Ethical codes are adopted by organizations to assist members in understanding the difference between 'right' and 'wrong' and in applying that understanding to their decisions. An ethical code generally implies documents at three levels: codes of business ethics, codes of conduct for employees, and codes of professional practice.
Many companies use the phrases 'ethical code' and 'code of conduct' interchangeably but it may be useful to make a distinction. A code of ethics will start by setting out the values that underpin the code and will describe a company's obligation to its stakeholders. The code is publicly available and addressed to anyone with an interest in the company's activities and the way it does business. It will include details of how the company plans to implement its values and vision, as well as guidance to staff on ethical standards and how to achieve them. However, a code of conduct is generally addressed to and intended for employees alone. It usually sets out restrictions on behavior, and will be far more compliance or rules focused than value or principle focused.
A code of practice is adopted by a profession or by a governmental or non-governmental organization to regulate that profession. A code of practice may be styled as a code of professional responsibility, which will discuss difficult issues, difficult decisions that will often need to be made, and provide a clear account of what behavior is considered "ethical" or "correct" or "right" in the circumstances. In a membership context, failure to comply with a code of practice can result in expulsion from the professional organization. In its 2007 International Good Practice Guidance, Defining and Developing an Effective Code of Conduct for Organizations, the International Federation of Accountants provided the following working definition: "Principles, values, standards, or rules of behavior that guide the decisions, procedures and systems of an organization in a way that (a) contributes to the welfare of its key stakeholders, and (b) respects the rights of all constituents affected by its operations." Listed below are a few examples of professional codes from the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).
Minimize Harm (Honesty) - Public Relations Society of America Code of Ethics – It is possible to get the truth out without having to put someone’s life and reputation in jeopardy.
Proper Conduct (Patience) - Public Relations Society of America Code of Ethics – Being able to work under individuals and get the job done despite differences will help you move forward in the long run with your career. Being patient and being able to listen and make the right decisions make a better PR.
Enhancing Professional Relationships (kindness) - public relations society of America Code of Ethics – being able to get along with your clients, gain their trust and them being able to confide in you and get the best possible results from your services always starts with kindness. Being able to get along with the individual is beneficial to both yourself and the client.
Show Loyalty (Faithfulness) - Public Relations Society of America Code of Ethics - be faithful to those we represent, while honoring our obligation to serve the public interest.
Act Fairly (Fairness) - Public Relations Society of America Code of Ethics - deal fairly with clients, employers, competitors, peers, vendors, the media, and the general public. Respect all opinions and support the right of free expression.
Act Independently (Courage) - Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics – being independent and taking on your own ventures and missions to get the story takes courage. This means that you take risks to get the job done.
Minimize Harm (Honesty) - Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics - Balance the public’s need for information against potential harm or discomfort. Pursuit of the news is not a license for arrogance or undue intrusiveness. Balance a suspect’s right to a fair trial with the public’s right to know. Consider the implications of identifying criminal suspects before they face legal charges.
Act Independently (Independency) - Society of Professional Journalist Code of Ethics - Avoid conflicts of interest, real or perceived. Disclose unavoidable conflicts.
Applied ethics
Media ethics
Aviators Model Code of Conduct
Bushidō
Code of Conduct for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and NGOs in Disaster Relief
Code of the U.S. Fighting Force
Declaration of Geneva
Egyptian code of Ma'at
Eight Precepts
Ethic of reciprocity (Golden Rule)
Five Precepts
Hippocratic Oath
ICC Cricket Code of Conduct
Institute of Internal Auditors, Code of Ethics
International Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation (ICOC or Hague Code of Conduct)
Israel Defense Forces - Code of Conduct
Judaism's Noahide Law
Journalist's Creed
Moral Code of the Builder of Communism
Patimokkha
Thomas Percival
Pirate code of the Brethren
Psychiatrists' Ethics - Madrid Declaration on Ethical Standards for Psychiatric Practice
Quran of Islam
Rule of St. Benedict
Silver Rule
Ten Commandments
Ten American-Indian commandments
Ten Precepts (Buddhism)
Ten Precepts (Taoism)
Uniform Code of Military Justice
Warrior code
Yamas and niyama of the Hindu scriptures
