INTRODUCTION TO PROFESSIONAL ETHICS

Personal ethics refers to an individual's moral principles, beliefs, and values that guide decision-making in their personal life. This ethical framework is shaped by various factors, including upbringing, cultural background, personal experiences, and religious or philosophical beliefs.

Click the link and watch the video Yes, Even When Nobody is Watching    

Source: Dawne Ware: Ethics: Yes, Even When Nobody is Watching | TED Talk

Practical assignemt 1.2. Now run the test on your own personal ethics:

So, the key aspects of personal ethics are:

• Foundation of behavior -  personal ethics provides a foundational guide for how individuals conduct themselves. It dictates their actions and responses in various situations, helping them to act consistently with their beliefs about what is right and wrong.

• Influence of core values - at the heart of personal ethics are core values, which are the fundamental principles that an individual prioritizes. These values—such as honesty, compassion, respect, and integrity—reflect what a person holds dear and influence their decisions and interactions with others.

• Role of individual priorities - each person’s personal ethics is shaped by their unique priorities and beliefs. These priorities often arise from a combination of personal experiences, cultural backgrounds, and societal influences, making personal ethics a deeply individualized concept.

• Impact on relationships - personal ethics significantly affects how individuals relate to others. Shared values can enhance connections and trust, while differing values may lead to conflicts or misunderstandings. Ethical considerations inform how individuals treat friends, family, colleagues, and strangers.

• Guiding principles in decision-making - in times of ethical dilemmas or challenging situations, personal ethics serves as a guiding principle. Individuals refer to their values to help navigate complex choices, providing clarity on what actions are aligned with their moral beliefs.

• Adaptability and growth - personal ethics is not static; it can evolve over time as individuals grow and encounter new experiences. This adaptability allows for a deeper understanding of ethics and encourages continuous reflection and re-evaluation of one's values and beliefs.

• Social and cultural context - while personal ethics is inherently individual, it is influenced by broader social and cultural contexts. Individuals may adopt or adapt their values in response to the norms and expectations of their communities, reflecting a balance between personal convictions and social responsibility.

Improving personal ethics involves a conscious effort to reflect on one’s values, beliefs, and behaviors, and to make deliberate changes that enhance moral integrity. Here are advisable steps, along with key aspects to consider for effective improvement:

Steps to Improve Personal Ethics