Understanding Codes of Conduct

Companies and organizations often have Codes of Conduct by which employees and members are bound. These are often ethical guidelines and mission statements which can be both inclusive and exclusive to any potential job seekers. Most people realize that doctors and lawyers have to be licensed and are duty-bound to adhere to certain practices that go along with their professions. For example, most physicians have years of study and training following the Hippocratic Oath and principles such as "first, do no harm." Lawyers not only have to pass the State's Bar exam, but need personal references and a clean record free from questionable ethics. Outstanding child support payments and forgetting to file tax documents for domestic help have kept many otherwise highly qualified people from serving in positions which require honor and integrity.

There are many other professions which require certain Codes of Conduct. Banks usually require some kind of credit-worthy background check and officers are held to a higher standard of fiduciary accountability. Many people do not realize that even stock brokers and insurance salespeople must undergo an examination, criminal background check, fingerprinting and so forth. Any time someone is operating in a position of responsibility which may have tremendous adverse influence on another's well-being and financial security you can bet that either the city, county or federal government has some kind of oversight with a code of conduct to follow.

In today's economy, many people are thinking about changing jobs into something a little more secure, like nursing or teaching. Before you make the switch, you may want to consider that even teachers have certain obligations which require them to obtain further educational coursework. Like attorneys who must take a certain amount of class hours to retain their licenses, the same is true of many other professionals. Unless your employer is willing to pay for the coursework, you may end up having to pay for the classes out of pocket.

Signing a Code of Conduct obligates you to follow the companies standards and rules. Churches and other nonprofits are even allowed to demand that you believe as they do in order to maintain agreement between members and the best way of reaching organizational goals. Do not be surprised if you are asked questions that might otherwise be considered illegal, such as your "commitment to Christ." Most jobs today ask if you have ever been convicted of a crime and lying about such statements, if discovered, can get you fired so it is always best to answer honestly. Although age, health and pregnancy might appear to be non issues today, it certainly would be in your best interest ethically tomorrow to admit you cannot climb stairs or lift heavy packages. Sometimes the job requires a valid driver license, ability to stand for long periods of time not to mention special expertise.

The best codes of conduct are those which are self-governing. You should not have to be told that it is unethical to steal from your employer or clients or use your position professionally as some kind of springboard to advertising and self-profiteering. For example, those in the military, police and firefighters should not show favoritism or endorse certain products for personal gain. Government officials have to give periodic and public financial statements so that their constituents can see they are not being unduly influenced by lobbyists and monopolies. Even when unethical people sneak by their overseers, the IRS may be waiting to take a look.

Even journalists have a code of conduct. "I believe that the journalism which succeeds the best and best deserves success fears God and honors man, is stoutly independent, unmoved by pride of opinion or greed of power, constructive, tolerant but never careless, self-controlled, patient, always respectful of its readers but always unafraid, is quickly indignant at injustice, is unswayed by the appeal of the privileged or the clamor of the mob, seeks to give every man a chance, and as far as law, an honest wage and recognition of human brotherhood can make it so, an equal chance, is profoundly patriotic while sincerely promoting international good will and cementing world-comradeship, is a journalism of humanity, of and for today's world. From "A Creed for My Profession: Walter Williams, Journalist to the World," by Ronald T. Farrar, University of Missouri Press(1998).

You can find out if your company or organization has a Code of Conduct by calling their personnel office or looking online. Do not agree to anything which may make you feel uncomfortable. Do not give permission for the release of medical records, financial statements or other confidential information if you feel it might embarrass, humiliate or incriminate yourself. Do not start a job you know you are unethically qualified to keep.