality and dignity, without discrimination of any kind.
Cultivate this principle in your business. To do this, you must encourage listening and consideration of the opinions of others. As a professional or leader in a group of entrepreneurs, avoid attitudes or actions that may offend or harm other people.
Another important aspect of respect as a fundamental principle of professional ethics has to do with responsibility and compliance with established commitments and agreements.
Consider always respecting the agreements you make and help your team members to keep in mind this fundamental value. With this you will be able to foster trust and collaboration in your professional relationships.
Principle of respect in our business
The principle of respect is necessary to maintain a professional and healthy workspace. The value of respect will make both your collaborators and your clients feel valued when performing a task or receiving your products or services.
A healthy work environment can favor the performance of your workers as well as a greater retention capacity. At the same time, you can improve the reputation of your business or organization as a workplace that everyone loves.
Some ideas to implement respect in your workplace:
- Treat everyone with respect, courtesy and kindness.
- Encourage co-workers to participate and share their opinions and ideas.
- Listen carefully before speaking and do not interrupt others.
- Use the ideas of others to improve the work and recognize their contribution.
- Avoid insults, criticism and contempt for others or their ideas.
- Be aware of body language, tone of voice, and demeanor in all interactions.
- Improve empathy and understanding of co-workers.
- Treat everyone fairly and equitably.
- Include everyone in activities and provide equal opportunities.
- Encourage recognition and praise among employees and supervisors.
2. Justice
Another of the fundamental principles of professional ethics is justice. Let’s put it in terms that are easy to understand. Justice means giving each person his due.
Justice and equity are terms we have to talk about when mentioning this principle.
On the one hand, justice has been used as a standard of rectitude and on the other, fairness has been used as the ability to make judgments beyond our own feelings and interests.
What is the principle that governs justice?
For many years, the most basic principle of justice has been the following: We must treat all people equally.
Let’s give an example. Let’s say you have two collaborators in your sales department. Their names don’t matter, however, let’s say they are a man and a woman: Carlos and Camila.
They both do the same job and there are no significant differences between them, so they should earn the same salary.
If Carlos is paid more than Camila, because he is a man or because he is white, then we are dealing with an act of injustice because race and gender are not relevant in the situations that we propose in this example.
How to implement justice in our business
To implement the value of fairness in a venture, you can follow these steps:
- Establish clear and fair policies: It is important to have clear and fair policies for all aspects of the business, including salaries, work hours, promotions, among others.
- Treat everyone fairly and equally: It is essential to treat all employees, customers and suppliers equally, without discrimination and without harming anyone. This includes offering equal opportunities and a safe and inclusive work environment.
- Be fair in solving problems: when problems or conflicts arise, they must be resolved fairly and equitably, listening to all parties involved and making decisions that are fair.
- Offer a fair product or service: that is, offer a high-quality product or service at a fair price, without misleading customers or lying with false or exaggerated descriptions of the product.
- Comply with laws and regulations: including labor, tax and data protection laws.
3. Responsibility
Responsibility is a key aspect of professional ethics.
A responsible professional is responsible for carrying out their work competently and effectively, adequately fulfilling their tasks and responsibilities.
In addition, this professional also thinks about the well-being of their users and the well-being of society in general, guaranteeing that their work fulfills the internal good of their profession and contributes positive value to society. Responsibility in professional ethics is essential to build relationships of trust with your clients, colleagues and suppliers.
By taking responsibility for your actions, you are showing your commitment to ethical and professional performance, and you are helping to create a fair and equitable work environment.
Responsibility also has to do with our ability not to do evil. As professionals, we must not only seek the good of our clients, we must also try not to do harm.
Let’s imagine a large company, responsible for the well-being of its workers, that does not care about the impact that its production system is having on the environment.
Said company is concerned with doing good to its workers, partners and customers, however, it consciously does harm to the environment that surrounds it.
This situation, in the long term, ends up becoming unsustainable.
How to achieve more responsibility in the workplace?
An effective way to gain the trust of your collaborators, colleagues and clients is to align your actions with the following values: responsibility, initiative, effective communication and problem solving. In this way, you will be able to stand out and open your way to opportunities for growth in your career and in your business.
Let’s see how you can do this.
- Demonstrate your ability and commitment: By completing your tasks efficiently and on time, you will be able to demonstrate your ability and commitment to your business.
- Communicate effectively: maintain clear and effective communication with your colleagues and superiors, sharing your ideas and suggestions to improve processes and solve problems.
- Be proactive and take initiatives: Demonstrate your initiative and proactivity by looking for new projects and challenges, and by taking the initiative in solving problems.
- Show your ability to solve problems: demonstrate your analytical skills and your ability to solve problems: it will be valued by your superiors or other team members.
- Continuously Learn: Stay current and continue to develop professionally to be prepared for new responsibilities.
By applying these strategies, you will be able to prove your worth and skills, which will increase the chances of having more responsibilities in the workplace, as well as mentoring others in your company.
4. Honesty
Honesty is one of the 4 fundamental principles of professional ethics. We are honest when we practice being transparent and sincere in all our actions and decisions, especially in the professional sphere.
This means being true to our values and commitments, not cheating or lying to your colleagues, clients or superiors.
In digital entrepreneurship, honesty is essential to build trusting relationships with your customers.
For example, you should not use deceptive techniques in your advertisements or misrepresent information about your products or services. In addition, you must be clear and transparent in your privacy and data protection policies, and ensure that your customers can trust you and your business practices.
By practicing honesty in your business, you not only build trusting relationships, but you also strengthen your reputation and become an ethical leader in your industry. In the end, honesty is key to long-term success in digital entrepreneurship.
How to apply honesty in my company or workplace?
Implementing honesty, as part of professional ethics in your company, has a significant impact on the success of your business.
This perception of honesty can affect your relationships with suppliers, customers and your collaborators.
Therefore, it is essential to work together to build honest and ethical relationships in the company, which will be valued and appreciated by all who are part of it.
Let’s see how you can implement honesty in your business:
- Establish a clear code of conduct: Define your company’s values and expectations for honesty, and make sure you communicate effectively to all employees what you are about to implement.
- Foster Transparency: Fosters an environment where everyone can share information and opinions openly and candidly.
- Recognize and reward honesty: Encouraging and recognizing employees who act ethically and honestly can help strengthen a culture of ethics in the company.
- Take action against corruption: Establish clear measures and procedures to deal with corruption and ensure that action is taken when dishonest behavior is detected.
- Being a good role model – As a leader, it is important that you are a good role model in terms of honesty and professional ethics.