PROFESSIONAL ETHICS CODES

1. Professional ethics codes

An ethics or code of conduct is a fundamental tool for instilling the value of clarity within an organization: it identifies the standards of good practice and creates a safe working environment. The ethics codes of different organizations have both common and specific characteristics. The specific traits depend on the nature of the organization (or profession) and its activities.

1.1. The role of ethical codes

The ethics code outlines the principles of operation, their definitions, and the rules established based on them. Examples illustrating these rules should help achieve the organization's objectives. Therefore, to create an effective ethics code, it is important that the organization’s values, expressed in its goals and mission, are detailed — that is, the principles, values, and rules must be clearly defined, and their application scenarios discussed (e.g., in ethics training).

1.2. Purpose of Ethics Codes

The purpose of ethics codes is to establish the relationships among members of a profession or organization and to mediate their interactions with society. Behavioral standards function not only within the internal operations of the organization but are also intended for a broader audience (e.g., customers, suppliers, patients, clients). If an organization has an ethics code, it indicates that it demonstrates the profession's responsibility to society and strives for more transparent and fair practices among its representatives.

Objectives of an Ethics Code:

• Encourage ethical behavior and deter misconduct.
• Assist in decision-making processes.
• Serve as a tool for combating corruption.
• Manage conflicts of interest.
• Control and regulate behavior (through self-regulation).
• Promote competence (professional development).
• Maintain a positive image and reputation for the organization/profession.
• Help gain a competitive advantage and foster fair competition.
• Encourage socially responsible activities.

Do some practice. Practical task. Work-life balance

Objective of the task: to help you identify areas where you can focus your efforts for better balance.

1.3. Structure and Content of Ethics Codes

Ethics Codes Typically Include the Following Main Sections:

1. Introduction

   • Defines the organization’s mission and values.
   • Explains the importance and objectives of the ethics code.

2. Core Principles

   • Lists the core values and ethical principles that guide the organization (e.g., integrity, transparency, accountability).

3. Behavioral Rules

   • Specifies the concrete standards of behavior and rules that members of the organization must adhere to (e.g., confidentiality, avoidance of conflicts of interest).

4. Responsibilities and Duties

   • Defines the responsibilities and duties of each member related to adherence to ethical principles.

5. Violation Management

   • Establishes procedures for handling violations of the ethics code, including mechanisms for reporting violations and disciplinary measures.

How it works?

The method is easy to use and requires no special tools, making it accessible to individuals and teams across industries. It forces you to go beyond superficial fixes and examine the deeper causes that, if not addressed, could lead to repeated issues. By targeting the root cause, this technique helps prevent the same problem from happening again in the future. The method encourages teams to work together in asking and answering the "Whys," fostering a deeper understanding of the issue. 

In essence, the 5 Whys Analysis transforms a reactive approach to problems into a proactive one, enabling individuals or teams to develop long-term solutions by addressing issues at their source.

Do some practice. Why project deadline was missed?

Do some practice. Practical task. 5 Whys Analysis

Objective of the task: to practice using the 5 Whys tool to identify the deeper cause of a problem rather than just addressing its surface symptoms.

1.4. Examples of Ethics Codes

• Ethics Code of the Civil Service of the Republic of Lithuania
  This code establishes the fundamental principles that civil servants must follow to ensure fair and responsible service activities. The code emphasizes principles such as impartiality, integrity, responsibility, and transparency.

• Ethics Code of Lithuanian Lawyers
  This code defines the principles and rules of professional activity for lawyers, aiming to ensure honest, independent, and qualified legal assistance. The main principles of the code include the independence of lawyers, confidentiality, prioritizing client interests, and collegiality.

• Ethics Code of Lithuanian Medical Professionals
  The code outlines the principles of professional activity for medical personnel to ensure patient safety and respectful, professional care. The main principles of the code include respect for patient autonomy, confidentiality, integrity, and professionalism.

The SCAMPER framework

How SCAMPER works

The SCAMPER method encourages a structured yet flexible approach to brainstorming, offering prompts that guide the user to consider various angles and possibilities. It’s particularly effective when trying to innovate existing products, services, or processes, as it systematically explores changes that could lead to improvements.

Here’s how to apply the SCAMPER technique:

• Select an item or problem: identify the product, service, or process that you want to improve or explore.
• Apply each of the SCAMPER prompts: ask questions based on each SCAMPER category (e.g., What can I substitute? What can I eliminate?) and write down all potential ideas, without judgment.

Source: https://byt.lt/ZJ7qK

• Review and evaluate: after brainstorming using the SCAMPER prompts, evaluate the ideas you generated. Some may lead directly to viable solutions or innovations.

Benefits of SCAMPER

• Versatile: SCAMPER can be used for brainstorming new ideas or improving existing products, processes, or services.
• Easy to use: it provides a structured yet creative framework for generating ideas, making it accessible for individuals or teams.
• Boosts innovation: by systematically exploring alternatives, SCAMPER encourages out-of-the-box thinking and can lead to novel solutions.

In essence, the SCAMPER method is a simple yet effective tool to stimulate creative thinking and solve problems by prompting users to view challenges from new and diverse angles.

Do some practice. Practical task. SCAMPER Technique

Objective of the task: to use the SCAMPER technique to creatively brainstorm new and practical features.

1.5. Benefits of an Ethics Code

Regulates behavior. An ethics code helps establish clear standards and norms of conduct that all members of the organization must adhere to.

Promotes trust. It fosters trust among members of the organization, clients, and the public by ensuring fair and transparent practices.

Helps resolve conflicts. The code provides a basis for addressing ethical issues and conflicts that may arise in the organization’s activities.

Cultivates culture. It contributes to the development of an ethical and responsible organizational culture by promoting awareness and accountability among employees.

Tips for Leaders

Practical task. Use the dialogue cards below to reinforce your understanding of ethical codes.

Practical task. Choose the correct answers for the topic "Ethical Code Goals and Purpose".