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Professional Ethics F-PFE301 final

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Contents

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Page No.

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Module-1: Philosophy and Ethics 01
1.1 Introduction to Philosophy

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1.2 Origin and Benifits of Ethics

1.3 Ethics: Definition, Moral Philosophy, Nature of Moral Judgments and Reactions.

1.4 Theories of Ethics (Utilitarian Theory,Right Theory & Casuist Theory)

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1.5 Freedom in Ethical Discourse

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Module-2: Ethical Issues and Practices at Workplace 12
2.1 Ethical Dilemma’s

2.2 Challenges in Ethical Decision Making

2.3 Redressal of Grievances

2.4 Employee Rights

2.5 Conflicts of Interest rs

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2.6 Employee Relationship at Workplace

Module-3: Code of Ethics 29

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3.1 Principle of Ethics

3.2 Compliance Based and Values Based Code of Ethics

3.3 Professional Obligation & Role of Regulatory Authority

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3.4 Respect for Privacy & Confidentiality

3.5 Inform Consent

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3.6 Debriefing

Module-4: Sustainable Practices 39

4.1 Green Practices
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4.2 Ethics to Handle VUCA Environment

4.3 Importance of Sustainability & Sustainable Business Practices

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4.4 Corporate Social Responsibility

4.5 Inclusive Development

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Module-5: Ethics in Different Domain 53

5.1 Roles of Ethics In Law, Journalism & Management

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5.2 Roles of Ethics In Science, Enterpreneurship & Psychology

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5.3 Role of Ethics In Different Domain

5.4 Role of Ethics In Research,Medicine & Engineering

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Professional Ethics 1

Module - I: Philosophy and Ethics

Notes

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Learning Objectives:

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At the end of this topic, you will be able to understand:

● Introduction to Philosophy

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● Origin and Benefits of Ethics
● Definition, Moral Philosophy, Nature of Moral Judgments and Reactions of Ethics

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● Theories of Ethics (Utilitarian Theory, Right Theory & Casuist Theory)
● Freedom in Ethical Discourse

Introduction

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Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental problems, such as those
connected with existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind and language. It is the
rational attempt to formulate, understand, and answer fundamental questions. Oxford
Dictionary defines philosophy as “that department of knowledge which deals with
ultimate reality, or with the most general causes and principles of things.”

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Morality and ethics have a lot in common. Whereas it formerly would have been
more correct to speak of moral judgements or moral principles, it is now usual to refer to
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ethical judgements or ethical principles.

1.1: Introduction to Philosophy

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● Western philosophy was born in Greece; the term ‘philosophy’ also has its roots
in Greece and the Greek language. It is quite commonly known that Philosophia
etymologically means ‘love of wisdom’ (Philia + Sophia).
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● According to tradition, Pythagoras was the first to describe himself as a philosopher.

● Philosophers are normal human beings like you and me. They only think
differently. Philosophers are intellectuals and not saints.
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● Philosophy is an intellectual enterprise.

● It is analytical and investigative in nature.
● It is explanatory.
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Nature of Philosophy
1. Set of beliefs about life and the universe, which are often held uncritically: Usually
)A

when a person says “my philosophy is”, he or she is referring to a personal attitude
to whatever topic is being discussed.
2. Process of reflecting on and criticising our most deeply held conceptions and beliefs:
There are 2 senses of philosophy; “having” and “doing”. Having a philosophy is
not sufficient for doing philosophy. A genuine philosophical attitude is searching
(c

and critical; it is open-minded and tolerant – willing to look at all sides of an issue
without prejudice.

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2 Professional Ethics

3. Rational attempt to look at the world as a whole: Philosophers wish to see life, not
Notes with the specialised slant of a scientist or businessperson or the artist, but with an

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overall view of someone cognizant of life as a totality

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4. Logical analysis of language and the clarification of the meaning of words and
concepts: This is one of the functions of philosophy. Philosophers use methods of
analysis and have sought to clarify the meaning of terms and the use of language.

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Benefits of Philosophy
● It gives shape to one’s life: one’s philosophy of life moulds one’s attitudes and

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convictions, it has to be developed, which is possible only by coming into contact
with the way in which philosophers have thought.
● Ability to make the human mind sharp and disciplined: Study of philosophy gives
a depth to one’s thinking and acting—in one’s being. Besides giving depth,

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philosophy disciplines the mind in such a way that it is able to understand every
other discipline of knowledge. Philosophy enables a person to have the clarity of
concepts and precision of expressions. Such precision and clarity will be seen in
thinking, speaking and acting. Thus, philosophy enters practical life as well.

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● Enables to think carefully and clearly about important issues.
● We take a step back from our everyday thinking and explore the deeper, bigger
questions which underpin our thought.
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● Focus if philosophy is to learn not what to believe, but how to think.
● Prompts you to work across disciplinary boundaries and to think flexibly and
creatively about problems which do not present immediate solutions.
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1.2: Origin and Benefits of Ethics

Origin of Ethics
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● Ethics discusses the criteria of right and good. Ethics is derived from the Greek
word “Ethos” which means customs, character, usages or habits.
●
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Ethics is the area of philosophy which investigates the principles governing human
actions in terms of their goodness, badness, rightness, and wrongness, duties and
obligations.

Benefits of Ethics
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● Most of us would agree that it is ethics in practice that makes sense; just having it
carefully drafted and redrafted in books may not serve the purpose. Of course, all of us
want businesses to be fair, clean and beneficial to ety. For that to happen, organizations
)A

need to abide by ethics or rule of law, engage themselves in fair practices and
competition; all of which will benefit the consumer, the society and organization.
● Primarily it is the individual, the consumer, the employee or the human social unit
of the society who benefits from ethics.
●
(c

Satisfying Basic Human Needs: Being fair, honest and ethical is one the basic
human needs. Every employee desire to be such himself and to work for an
organization that is fair and ethical in its practices.
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Professional Ethics 3

● Creating Credibility: An organization that is believed to be driven by moral values

is respected in the society even by those who may have no information about the Notes

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working and the businesses or an organization. Infosys, for example is perceived
as an organization for good corporate governance and social responsibility

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initiatives. This perception is held far and wide even by those who do not even
know what business the organization is into.
●

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Uniting People and Leadership: An organisation driven by values is revered by its
employees also. They are the common thread that brings the employees and the
decision makers on a common platform. This goes a long way in aligning behaviors
within the organization towards achievement of one common goal or mission.

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● Improving Decision Making: A man’s destiny is the sum total of all the decisions
that he/she takes in course of his life. The same holds true for organizations.
Decisions are driven by values. For example, an organization that does not value

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competition will be fierce in its operations aiming to wipe out its competitors and
establish a monopoly in the market.
● Long Term Gains: Organizations guided by ethics and values are profitable in the
long run, though in the short run they may seem to lose money. Tata group, one

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of the largest business conglomerates in India was seen on the verge of decline
at the beginning of 1990’s, which soon turned out to be otherwise. The same
company’s Tata NANO car was predicted as a failure, and failed to do well but the
same is picking up fast now.
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● Securing the Society: Often ethics succeeds law in safeguarding the society.
The law machinery is often found acting as a mute spectator, unable to save
the society and the environment. Technology, for example is growing at such a
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fast pace that the by the time law comes up with a regulation we have a newer
technology with new threats replacing the older one. Lawyers and public interest
litigations may not help a great deal but ethics can.
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Benefits of Ethics in Workplace

1. Team Work will develop: When all the workers do their jobs in a responsible way, then
a time comes when they have achieved the target way before the given deadline,
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then a question arises What Next? So, the situation automatically bonds up all the
individuals into a team.
2. Decision-making and implementation are always easy: Whenever there is a need
to take a big decision then the best one made is by the advice of the employees
of the company, and what will be better than every single employee respecting the
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decision and supporting the company to go ahead with their decision.

3. Less Legal Issues: When everything is managed and systematic then all the
)A

paperwork and the legal formalities are the primary things which are considered the
most, so there is no question of any legal issues.
4. The company will Touch New level of Success: When your employees become experts
in their respective works and respective fields, then their dedication and will, to do the
work will show true colours and give more fruitful results. There is no one left negative:
(c

When people are detached from one another and someone gets negative regarding
the companies’ work then it has been seen that from that single negative employee

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4 Professional Ethics

many are affected. Thus, there is a sudden decline in the working of the employees,
Notes but when everything is good to go and everyone is concerned about one another

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then things become systematic and in case if someone gets negative, the positive
and supportive environment works as a boost up for the person and again he/she

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starts working to their best.
5. Public Image and Brand Value Increases: an increase in the public image and an
increase in the customer base is directly proportional to an increase in brand value.

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In simpler words when you gain popularity amongst your customers you start to
develop your company into a brand.
6. Productivity will increase: When the working staff and the workers value the work

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given to them and then they will do all the given work in time and achieve their set
targets, this will greatly affect the sales and the productivity of the company.
7. Adaptive to changes: Workers with professional ethics in the workplace are definitely

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the master key to the lock of success. The team of understanding, trustworthy,
reliable, motivate, concern and responsible people will defiantly adapt themselves
into any kind of position and work they are filled with.
8. Trouble-free working environment: Generally, where everyone is unknown and

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moreover no one wants to know each other there are higher chances of great
trouble and where there is a friendly, respectful and great workplace or environment
between the employees there are fewer chances of the least troubles from the
employees’ end.
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1.3: Ethics: Definition, Moral Philosophy,
Nature of Moral Judgments and Reactions.
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What is Ethics
● Ethics is concerned with discovering the principles that should govern human
conduct and with the investigation of normative issues involving value judgment.
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● It is related to human conduct, character and values. Ethics also explores into the
problem of practical life i.e., morality.

Branches of Philosophy
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1. Epistemology
◌ The theory of knowledge, especially with regard to its methods, validity, and
scope and the distinction between justified belief and opinion.
◌
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Comes from the Greek word episteme, meaning “knowledge” and logy means
“science or study”.
◌ It studies the sources, nature, and validity of knowledge.
)A

2. Metaphysics
◌ Meaning “comprehensive thinking about the nature of things”.
◌ It is usually the study or theory of reality.
◌ It attempts to offer a comprehensive view of all that exists.
(c

◌ It is concerned with such problems as the relation to matter, the nature of

change, the meaning of “freedom”, the existence of God, and the belief in
personal immortality.
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Professional Ethics 5

3. Value Theory
Notes

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◌ This branch studies values. It can be subdivided into ethics, aesthetics and
social and political philosophy.

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◌ In broader terms, ethics concerns itself with the question of morality. What is
right and what is wrong in human relations?
◌ There are 3 major areas under ethics and morality:

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 Descriptive ethics – seek to identify moral experience in a descriptive way
 Normative ethics – what ought to be, philosophers try to work out

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acceptable judgments regarding what ought to be in choice and value.
 Metaethics – focus is on analysis and language used in ethical discourse
and the kind of reasoning used to justify ethical statements.

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4. Logic
◌ The study of methods and principles used to distinguish correct from incorrect
reasoning is the central issue with which logic deals.
◌ Logic is the systematic study of the rules for the correct use of these supporting

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reasons, rules we can use to distinguish good arguments from bad ones.
The ability to test arguments for logical consistency, understand the logical
consequences of certain assumptions, and distinguish the kind of evidence a
philosopher is using are essential for “doing” philosophy.
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Scope of Philosophy
● Scope of philosophy embraces the whole of reality.
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● Although philosophy claims to consider everything in general and nothing in

particular, we can still point out some generally accepted as typical philosophical.
● Branches cover the scope of philosophy.
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Moral Philosophy
● As per paulsen ethics is a science of customs or morals.
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● Ethics, also called moral philosophy the discipline concerned with what is morally
good and bad and morally right and wrong.
● The term is also applied to any system or theory of moral values or principles.

Moral Judgment
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● A judgement of right and wrong, good and bad is commonly termed as moral
judgement.
)A

● It is judgement of an individual which he passes to estimate the rightness or

wrongness of his action.
● The moral judgment is the judgment which deals with the moral value or quality of
an action.
(c

● It is a judgment of value and it evaluates the rightness or wrongness of our actions.

● When we analyse a moral judgement then we find that it contains:

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6 Professional Ethics

a) a subject which will judge,

Notes

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b) an object whose action will be judged,
c) a standard in conformity to which the action of the subject will be judged and

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d) a power of judging the action as required
● Moral judgment is the judgment of moral quality of voluntary and habitual actions.

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● The voluntary actions of a rational person which involve deliberation, choice, and
resolution, have the moral quality of rightness and wrongness.
● Actions are considered to be right or wrong with reference to the moral standard

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and on the basis of this standard, moral judgment is given.

Nature of Moral Judgment

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1. Moral Judgement is normative: Science is either normative or positive. Ethics is a
normative science. In the words of Muirhead, “It is concerned with the judgement
upon conduct, the judgement that such and such a conduct is right or wrong. It
judges what our actions ought to be.
2 Moral Judgement is axiological, not factual: Moral judgement is a judgement of

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value as distinguished from a judgement of fact. The judgements of psychology,
physics etc are related to facts. That the sun rises in the east is a factual judgement.
imperative not descriptive. It is a mental process which discusses the goodness or
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badness of an activity.
3. Moral Judgement is ‘on’ an activity not about: It does not pronounce judgement
about but upon something. In moral judgement, we judge the goodness of some
activity on the basis of a special criterion.
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4. Moral Judgement is inferential: Before pronouncing a moral judgement on an act we

place it upon the ethical standard and then we judge its goodness or badness from
it. But this does not mean that argument is necessary on every subject.
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5. Moral judgement is objective in nature: Moral judgement has objective validity. It

is not determined by the subjective inclinations and prejudices of the person who
makes the judgement.
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6. Moral judgement is Universal: Moral judgement is universal, i.e., if an action is right

(or wrong) for one person in certain circumstances, it should be right (or wrong) for
all persons in same circumstances.

1.4: Theories of Ethics (Utilitarian Theory, Right Theory

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& Casuist Theory)

Utilitarian Theory
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● To a utilitarian, the choice that yields the greatest benefit to the most people are
the one that is ethically correct.
● Utilitarian ethical theories are based on one’s ability to predict the consequences
of an action.
(c

● Although people can use their life experiences to attempt to predict outcomes, no
one can be certain that his/her predictions will be accurate.
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Professional Ethics 7

● There are two types of utilitarianism, act utilitarianism and rule utilitarianism.
Notes

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● Act utilitarianism subscribes precisely to the definition of utilitarianism—a person
performs the acts that benefit the most people, regardless of personal feelings or

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the societal constraints such as laws.
● Rule utilitarianism takes into account the law and is concerned with fairness. A rule
utilitarian seeks to benefit the most people but through the fairest and most just

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means available.
Example – Pharmaceutical company releasing a drug that is government approved,
but with minor side effects. Therefore, added benefits of rule utilitarianism are that it

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values justice and includes beneficence at the same time.
● Uncertainty can lead to unexpected results making the utilitarian decision maker
appear unethical as time passes, as the choice made did not benefit the most

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people as predicted.
● Another assumption that a utilitarian decision maker must make concerns his/
her ability to compare the various types of consequences against each other on a
similar scale.

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● But, comparing material gains, such as money, against intangible gains, such as
happiness, is very difficult since their qualities differ to such a large extent.
● An act utilitarian decision maker is concerned with achieving the maximum good.
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Thus, one individual’s rights may be infringed upon in order to benefit a greater
number of people.
● In other words, act utilitarianism is not always concerned with justice, beneficence
or autonomy for an individual if oppressing the individual leads to the solution that
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benefits a majority of people.

Rights Theory
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● In ethical theories based on rights, the rights established by a society are

protected and given the highest priority.
● Rights are considered to be ethically correct and valid since a large population
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endorses them. Individuals may also bestow rights upon others if they have the
ability and resources to do so.
● For example, a person may say that her friend may borrow her laptop for the
afternoon. The friend who was given the ability to borrow the laptop now has a
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right to the laptop in the afternoon.

● A major complication of this theory on a larger scale is that one must decipher
what the characteristics of a right are in a society.
)A

● The society has to determine what rights it wants to uphold and give to its citizens.
In order for a society to determine what rights it wants to enact; it must decide
what the society’s goals and ethical priorities are.
● Therefore, in order for the rights theory to be useful, it must be used in conjunction
(c

with another ethical theory that will consistently explain the goals of the society.
Example - Right to jury trial or right to a lawyer.

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8 Professional Ethics

Casuist Theory
Notes

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Casuistry, in ethics, is a case-based method of reasoning. It is particularly
employed in field specific branches of professional ethics such as business ethics and

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bioethics. Casuistry typically uses general principles in reasoning analogically from
clear-cut cases, called paradigms, to vexing cases. Similar cases are treated similarly.
In this way, casuistry resembles legal reasoning. Casuistry may also use authoritative
writings relevant to a particular case.

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Practitioners in various fields value casuistry as an orderly, yet flexible way to think
about real-life ethical problems. Casuistry can be particularly useful when values or

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rules conflict. For example, what should be done when a business executive’s duty to
meet a client’s expectations collides with a professional duty to protect the public?

Casuistry also helps clarify cases in which novel or complex circumstances make
the application of rules unclear. Should email receive the same privacy protection as

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regular mail? If someone develops an idea while working for one employer, is it ethical
to use that idea to help a subsequent employer?

Casuistry seeks both to illuminate the meaning, and moral significance of the
details in such cases, and to discern workable solutions. Some practitioners classify

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casuistry as a subset of applied ethics, or practical ethics. It is considered as the branch
of ethics that is concerned with the application of moral norms to practical problems.
Others restrict the term applied ethics to deductive reasoning from principles to cases.
Accordingly, the philosophers view casuistry as an alternative to applied ethics.
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1.5: Freedom in Ethical Discourse
Freedom is likened to be in relation with Right; when one says ‘it is my right to make
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speeches that please me’, and when one positions that ‘I have Freedom of Speech’. In
the course of this discourse, the concept of freedom will be clarified and its (freedom)
essences make known as coherent as possible. Let’s discuss the different definitions of
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Freedom. Freedom plays a significant role in the relationship between one and another.
Freedom is an important concept that works with consciousness and choice.

Freedom implies the dignity, excellence, and nobility of the human person, without
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which life for the individual is altered and for the society, a total chaos and the general
state of anarchy. Man’s freedom is not only a quality describing an aspect of his life but
the dynamics of his being, a power giving direction and meaning to the very value that
man holds the most desirable life.
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Types of freedom
● Exercise Freedom
●
)A

Specification Freedom

Exercise Freedom
Freedom of exercise is that between contradictory alternatives; it is the freedom
of an agent to act or not to act in an absolute sense. In any given situation, a man who
(c

is rational can will to act or will not to act. Man has this sort of freedom as a voluntary
agent always, and here, freedom relates to the interior act of willing or not willing by the
moral agent. The voluntary act and the free act, for all practical purposes, are identical.
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Professional Ethics 9

Specification Freedom
Notes

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On the other hand, freedom of specification presupposes freedom of exercise and
looks further to some objects specifying the act to be done by the agent. It is the choice

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of this alternative rather than that or, more precisely, the choice of this means in relation
to a desired end. The free act as a choice, therefore, is concerned with means properly,
not with ends as ends. To will an end as an end is not a matter of choice but a matter

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of simple willing; an act of the will which centers precisely on the means is the act of
choice. When reference is made to human freedom in a moral context, it is usually this
freedom of specification that is meant.

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Summary
● Philosophy includes all fields of speculative thought, including arts, sciences,
and religion, and was defined as the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake. It is

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a system of ideas or points of view about life and the cosmos that are commonly
maintained without question. The term ethics can apply to any philosophical
theory, or any system of moral laws, principles, or values, and philosophical
study of moral right and wrong. Even if such conventions were ultimately judged
deficient, the process of reflection tended to emerge from them. As a result, the

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establishment of the first moral rules marked the beginning of ethics.
● Systematising, defending, and endorsing conceptions of good and bad behaviour
are part of moral philosophy. A moral issue is one that must be handled not just
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by analysing technical details, but also by considering moral ideals. It is a current
moral matter having potential to benefit or damage anybody, including oneself.
Ethics encompasses a wide range of philosophical issues. Many philosophical
issues must be explained through ethics
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Check your Understanding (MCQs)

1. Ethical philosophy is involving?
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a. Systemising the concepts of right or wrong

b. Defending concepts of right or wrong
c. Both
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d. None
2. Which of the following statement is true?
a. Ethics is a science of character
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b. Ethics is not a practical science

c. Ethics is not an art
)A

d. Above all
3. Which of the following is the correct scope of ethics?
a. In non-moral sphere
b. In non-social sphere
(c

c. In moral sphere
d. In non-religious sphere

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10 Professional Ethics

4. What are the branches of ethical philosophy?

Notes

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a. Non-Descriptive Ethics
b. Normative Ethics

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c. Both
d. None

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5. Deontology is the word come from?
a. Latin word

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b. Greek word
c. Indian word
d. Portuguese word

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6. Which of the following statement is correct regarding virtual theory?
a. It treats the concept of moral virtue as non-central to ethics.
b. It treats the concept of non-moral virtue as central to ethics.

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c. It treats the concept of moral virtue as central to ethics.
d. None
7. What are morals?
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a. Moral values are relative values that does not protect life and are respectful of
the dual life value of self and others.
b. Moral values are relative values that protect life and are non-respectful of the
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dual life value of self and others.

c. Moral values are relative values that protect life and are respectful of the dual
life value of self and others.
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d. None
8. What are moral issues?
a. Any issue with the potential to help or harm anyone, not including oneself
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b. Any issue with the potential to help or harm anyone, including oneself
c. Any issue with the non-potential to help or harm anyone, including oneself
d. None
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9. Which of the following statement is correct?

a. The moral dilemmas cannot easily be addressed or resolved always
)A

b. The moral dilemmas can easily be addressed or resolved always

c. The dilemmas cannot easily be addressed or resolved always
d. None
10. What are the links between philosophy and Ethics?
(c

a. Ethical ideals are founded in the moral order of the universe. Being a
normative science, ethics details ethical ideals. These ethical ideals are
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Professional Ethics 11

founded in the moral order of the universe. Thus, their study takes ethics into
the field of philosophy. Notes

e
b. Ethical ideals are based upon the nature of objects. Ethical judgments are

in
categorical imperatives. They are themselves based upon the nature of
objects for which ethics has to go to philosophy.
c. Both

nl
d. None

Check Your Understanding – Answers

O
1. c 2. d
3. c 4. b
5. b 6. c

it y
7. c 8. B
9. a 10. c

rs
ve
ni
U
it y
m
)A
(c

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12 Professional Ethics

Module - II: Ethical Issues and Practices at Workplace

Notes

e
Learning Objectives:

in
At the end of this topic, you will be able to understand:

● Ethical Dilemmas

nl
● Challenges in ethical decision making
● Redressal of grievances

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● Employee Rights
● Conflicts of Interest
● Employee Relationship at workplace

it y
Introduction
Ethics are the well-grounded standards of right and wrong that dictate what
humans ought to do. These are usually put in terms of rights, duties, benefits to the

rs
society, fairness and other specific virtues. They outline a framework to establish what
conduct is right or wrong for individuals and broader groups in society. An ethical
dilemma is a conflict between alternatives where, no matter what a person does, some
ethical principle will be compromised. Analysing the options and their consequences
ve
provides the basic elements for decision-making.

2.1: Ethical Dilemmas in Workplace

ni

Many large organisations set out their purposes and values as a part of the job of
managing stakeholder relationships. Such guidelines, or ethical codes, set out desirable
conduct and best practices, provide framework to help employees resolve ethical
U

dilemmas they may encounter in their work.

What Is an Ethical Dilemma?

There are three conditions that must be present for a situation to be considered an
it y

ethical dilemma. The first condition occurs in situations when an individual, called the
“agent,” must make a decision about which course of action is best. Situations that are
uncomfortable but that don’t require a choice, are not ethical dilemmas. For example,
students in their internships are required to be under the supervision of an appropriately
m

credentialed social work field instructor. Therefore, because there is no choice in the
matter, there is no ethical violation or breach of confidentiality when a student discusses
a case with the supervisor. The second condition for ethical dilemma is that there must
)A

be different courses of action to choose from. Third, in an ethical dilemma, no matter

what course of action is taken, some ethical principle is compromised. In other words,
there is no perfect solution.

How to solve an ethical dilemma?

(c

● The biggest challenge of an ethical dilemma is that it does not offer an obvious
solution that would comply with ethical norms. Throughout the history of humanity,

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Professional Ethics 13

people have faced such dilemmas, and philosophers aimed and worked to find
solutions to them. Notes

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The following approaches to solve an ethical dilemma were deduced:

in
◌ Refute the paradox (dilemma): The situation must be carefully analysed. In
some cases, the existence of the dilemma can be logically refuted.
◌ Value theory approach: Choose the alternative that offers the greater good or

nl
the lesser evil.
◌ Find alternative solutions: In some cases, the problem can be reconsidered,
and new alternative solutions may arise.

O
Some examples of ethical dilemma examples include:

◌ Taking credit for others’ work

◌

it y
Offering a client a worse product for your own profit
◌ Utilising inside knowledge for your own profit

Ethical dilemmas in business

● Ethical dilemmas are especially significant in professional life, as they frequently
occur in the workplace. Some companies and professional organisations (e.g.,

rs
CFA) adhere to their own codes of conduct and ethical standards. Violation of the
standards may lead to disciplinary sanctions.
ve
● Almost every aspect of business can become a possible ground for ethical
dilemmas. It may include relationships with co-workers, management, clients, and
business partners.
●
ni

People’s inability to determine the optimal solution to such dilemmas in a professional

setting may result in serious consequences for businesses and organisations. The
situation may be common in companies that value results the most.
●
U

In order to solve ethical problems, companies and organisations should develop

strict ethical standards for their employees. Every company must demonstrate
its concerns regarding the ethical norms within the organisation. In addition,
companies may provide ethical training for their employees.
it y

The individual at work:

◌ We all have rights, duties, responsibilities, powers, interests etc which accrue
to us as people within a society.
◌ We do not lose these moral responsibilities as we enter the work place instead,
m

we gain new ones that are contingent to holding the post within the organization.
◌ These new powers, responsibilities, duties, interests, concerns etc can be
)A

different from the ones we had before, they may even be in conflict with them.
Many of the moral dilemmas faced at the workplace are raised by issues that are
not peculiar to work but are to do with interpersonal relationships with the people you
are dealing with.

Decision making involves a great degree of value clarity, ethical decision making
(c

involves more! Unlike certain financial, inventory and production decisions, ethical decisions
cannot be coded into digital machines. They require critical thinking and evaluation.

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14 Professional Ethics

What makes ethical decision making so difficult? Why cannot ethical decisions be
Notes programmed like other decisions? What leads to dilemmas in ethical decision making?

e
in
2.2: Challenges in Ethical Decision Making
Coleman suggests ten (10) barriers to the ethical problem-solving process. They are:

nl
Lack of knowledge of Ethical Standards

Financial Incentives
● Perfectionism

O
● Fear of Criticism/Scrutiny by Others
● High Affiliative Needs

it y
● Personal and/or Professional Immaturity
● Counsellor Substance Abuse
● Lack of Personal Values Clarification
● Limitations of Codes of Ethics and Conduct
● Lack of a Decision-Making Model

Lack of Knowledge of Ethical Standards

rs
ve
Society is fast paced and ever changing. Counsellors are obliged to remain
committed to ongoing learning and development within the profession. This includes
continuing awareness of relevant ethical codes and standards.
ni

It also incorporates knowledge of legal standards and laws. Ignorance is not

a defence. Counsellors can overcome this obstacle through personal commitment to
professional development and maintaining professional memberships.
U

Financial Incentives
Ethical dilemmas often present in the form of gifts or rewards offered to the
counsellor either directly by the client, or indirectly through an agency.
it y

A counsellor may justify the acceptance of such gifts/rewards by undervaluing the

monetary value of their role.

Coleman (n.d) considers that counsellors rationalise this behaviour by telling

m

themselves that they are underpaid and deserve it.

This barrier often inhibits the counsellor at the beginning of the ethical decision-
making process stopping them from adequately clarifying the problem.
)A

Reaffirming the reason for entering the counselling profession may assist the
counsellor in overcoming this obstacle.

Perfectionism
(c

A large barrier at the implementation stage of the ethical problem-solving process

is the counsellor’s fear of not making a good decision. A counsellor may become over
concerned with ‘doing the right thing’, so much so that they are unable to put the
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Professional Ethics 15

decision into practice. Coleman (n.d) proposes that counsellors acknowledge that there
is rarely one ‘right’ choice and to look beyond self. Notes

e
Fear of Criticism/Scrutiny

in
No one likes to be criticised and counsellors are no different.

It is however, inevitable that the decision taken will not be popular with all.

nl
To overcome the fear, a counsellor needs to accept that the choice they have made
is the correct one for the situation and that not everyone will be pleased.

O
High Affiliative Needs
This barrier often accompanies perfectionism.

Many counsellors have a need to be liked and ethical decisions may not always

it y
be popular.

This need can leave the counsellor open to manipulation.

Personal awareness can help the counsellor overcome this barrier.

Personal and/or Professional Immaturity

rs
Coleman (n.d) identifies immaturity as acting impulsively without any conviction.
ve
Immaturity involves acting on and implementing decisions that satisfy the
counsellor first, often without any consideration to the client.

The use of an ethical problem-solving model can assist in conquering this barrier.
ni

Counsellor Substance Abuse

Stress within any profession can lead to substance abuse, counsellors too are
vulnerable. The counsellor who acts under the influence of alcohol or other substances
U

is putting themselves, their client/s and the profession at harm. Counsellors need to be
aware of the effect personal issues may have on themselves, how it transcends to their
professional life and how they deal with said issues (Corey, Corey and Callanan 2007).
it y

Lack of Personal Values Clarification

Commitment to ongoing professional growth is facilitative and required. Counsellors
also need to be dedicated to personal development and knowledge of self/values.
m

As with professional development this is an ongoing reflection.

Failure to do this could result in the counsellor becoming stuck and lacking the
maturity to undertake sound ethical practice.
)A

Limitations of Codes of Ethics and Conduct

Stein (1990) identifies a number of limitations pertaining to ethical codes. They are:

◌ Written in broad, general terms not specific to any one particular situation.
(c

◌ Can conflict with other Codes or regulations

◌ Reactive rather than proactive

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16 Professional Ethics

◌ Silent or blind to some situations/problems

Notes

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Vital to remain alert to the Ethical Codes offered by professional memberships and
acknowledge limits.

in
Lack of a Decision-Making Model
Decisions that are made impulsively fail to acknowledge the extent of the dilemma

nl
and the process. A clear structure to follow means that the decision made is more
likely to be ‘morally acceptable, clinically appropriate and suit both the client and the
counsellor’s interests’ (Coleman, n.d., p9).

O
In essence, Barriers exist to the ethical decision-making process. These barriers may
be due to the agency a counsellor works for or barriers within the counsellor themselves.

Barriers may be overcome through (a) continual counsellor self-reflection, (b)

it y
ongoing awareness of professional ethical codes, (c) solid application of a systematic
decision-making model.

Petrick and Quinn (1997: 24-5) state five reasons for managers to improve their
ethical decision making:

◌
◌
◌
The costs of unethical workplace conduct

rs
The lack of awareness of ethically questionable, managerial, role-related acts
The widespread erosion of integrity and exposure to ethical risk
ve
◌ The global corruption pressures that threaten managerial and organisational
reputation
◌ The benefits of increased profitability and intrinsically desirable organisational
ni

order.
A very practical approach to ethical decision making has been suggested by
Laura Nash (1981: 80) who argues that there are twelve questions managers should
U

systematically ask in a quest to make an ethical decision:

(1) Have you defined the problem accurately?

(2) How would you define the problem, if you stood on the other side of the fence?
it y

(3) How did this situation occur in the first place?

(4) To whom and what do you give your loyalties as a person, and as a member of
the corporation?
(5) What is your intention in making this decision?
m

(6) How does this intention compare with the likely results?
(7) Whom could your decision or action injure?
)A

(8) Can you engage the affected parties in a discussion of the problem, before you
make your decision?
(9) Are you confident that your position will be as valid over a long period of time as
it seems now?
(c

(10) Could you disclose without qualms your decision or action to your boss, your
CEO, the board of directors, your family, or society as a whole?

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Professional Ethics 17

(11) What is the symbolic potential of your action if understood? If misunderstood?

Notes

e
(12) Under what conditions would you allow exceptions to your stand?

in
2.3: Redressal of Grievances
When an employee raises a workplace grievance, you must take them seriously.
Whether or not your employee’s grievance is valid, it could be having a negative effect

nl
on them.

Their morale might have dropped. And because of this, their productivity levels

O
might drop. And before long, your staff retention numbers fall as disgruntled staff leave
the business.

An employee grievance is a concern, problem, or complaint that an employee

has about their work, the workplace, or someone they work with—this includes

it y
management. Something has made them feel dissatisfied, and they believe it is unfair
and/or unjust on them.

Types of grievances in the workplace

rs
These are the most common examples of employee grievances.

◌ Pay and benefits.

◌ Bullying.
ve
◌ Work conditions.
◌ Workload.

Pay and benefits grievances

ni

As an employer, you’ve probably had at least one member of your staff come to
you to express that they’re unhappy with what you’re paying them. Your employee
might mention:
U

That they want a higher salary.

They think they should be earning as much as somebody who does a similar job in
it y

the organisation.

They might be trying to receive expenses—such as for their commute.

Make sure that you have a pay and benefits policy that outlines how often you will
conduct salary and benefits reviews with your staff, and ensure that any documents
m

your employees receive are in line with this policy.

Bullying grievances
)A

It’s inevitable that members of staff in your workplace just won’t get on. But
that doesn’t mean you should allow bullying or harassment. You must have a zero-
tolerance policy.

Ensure that you give everyone your anti-bullying and anti- harassment policies, and
(c

always email any updates or revisions. These policies should include the disciplinary
procedure you’ll follow if somebody lodges a grievance for bullying or harassment.

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18 Professional Ethics

Working conditions grievances

Notes

e
Nobody wants to lose a valuable employee because of problems with their
workplace conditions. It’s up to you to prevent this.

in
Think about:

◌ Cleanliness on the office floors or in the kitchen.

nl
◌ Desk etiquette.
◌ Bathroom conditions.
◌ Health and safety hazards.

O
◌ Temperatures in the workplace
◌ Conduct workplace risk assessments regularly to identify any possible
hazards, such as a leak.

it y
◌ Have a first aid officer, a first aid kit, and signs designating fire exits.

Workload grievances
● You can often find a link between grievances about their workload, and pay and
benefits issues that staff raise.
●
● rs
Typical situations that cause problems with employees are:
Increasing your employee’s workload when another employee leaves, rather than
ve
finding a replacement.
● Increasing an employee’s workload because you’ve made other staff redundant to
cut costs.
● If you’re going to increase an employee’s workload, you should be ready for them
ni

to ask, “What’s in it for me?”

● And if you’re hoping that your employee will just do more work for no extra pay or
benefits, and not even a recognised promotion, you’re likely to frustrate your employee.
U

● Workplace grievances are inevitable. In fact, it is said that to have a grievance is to

have a purpose in life! Unattended grievances are like loose cannon balls in a ship
- unless managed well, they can wreck the ship.
it y

● A clear, transparent, quick, robust and confidential grievance redressal system

can effectively help manage workplace conflicts and potentially go a long way in
bringing harmony at the workplace. Some of the better places to work have an
effective employee grievance redressal mechanism. For the others, it may just be
m

the need for the hour.

In a recent session conducted on Employee Relations for a leading manufacturing
company in India, some of the important causes for employee grievance issues
)A

include unclear organisational strategy, adhoc / inconsistent decision making, trust

deficit, inability to resolve issues effectively, unpathetic approach, lack of transparency,
insufficient communication, low level of engagement with employees / union members,
and inability to manage expectations, amongst others.

In the same session, HR managers indicated building trust, having honest & open
(c

conversation with union, managing aspirations of employees, changing the mind-set of

employees & union, managing multiple unions, building effective relations with unions,

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Professional Ethics 19

managing discipline, improving productivity, ever changing approach of the organisation,

changing demographics, changing legal landscape, and understanding the legality & Notes

e
provisions of different laws, as their main challenges for employee relations.

in
In India, certain central and state specific labour laws require the employer to adopt
certain grievance redressal mechanisms at the workplace. Here is a quick list of various
mechanisms under various laws which the HR managers should be familiar with and

nl
can incorporate as part of their HR policies & practices:

Internal Complaints Committee

O
As per Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition
and Redressal) Act, 2013 of India (POSH Act), every workplace having at least 10
employees is required to constitute an Internal Complaints Committee (IC). The IC is
required to investigate into complaints of sexual harassment of women at the workplace

it y
and give recommendations to the employer. The IC has the same powers as are vested
in a civil court (under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908) and can hold office for 3 years.
The law provides 90 days to the IC to complete its investigation and another 10 days to
issue the report

Grievance Redressal Committee:

rs
As per section 9C of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 of India (IDA), every
employer employing at least 20 workmen[ii], is required to set up a Grievance
ve
Redressal Committee (GRC) for resolution of the disputes arising out of grievances of
the workmen. The GRC should not consist of more than six members and must have an
equal number of representations of both, the management and the workmen class.
ni

The draft Industrial Relations Code, 2019 which has been introduced in Lok Sabha,
proposes that the industrial establishment should have one or more GRC to resolve
disputes arising out of grievances of individual worker relating to non-employment,
terms of employment or conditions of service.
U

Additionally, it proposes to increase the total number of members of GRC to ten.

Although having a GRC has been mandated by IDA, any employer who already
it y

has an established process for grievance redressal may not be required to set up a
separate GRC.

Works Committee
The labour authorities may under section 3 of the IDA, order an establishment
m

having at least 100 workmen, to set up a Works Committee (WC). The WC is required to
promote measures for securing and preserving good relations between the employer and
its workmen, and to that extent, comment upon matters of common interest or concern. It
)A

should also endeavour to compose any material difference of opinion in the organisation.

A WC may be more common in cases where employees are unionised and there
is collective bargaining. The constitution of the WC should be such that the number of
representatives of workmen on the WC is not less than the number of representatives
(c

of the employer.

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20 Professional Ethics

Committee for Employee’s Health and Safety

Notes

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Certain Indian states like Maharashtra (covering employers in Mumbai and
Pune), require employers employing at least 100 workers, to set up a Health, Safety

in
and Welfare Committee (HSW Committee). The duty of the HSW Committee incudes
surveying and identifying any accident prone or hazardous objects or spots in the
premises, rectifying such spots, conducting healthcare camps once a year, creating
awareness about contagious diseases, epidemics or natural calamities, conducting

nl
recreational and cultural activities, and conducting social and educational awareness
programmes. The HSW Committee is to be constituted with equal number of employer
and worker’s representatives

O
Whistleblowing in India:
● As per the Companies Act, 2013, certain categories of companies are required to

it y
have a vigil mechanism (similar to whistleblowing channels).
● Every listed company and those companies which accept deposits from the public
or have borrowed money from banks and public financial institutions in excess of
INR 50 crores (approx. USD 7 million), are required to have a vigil mechanism
in place.
●

rs
Additionally, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) mandates every
listed company to have a whistle blower policy or vigil mechanism for its directors
and employees to report genuine concerns and publish the details on its website.
ve
● While the Whistle Blowers Protection (Amendment) Bill, 2015 was introduced by
Lok Sabha, it is yet to be enacted as a law. Accordingly, private employers in India
(unlisted entities) are yet to be mandated with a whistleblowing policy
ni

● In addition to internal channels, employees can also look to utilising the external
mechanisms. Indian labour laws also provide for a list of acts which are construed
as unfair labour practices on the part of the employer. Among others, discharging
or dismissing workmen by way of victimisation, not in good faith or colourable
U

exercise of employer’s rights, are considered as an unfair labour practice by

the employer, for which the employee can raise an industrial dispute. In such
situations, workmen can approach the labour courts and industrial tribunals for
resolving their industrial disputes.
it y

● The IDA also provides for the appointment of conciliation officers to try to conciliate
the workmen’s grievances, prior to the case being referred to the labour court or
industrial tribunal.
● In a bid to discourage employees from going external and to allow employees to
m

complaint on an anonymous basis, some of the progressive organisations have

effectively and voluntarily adopted policies and implemented mechanisms to
proactively address employee grievances across the organisation.
)A

● For example, it is common to see US and European headquartered companies

having large operations in India to extend their online Ethics Hotline, so as to
allow their employees in India to report any conduct that may be unethical,
unprofessional, illegal, or otherwise inconsistent with the organisation’s policies
or Code of Conduct. Some organisations prefer a more informal set up such as
(c

an Open Door Policy to encourage the employees to resolve disputes through

informal discussions as a quicker and simpler approach.

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Professional Ethics 21

● While there is no magic bullet, effective employee grievance mechanisms can

legally protect employers in several situations, especially in today’s world of Notes

e
work where employees are well- informed of their rights and entitlements. Some
employees may not have legal protection as not being workman or by way of

in
nature of employment, however increasing trends of “employee activism” is
becoming an acceptable norm to resolve their grievances.
●

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Quick and fair redressal of the grievance is key to success. Displaying positive &
empathetic approach, irrespective of the outcome of the redressal, is usually more
productive and appreciated. Having said this, knowing & being compliant with
various legal provisions are mandatory and the law needs to be followed in letter

O
and spirit.
As it is commonly said, a stitch in time saves nine!

it y
2.4: Employee Rights
During the course of their employment, all employees are entitled to certain
fundamental duties and rights. These basic rights are proportional to an employer’s duty
to make the workplace as comfortable and employee-friendly as possible. These rights

rs
safeguard the employee from discrimination based on age, gender, race or religion,
protect their interest and entitles them with the right to privacy and fair remuneration.

The employment laws in India lay down several provisions to safeguard the
ve
interest of employees, some of which are not applicable to all the employees working
in different sectors. For instance, there are no specific laws that govern the rights and
obligations of employees working in the private sector.
ni

Seven basic employee’s rights:

◌ Contract of employment,
◌ Payslip,
U

◌ Minimum wage,
◌ Breaks and rest,
◌ Annual leave/Public holidays,
it y

◌ Maximum is 48 working hours per week,

◌ Notice before dismissal.
1. Contract of Employment
m

The employer needs to give all employees certain information in writing within two
months of starting their employment. Following information must be included in
your contract:
)A

◌ The full names of the employer and the employee,

◌ The address of the employer,
◌ The place of work,
◌ Job title or nature of the work,
(c

◌ Starting date of employment,

◌ If the contract is temporary, the expected duration of employment,

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22 Professional Ethics

◌ The rate of pay or method of calculating pay,

Notes

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◌ Whether pay is weekly, monthly or otherwise,
◌ Hours of work, including overtime,

in
◌ Paid leave (other than paid sick leave),
◌ Terms and condition for sick or injury leave,
◌ Periods of notice.

nl
2. Leave: During the course of employment, an employee is entitled to leaves and
holidays. Generally, there are 4 types of leaves available to an employee in India:

O
◌ Casual Leave: An employee can take a casual leave in case of an urgent
matter like a family emergency or unforeseen personal matter.
◌ Paid leave: An employee is entitled to paid leaves which can be availed
monthly, quarterly or annually. The employer cannot deduct the employee’s

it y
salary for the paid leaves taken.
◌ Sick leave: An employee is entitled to a fixed number of sick leaves which can
be taken in case the employee gets sick.
◌ Other leaves: Unpaid Leaves can be taken by an employee for which, the

◌
rs
employer can deduct the salary of the employee.
Generally, an employee is required to submit a medical certificate in case
the sick leaves extend to a period for more than 2 days. This depends on
ve
the company’s HR Policies. You must consult a labor lawyer to get the leave
policy drafted for your company.
3. Timely Salary: An employee is entitled to receive a timely salary at the end of every
month. An employer has the duty to pay the salary amount to an employee after
ni

making the requisite deductions like TDS, provident fund, etc. An employee can
hire a labor lawyer to take proper legal action against the employer for not paying
a salary.
U

4. Maternity Benefit: A female employee is entitled to maternity/pregnancy leave for

26 weeks which can be availed during pregnancy and/or after the delivery. The
Maternity Benefit Act, 2017 safeguards the interest of pregnant and lactating women
it y

employers in India. Maternity leave can also be taken in case any complications
arise during pregnancy, premature birth, miscarriage or medical termination of
pregnancy. Some private companies in India are also giving paternity leave to their
male employers allowing them to take care of their new-born child.
5. Gratuity: Gratuity is a retirement benefit under the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972
m

paid to an employee at the time of retirement, termination, resignation or employee’s

death. It is paid in recognition of service to the company, to employees who have
completed at least 5 years of continuous service. If the employer does not pay the
)A

gratuity amount to the employee, employment lawyers can be consulted to take

proper legal action.
6. Provident Fund: Under the Employees’ Provident Funds & Miscellaneous Provisions
Act, 1952, employees have the option to keep a part of their salary invested in EPF,
(c

which is transferred directly by the employer in the PF accounts. The contribution

by employer and employee are maintained by the Employees Provident Fund
Organisation (EPFO).

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Professional Ethics 23

7. Notice Period: In case the employer wishes to terminate the employment of an

employee, then a notice has to be served to the employee to prepare them for such Notes

e
termination. An employer cannot terminate an employee without giving a notice
period. In case, the employer has fired an employee for no substantial reason and

in
no notice, the employee can talk to a labor lawyer to file a complaint against the
employer for wrongful termination of employment.

nl
8. Protection against Sexual Harassment: The employer has an obligation to ensure
that all employers, women employees, in particular, are protected from any kind of
harassment. Any incident of sexual harassment with an employee has to be dealt
with promptly and immediately.

O
The employer has to enact a company’s policy prohibiting sexual harassment at
the workplace and establish a redressal committee to deal with any case of sexual
harassment in the office. A woman can file a complaint against sexual harassment at

it y
the workplace under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention,
Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. An employee can also file a sexual harassment
case in the labor court by hiring an employment lawyer

rs
2.5: Conflicts of Interest
In general terms, we can face a conflict of interest every time that we have to deal
with competing goals and responsibilities. In a more specific sense, however, such a
ve
conflict is understood as a situation where a personal self-interest could unduly interfere
with professional responsibilities. This situation appears particularly blameworthy, when
public interest and protection of fundamental individual rights are involved.

According to the Italian Code of medical deontology, conflict of interest is in itself a

ni

condition that a physician may well happen to experience and not ipso facto a violation
of legal or moral rules. As a condition, it entails the necessity to make decisions which
should always comply with an unquestionable priority: the best interest of the patient
U

must always come first and professional behaviour can never be conditioned by
improper benefits of economic or other nature. Full disclosure is required, whenever
conflicts of interest may impinge upon the diagnostic or therapeutic prescriptions or the
possible relationships with industries and institutions.
it y

Conflict of interest has also been defined as “a situation in which a person such
as a public official, an employee or a professional has a private and personal interest
sufficient to appear to influence the objective exercise of his or her official duties.”

Note, in this definition, the two areas of “interest” that come into conflict:
m

“Private or personal interest” – This could mean an individual’s self-interest (e.g.

to achieve financial profit or avoid loss, or to gain another special advantage or avoid a
)A

disadvantage), the interests of the individual’s immediate family or business partners, or

the interests of an organization in which the individual holds a position.

“Objective exercise of duties” – This refers to an individual’s ability to carry out his
responsibilities in the best interest of the organization.
(c

Examples of Conflict of Interest

Conflict of interest may occur in various forms. Examples include:

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24 Professional Ethics

◌ Self-dealing, for example when a person uses his staff or Board position to
Notes make, or influence, a decision to provide funding to an organization in which

e
he has an interest. Or, the person goes outside normal, objective hiring
processes to give a job to a friend or family member.

in
◌ Influence peddling, which means that a person solicits or accepts some form
of benefit in return for influencing activities or promoting someone else’s
interests. For example, an employee obtains a sponsorship from a travel

nl
agency for the soccer team she coaches, in return for the travel agency
receiving business from the organization that employs her.
◌ Misuse of information or property, when an individual uses information or

O
property to which he has access because of his job or volunteer work, and
to which others would not have had access, for some personal benefit. For
example, an individual may learn that a branch of his organization plans

it y
to issue an important request for tenders, and tell a friend so the friend’s
consulting company has more time than its competitors to prepare to submit
a bid. Misuse of property could involve, for example, using one of your
organization’s vehicles for personal purposes, or using the organisation’s
photocopier to copy documents for your own small business, without first

◌
obtaining permission to do so.

rs
Taking some form of employment or other activity that one’s employer could
possibly see as conflicting with the employer’s interests. An example might be
ve
if an employee owns a business that sells pesticides when her employer, a
health organisation, has a public position against pesticide use.
◌ Accepting undue benefits, such as significant gifts (e.g. the person
responsible for purchasing equipment in your organisation accepts tickets to a
ni

hockey game from a supplier)

2.6: Employee Relationship at Workplace

U

First, it’s important to understand what employee relations really means, and why
it’s important.

Employee relations, known historically as industrial relations, is concerned with

it y

the contractual, emotional, physical and practical relationship between employer

and employee.

Essentially, it alludes to the relationship between manager and employee, and it

can either be one that is founded in mutual respect, appreciation, and trust, or fear and
m

lack of transparency.

Companies want to avoid the latter, as employees that don’t feel connected with
their manager often feel less compelled to perform at their best.
)A

Employee relations also references the efforts that a company makes, typically
an HR department to manage the relationships between managers and employees. A
good employees relation program ensures that all employees are treated fairly, helps
to strengthen relationships between employee and managers, and help to remediate
(c

problems that surface between them.

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Professional Ethics 25

Importance of employee relations

Notes

e
Having good employee relations is crucial to every company, as when employees
and managers share a positive relationship, employee engagement, productivity,

in
motivation and morale are high.

Employees who get along with their manager and enjoy rather than feel anxious
about going to work in the morning have a better overall work experience. Happy

nl
employees work harder, produce better work, and ultimately keep the customer happy
and the business thriving.

O
The four pillars of employee relations
Here are four simple ways that managers can help maintain positive employee relations.

Open communication

it y
In any relationship, communication is the key. Employees spend the majority of
their days at work so it’s important that they feel comfortable with their manager and
fulfilled in their tasks.

rs
One way to ensure this is to ABC – Always Be Communicating. Let your team
know that you are there to talk about their work or anything else they need, and be as
transparent with them as possible about what you need from them.
ve
One way to keep a constant pulse on how your team is feeling is to conduct simple
weekly surveys that allow employees to submit anonymous feedback.

It’s a great way to keep communication flowing at all times, engage your
employees and let them share their thoughts anonymously in a safe environment.
ni

Show recognition
Simple gestures of thanks and kind words go a long way. Longer than you might think.
U

In fact, 77% of employees are starved for recognition

Appreciation and gratitude mean so much to your employees, and the truth is that
reinforcing good work is what is inspires them to keep it up.
it y

Giving public praise is another great way to show recognition while also inspiring
the rest of the team. Rewarding your team properly is what cultivates a culture of
appreciation between employee and manager, ultimately inspiring your employees to
continue to work hard for you and the company.
m

Constant feedback
Offering frequent feedback to your employees on their great work and constructive
)A

criticism on where they can improve is essential in nurturing a positive relationship with
your team.

Employees want feedback, they want to learn and grow and improve. Providing
them with the tips and guidance they need to get there by holding frequent feedback
(c

sessions like monthly one-on- ones, will be highly appreciated.

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26 Professional Ethics

Invest in your employees

Notes

e
People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.

Show employees that you care about them as people, not just as 9-5 workers.

in
Expressing that their fulfilment is important to you, on a professional and personal level,
is a big statement that will elicit their respect and keep them engaged.

nl
The truth is, if an employee is happy in their personal life, they’ll be much more
productive at work, so investing in their lives at large and not just at work will be
beneficial for everyone.

O
Four ways to show them you care:

◌ Offer them a gym membership so they can keep healthy and feel good.
◌ Allow them to pursue side projects that are interesting to them.

it y
◌ Offer to support professional development initiatives.
◌ Allow the option of paid time off to volunteer.

Summary

rs
● Employees might utilise a professional code of ethics as a set of rules to help
them make excellent judgments in the workplace. It enables you to establish a
standard for what is socially acceptable and how professionals should address
issues. It takes time to develop a professional code of ethics, but it can assist your
ve
organization’s workers operate honestly and with integrity, which may lead to a
more peaceful workplace. A right is something you have the legal right to, while
responsibility is something you should do. Businesses care about the well-being
of society as a whole when they act ethically. It comprises of commitments that go
ni

beyond what is required by law or by a collective bargaining agreement.

● The employee-employer relationship is evolving, as is our concept of commitment
and loyalty. As workers, we have a duty of loyalty and to give our best effort,
U

but what those terms mean might alter. Personal boundaries are the physical,
emotional, and mental boundaries that people set to safeguard themselves
from being too involved in their clients’ lives, as well as from being deceived or
it y

abused by others. They enable professionals to preserve psychological safety for

themselves and their clients, as well as make objective judgments regarding the
therapy process in order to help clients reach their objectives more successfully.

Check your Understanding (MCQs)

m

1. The three elements of fraud triangle are:

a. Pressure, Weakness, Justification
)A

b. Position, Opportunity, Rationalisation

c. Pressure, Opportunity, Rationalisation
d. Position, Weakness, Justification
2. IMA’s Ethical Principles include:
(c

a. Honesty, Fairness, Objectivity, and Responsibility

b. Honesty, Truthfulness, Objectivity, and Accountability
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Professional Ethics 27

c. Honesty, Fairness, Transparency, and Responsibility

Notes

e
d. Honesty, Truthfulness, Transparency, and Accountability
3. To be covered by whistleblowing, a worker must reasonably believe that the

in
disclosure should be-
a. Criminal offences, failure to comply with an obligation set out in law

nl
b. Miscarriages of justice, endangering of someone’s health and safety
c. Both a and b
d. None of the above

O
4. Whistle blowing is not justified unless
a. The individual has exhausted all external channels for dissent

it y
b. The individual has exhausted all public channels for dissent
c. The individual has exhausted all government channels for dissent
d. The individual has exhausted all internal channels for dissent
5. Which of the following are the part of corporate social responsibility to consumers
are
a. Reasonable chances and a proper system for accomplishment and promotion rs
ve
b. To supply goods at reasonable price even when there is sellers’ market
c. Improving the efficiency of the business operations
d. To provide an opportunity for being heard and redress genuine grievances
ni

6. Boundaries are described as:

a. Rules of behavior which guide interaction with others.
b. Limits that allow a patient and staff to connect safely in a therapeutic
U

relationship based on patients’ needs.

c. Help us control the impact others have on us as well as our impact on others.
d. All of the above
it y

7. Purpose of boundaries include all of the following except:

a. Protect client vulnerability
b. Provide legal protection for client and staff
m

c. Keeps the focus on staff

d. Protect staff from becoming over-involved with the client
)A

8. A strong culture should increase employee loyalty because it results in .

a. A highly centralised organisation
b. Narrow spans of control
c. Cohesiveness and organisational commitment
(c

d. A highly formalised organisation

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28 Professional Ethics

9. Praveen is dissatisfied with his job but believes that his supervisor is a good man
Notes

e
who will do the right thing. Praveen has decided that if he just waits, conditions will
improve.

in
Praveen’s approach to this problem is termed as:
a. Exit

nl
b. Voice
c. Loyalty
d. Neglect

O
10. As per the Caroll model the four levels of corporate social responsibility are
a. Physical economic social and legal

it y
b. Physical economical legal and ethical
c. Philanthropic economic legal and ethical
d. Philanthropic economic social and ethical

rs
Check Your Understanding – Answers
1. c 2. a
3. c 4. d
ve
5. c 6. d
7. c 8. c
9. c 10. c
ni
U
it y
m
)A
(c

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Professional Ethics 29

Module - III: Code of Ethics

Notes

e
Learning Objectives:

in
At the end of this topic, you will be able to understand:

● Principle of Ethics

nl
● Compliance based and Value based code of ethics
● Professional obligation and role of regulatory authority

O
● Respect for privacy and confidentiality
● Inform consent
● Debriefing

it y
Introduction
● A code of ethics is a guide of principles designed to help professionals conduct
business honestly and with integrity.
●
●
●
It sets out an organization’s ethical guidelines.
Violating the code of ethics can result in sanctions including termination.
In some industries, specific laws govern business conduct.
rs
ve
● The main types of codes of ethics include a compliance-based code of ethics, a
value based code of ethics.
ni

3.1: Principles of Ethics

1. Beneficence - The principle of beneficence guides the decision maker to do what is
right and good. This priority to “do good” makes an ethical perspective and possible
U

solution to an ethical dilemma acceptable. This principle is also related to the principle
of utility, which states that we should attempt to generate the largest ratio of good
over evil possible in the world. This principle stipulates that ethical theories should
strive to achieve the greatest amount of good because people benefit from the best.
it y

This principle is mainly associated with the utilitarian ethical theory discussed later
in this set of notes.
2. Least Harm: least harm deals with situations in which no choice appears beneficial.
In such cases, decision makers seek to choose to do the least harm possible and
m

to do harm to the fewest people. Students might argue that people have a greater
responsibility to “do no harm” than to take steps to benefit others. For example, a
student has a larger responsibility to simply walk past a teacher in the hallway rather
)A

than to make derogatory remarks about that teacher as he/she walks past even
though the student had failed that teacher’s class.
3. Respect for Autonomy: This principle states that decision making should focus on
allowing people to be autonomous—to be able to make decisions that apply to their
lives. Thus, people should have control over their lives as much as possible because
(c

they are the only people who completely understand their chosen type of lifestyle.

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30 Professional Ethics

Ask students if they agree. Are there limits to autonomy? Each individual deserves
Notes

e
respect because only he/she has had those exact life experiences and understands
his emotions, motivations, and physical capabilities in such an intimate manner. In
essence, this ethical principle is an extension of the ethical principle of beneficence

in
because a person who is independent usually prefers to have control over his life
experiences in order to obtain the lifestyle that he/she enjoys.

nl
4. Justice: The justice ethical principle states that decision makers should focus on actions
that are fair to those involved. This means that ethical decisions should be consistent
with the ethical theory unless extenuating circumstances that can be justified exist in

O
the case. This also means that cases with extenuating circumstances must contain a
significant and vital difference from similar cases that justify the inconsistent decision.
Ask students if they describe what extenuating circumstances might be.

it y
Types of Code of Ethics

● A code of ethics can take a variety of forms, but the general goal is to ensure that
a business and its employees are conducting themselves with and ideal and are
ensuring that the business being conducted is beneficial for all stakeholders.

● There are 3 types of code of ethics:

I.

II.
Compliance – based code of ethics

Value based code of ethics

rs
ve
III. Integrity based code of ethics

3.2: Compliance Based and Values Based Code of Ethics

ni

I. Compliance Based Code of Ethics

◌ A compliance-based code of ethics is developed to ensure that the business

U

and its employees comply with all laws and regulations.

◌ Three key elements include the prevention, detection and punishment for
noncompliance behaviour.
◌
it y

Compliance based ethics do not foster independent thought and autonomy.

◌ In some industries, specific laws govern business conduct. These industries
formulate compliance-based code of ethics to enforce laws and regulations.
◌ This type of code of ethics is based on clear cut rules and well-defined
m

consequences rather than individual monitoring of personal behaviour.

II. Value Based Code of Ethics

◌ A value-based code of ethics addresses a company’s core value system.

)A

◌ Value based ethical codes may require a greater degree of self-regulation

than compliance-based codes.
◌ Some code of conduct contains language that addresses both compliance
and values.
(c

III. Integrity Based Code of Ethics

◌ An integrity-based code of ethics still contains rules prohibiting illegal

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Professional Ethics 31

behaviour, but focuses on proper actions or effects that should be achieved

rather than behaviour to be avoided. Notes

e
◌ It focuses on what the company can achieve rather than the manner in which

in
it is achieved.
◌ The company attempts to encourage good ethical behaviour rather than
focusing on monitoring and punishing errors or bad actions.

nl
Components of Code of Ethics
● Respect for others – treat people as you want to be treated.

O
● Integrity and honesty – tell the truth and avoid the wrongdoing to the best of your ability.
● Conflict of interest – Align your actions with organizational objectives.
● Justice – Make sure you are objective and fair and don’t take advantage of others.

it y
● Lawfulness – Know and follow the law, always.
● Competence and accountability – Work hard and be responsible for your work.
● Teamwork – Collaborate and ask for help.

3.3: Professional Obligation & Role of Regulatory Authority

Professional Obligation
rs
ve
● When an advisor enters into a contract, it includes a duty to act with diligence, due
care and skill and also implies obligations such as confidentiality and honesty.
● Many ethical issues are likely to stem from advisers’ relationships with clients
ni

which can be overcome by having clear terms in a written agreement.

● Lawyers, doctors and similar professionals are bound by professional codes of
conduct or by contracts containing standards of conduct.
U

● A professional person who fails to meet the duties required of that profession, may
be judged incompetent.
it y

Regulatory Authority
● Regulatory authority is the power that the legislature gives an agency to enforce
statutes, to develop regulations that have the force of law, and to assist the public
in complying with laws and regulations.
●
m

Some agencies are charged with enforcing specific statutes passed by a

legislative body and given little discretion in their actions.
● More commonly, the agencies circulate specific regulations or adopt national
)A

codes as binding in their jurisdiction which provides clear guidance for the
regulated entities.
● Deviation from the standards is easily documented, preventing lengthy legal challenges.
● It is the general duty of a regulatory body of all times to serve and protect the
(c

public interest.

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32 Professional Ethics

Role of Regulatory Authority

Notes

e
A regulatory body has the following responsibilities:

1. To superintend the regulated practice.

in
2. To preserve and protect reserved practices.

3. To govern the members of the regulatory body.

nl
4. To establish the conditions or requirements for registration.

5. To establish, monitor and enforce standards of practice.

O
6. To establish and maintain a continuing competence program.

7. To establish, monitor, and enforce standards of professional ethics.

8. To establish and employ registration, investigation, and discipline procedures.

it y
9. To administer the affairs of the regulatory body and exercise its powers and
perform its duties.

10. To promote and enhance collaborative relations, inter-professional collaborative

rs
practice and the ability of its members to respond and adapt.

3.4: Respect for Privacy & Confidentiality

ve
Privacy

● Privacy is the right to be alone or freedom from interference or intrusion.

● Privacy is a fundamental right, essential to autonomy and the protection of human dignity.
ni

● Privacy enables us to create barriers and manage boundaries to protect ourselves

from unwanted interference in our lives.

●
U

Privacy helps us establish boundaries to limit who has access to our information.

● Privacy is an essential way we seek to protect ourselves and society against

arbitrary and unjustified use of power, by reducing what can be known about us
and done to us, while protecting us from others who may wish to exert control.
it y

Privacy Challenge

● The most significant challenge to privacy is that the right can be compromised
without the individual being aware.
m

● We aren’t being informed about the monitoring we are placed under, and aren’t
equipped with the capabilities or given the opportunity to question these activities.
)A

Is privacy a Right?

Privacy is a qualified, fundamental human right.

The right to privacy is articulated in all of the major international and regional
human rights instruments which state that:
(c

1. No one shall be subjected to arbitrary or unlawful interference with his/her privacy.

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Professional Ethics 33

2. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference
Notes

e
or attacks.

Confidentiality

in
● Confidentiality is the obligation and right not to disclose information to
unauthorized individuals, entities or processes if it would harm the organization, its
business relationships or an individual.

nl
● Confidentiality is the keeping of another person or entity’s information private.

Confidentiality Breach

O
● Breach of confidentiality is a common law tort, which means it can be brought as a
civil lawsuit against the individual who breached the agreement.
● If a breach of confidentiality occurs in an organization, the breaching individual

it y
may be subject to penalties by his employer.

3.5: Informed Consent

●

rs
Informed consent, usually is in the form of document signed by the users, relays
all pertinent and relevant information, such as risks and benefits, to the users,
allowing him or her to make an informed decision regarding the use of product or
services offered.
ve
● The user is given the opportunity to not avail or withdraw from the service at any
time and for any reason.
● This process is a basic legal and ethical standard by which all organization must abide.
ni

● It is a communication process between the organization and the user of the

service or product.
Organizations must make sure that the users are provided with and fully understand
U

the following:
◌ What can the user expect during the contract period, what does their usage entail?
◌ What are the reasonably foreseeable risks?
it y

◌ What are the expected benefits that the user may receive by availing the
service?
◌ What are the rights of confidentiality and privacy?
◌ What are the advantageous alternatives to using the service?
m

◌ What will be the compensation for risks, should any occur during the usage?
◌ Who should the user contact if they have any concerns or questions?
)A

Difficulties with Informed Consent

1. Non-Literate Communities/Countries/Societies:
◌ Participants in developing countries are often non literate and cannot give
informed consent through signing forms.
(c

◌ Both the information communicated to the participant and the participants’

verbal consent may be recorded on audio tape.

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34 Professional Ethics

2. Standardisation of Informed Consent Mechanism:

Notes

e
◌ The mechanisms of obtaining informed consent in developed countries
evolved in communities that are literate and generally.

in
◌ Stakeholders can engage the subjects on the basis of preexisting knowledge
and concepts with one size fit all approach.
3. Oral practices in various cultures: Oral cultures attach importance to personal social

nl
relation which is contrast to literate and technologically developed cultures, where
relations are impersonal, highly segmented and formal.
◌ The requirement of informed consent in writing does not go down very well in

O
these societies.
◌ Practitioners must be cognizant of the cultural differences between what
they are used to and what they are used to and what the community deems

it y
appropriate. They should adapt their methodologies to fit the cultural context.
4. Community and Leadership Consent:
◌ There has been a growing appreciation of the importance of community
leaders and family in decision making. This adds an element of security in

rs
traditional societies where communal consciousness and living are in the norm.
◌ Practitioners must be cognizant of the community structure in which they are
planning the work.
ve
◌ It may be time and labor intensive to secure multiple levels, it is important for
practitioners to address these levels appropriately.

Overcoming Difficulties
ni

● Practitioners should develop culturally appropriate methods for obtaining informed

consent.
● Practitioners should provide opportunities to seek advice or permission from a
U

third person such as head of household.

● Practitioners may need to consult local community leaders.
● Practitioners should pay attention to ethical issues arising from the imbalance of
it y

power between practitioners and participants.

● Practitioners should design strategies to ensure adequate comprehension of
goals, procedures, risks and benefits.
m

3.6: Debriefing
A debriefing statement is given (or read) to the research participants at the
conclusion of their participation in the study. Counterpart to the informed consent stage
)A

that occurs when participants are recruited for research, including communication
research. Central consent component of study designs involving the deception of
human participants.

Types of Debriefing
(c

● Psychological debriefing

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Professional Ethics 35

● Military debriefing
Notes

e
● Peer debriefing

in
Psychological debriefing

Set of procedures including counselling and the giving of information aimed at

preventing psychological morbidity and aiding. A set of proceduers including counselling

nl
and the giving of information aimed at preventing psychological morbidity and aiding
recovery after traumatic event.

O
Military debriefing

To receive information from a pilot or soldier after a mission, and to instruct the individual
as to what information can be released to the public and what information is restricted.

it y
Peer debriefing

Used by many qualitative researchers for multiple reasons. For example, words
like outside reader, auditor, and peer reviewer. With regard to peer debriefing, the
researcher must be aware that he or she has relationships both with members in the
organisation and with professional colleagues.

Summary rs
ve
● A code of ethics is organisation’s set of principles, aim to guide professionals to act
with honesty, integrity and professionalism. There are mainly three types of code of
ethics. These are compliance based, value based and integrity-based code of ethics.
ni

● A compliance-based code of ethics is developed to ensure that the business and

its employees comply with all laws and regulations.

● A value-based code of ethics addresses a company’s core value system.

U

● An integrity-based code of ethics contains rules banning illegal behaviour but

focuses on proper actions or effects that should be achieved rather than behaviour
to be avoided.
it y

● The core principles of ethics are beneficence (do good), nonmaleficence (do not
harm), autonomy (control by the individual) and justice (fairness). These are stated
by Beauchamp and Childress.

● The principle of beneficence guides the decision maker to do what is right and good.
m

Least harm deals with situation in which no choice appear beneficial. In such case
decision makers seek to choose to do the least harm possible and to the minimum
people. Through autonomy people can make decisions that apply to their lives.
)A

Thus, people have control over their lives. The ethical principle of justice states that
a decision maker should focus on actions that are fair to those involved.

● Code of ethics and principle of ethics ensure that a business is beneficial for
all stakeholders.
(c

● It is important for all stakeholders to act with diligence and due care and implies
obligations such as confidentiality and honesty even if it is not mentioned in the

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36 Professional Ethics

contract. They also needs to respect the privacy of an individual. This is called
Notes professional obligation.

e
● If a breach of confidentiality or privacy occur in an organisation, the breaching

in
individual may be subject to penalty by his or her employer.
● Informed consent is very important rule in code of ethics. It is usually in the form
of document signed by the users, relays all pertinent and relevant information,

nl
such as risks and benefits, to the users, allowing him or her to make an informed
decision regarding the use of product or services offered.

O
Check Your Understanding (MCQ)
1. What was the reason of surfacing the Nuremburg Code of ethics in human research?
A. Failure to provide medical treatment in the research on syphilis done at the

it y
Tuskegee Institute.
B. Addition of radioactive substances in children’s food at a home for hampering
their development
C. Milgramâ’s obedience studies

2.
D. Nazi research in the second world war.

rs
When is deception acceptable in psychological research?
A. When informing participants of the true aims of the study would compromise the
ve
results, if participants are not likely to object or show unease when debriefed.
B. Deception is acceptable if participants do not find out.
C. Deception is acceptable if the researcher wants to use it.
ni

D. It is never acceptable to use deception.

3. Why pharmaceutical companies have come under criticism on ethical grounds by
U

researchers?
A. Pharmaceutical companies have made so much money researching and
producing drugs for the very ill.
it y

B. Pharmaceutical companies have waited much too long to release drugs that
would benefit people who have no other effective drugs.
C. Pharmaceutical companies have hired medical personnel to supervise drug
research after those people had been accused of serious ethical violations in
m

research and treating patients.

D. Pharmaceutical companies regularly fail to receive informed consent by the
patients they study.
)A

4. In India, the literary work is protected until:

A. lifetime of author
B. 60 years after the death of author
C. 40 years after the death of author
(c

D. 20 years after the death of author

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Professional Ethics 37

5. If you are conducting research and decide to withhold some information about the
nature of the study, you are using: Notes

e
A. A masked cover story

in
B. Passive deception
C. Natural simulation

nl
D. Role playing
6. One of the ethical issues associated with internet research involves:
A. Reaching a diverse set of participants

O
B. Making sure that participants can leave a web site and return to it later to
complete the study
C. The fact that different web browsers can display a given web page in very

it y
different ways
D. Making sure that data transmitted over the web are not intercepted in such a
way that confidentiality and anonymity are violated.

rs
7. Research with people is assessed to make sure it doesn’t violate ethical guidelines.
The evaluation is performed by
A. The American Psychological Association.
ve
B. The American Psychiatric Association.
C. An Institutional Review Board in the college or university where the research
is done.
ni

D. The investigator’s research team.

8. If volunteers complete an internet-based survey on a sensitive and potentially
distressing topic, one of the ethical considerations that is hard to deal with is
U

A. Debriefing the participants after they complete their responses.

B. Providing any necessary compensatory followup.
C. Reaching people who might not take distressing topics seriously.
it y

D. Informing the participants that they can leave the study at any time.
9. Which of the following legislations apply to unorganized sector workers in India?
A. Minimum Wages Act
m

B. Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986

C. Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act 1970
)A

D. All of these
10. One of the ethical issues associated with internet research involves:
A. Reaching a diverse set of participants.
B. Making sure that participants can leave a web site and return to it later to
(c

complete the study.

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38 Professional Ethics

C. The fact that different web browsers can display a given web page in very
Notes different ways.

e
D. Making sure that data transmitted over the web are not intercepted in such a

in
way that confidentiality and anonymity are violated.

Check Your Understanding (Answer)

nl
1. D

2. A

O
3. C

4. A

5. B

it y
6. D

7. C

8. B

9. D

10. D rs
ve
ni
U
it y
m
)A
(c

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Professional Ethics 39

Module - IV: Sustainable Practices

Notes

e
Learning Objectives:

in
At the end of this topic, you will be able to understand:

● Green Practices

nl
● Ethics to handle VUCA environment
● Importance of Sustainability & Sustainable Business Practices

O
● Corporate Social Responsibility
● Inclusive Development

4.1: Green Practices

it y
● A business functioning in a capacity where no negative impact is made on the
local or global environment, the community, or the economy. A green business will
also engage in forward-thinking policies for environmental concerns and policies

rs
affecting human rights.
● Sustainable business, or green business, is an enterprise that has minimal
negative impact on the global or local environment, community, society, or
economy—a business that strives to meet the triple bottom line. Often, sustainable
ve
businesses have progressive environmental and human rights policies.
In general, business is described as green if it matches the following four criteria:

1. It incorporates principles of sustainability into each of its business decisions.

ni

2. It supplies environmentally friendly products or services that replaces demand

for non-green products and/or services.
U

3. It is greener than traditional competition.

4. It has made an enduring commitment to environmental principles in its business
operations.
it y

Importance of Green Business Management

● Green businesses are socially and environmentally responsible.
Green companies adopt principles and practices that protect people AND the
planet. They challenge themselves to bring the goals of social and economic justice,
m

environmental sustainability, as well as community health and development, into all

of their activities — from production and supply chain management to employee
relations and customer service. Green businesses care for their workers.
)A

● Green businesses ensure they don’t use sweatshop or child labor.

Everyone who works directly for them or their suppliers earns a living wage and
works in healthy conditions. They create jobs that empower workers and honour
their humanity. They also serve as models for the role businesses can play in
(c

the transformation of our society to one that is socially just and environmentally
sustainable. Green businesses protect their customers and clients.

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40 Professional Ethics

● Green businesses ensure that they use the safest ingredients, to keep their
Notes customers and clients and their families healthy. They also provide green living

e
alternatives to improve quality of life, with products and services that help in areas
like affordable housing, sustainable agriculture, education, clean energy and

in
efficiency, fair trade, healthy air, clean water, and more. And they reduce, reuse
and recycle, setting a good example.
●

nl
Green businesses improve their communities.
Along with ensuring their facilities aren’t polluting their local communities, many
green businesses take steps to make the places that they call home better.

O
Green businesses often spring up in marginalized communities—inner cities,
rural and indigenous communities. Many are even started by the people in these
communities who, in turn, bring respect and dignity to their employees and the
wider neighbourhood.

it y
Green Companies of India
● With India making rapid progress in the field of industrialization, concerns
have also been made by various sections of environmentalists regarding the

rs
repercussions on the environment. The companies themselves are now more
aware about the ways in which their factories often affect the ecosystem and have
taken a greener path to success. Here are the top ten green companies in India
which Fiinovation believes, are showing the path of sustainability to others.
ve
● LG: LG India has been a pioneer in making electronic gadgets that are eco-
friendly. Recently, it has launched a LED E60 and E90 series monitor for the
Indian market. Its USP is that it consumes 40% less energy than conventional LED
monitors. Also, they hardly used halogen or mercury, trying to keep down the use
ni

of hazardous materials in their products.

HCL - HCL is another brand that is trying to introduce eco- friendly products in
the market and it has recently launched the HCL ME 40 notebooks. These notebooks
U

do not use any polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material or other harmful chemicals and the
Bureau of Energy Efficiency already given it a five star rating.

SAMSUNG- Samsung India has always had a roaring range of LED TV screens
it y

and now they have come up with eco- friendly LED backlight. They use 40% less
electricity have also no harmful chemicals like mercury and lead.

● Tata Consultancy Services: TCS has a globally recognized Sustainability practice

and has already topped the Newsweek’s top World’s Greenest Company title. It
m

also has a global green score of 80.4% and this has mainly happened due their
initiative of creating technology for agricultural and community benefits.
)A

4.2: Ethics to Handle VUCA Environment

What is VUCA?
● The term VUCA is an acronym that combines four different elements, volatility,
uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity into one term. The use of the term began
(c

in the 1990s and is derived from the US military which uses VUCA in its strategic
planning and leadership. However, the term itself has now stretched to be use in

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Professional Ethics 41

businesses, organizations, and even educational institutions.

Notes

e
● Volatility: The nature, speed, and dynamics of change
● Uncertainty: How things are unpredictable, how surprise can be factored into

in
decision-making.
● Complexity: Different forces, issues, and cause-and-effect factor into the organization

nl
● Ambiguity: The lack of clarity, greater misunderstandings, and misread of meanings

Ethics to handle VUCA environment

O
● In the present scenario of Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity
(VUCA), sustainability of business is a challenge and establishing strong ethical
culture is the need of the day. With the pressures in the business from all the
stakeholders everyone want to excel and perform and results are emphasised

it y
and not the means. Meeting deadlines is more important than how the work
is done. But, organizational culture and values will help in developing ethical
culture specially the attitude and behaviour of the top management which sets an
example for the stakeholders.

rs
● Volatility can leave us feeling overwhelmed, alone, and utterly unprepared to lead
effectively. In business, people’s lives may not be on the line, but their livelihoods
surely are. In today’s economy, that makes your volatility as severe as mine. Here
are three ways to lead more effectively in a volatile environment:
ve
● Ask your team to translate data into information. We all want as many relevant
facts as possible when making decisions. But if you’re getting too much raw
data, rather than the right data, selected and meaningfully combined into usable
ni

information, you won’t have time to turn it into the understanding required to make
decisions in volatile circumstances.
● Communicate clearly. Buzz words, catch phrases, and one-liners fall flat in
U

a volatile environment. A great role model is Winston Churchill. A fantastic

communicator, he once said “the small words are best.” Anything over three
syllables didn’t make his cut and neither did any statement that was not direct.
Save the pithy slogans for your marketing campaign.
it y

● Ensure your intent is understood.

● The challenges inherent to a volatile environment require agile leadership and
flexible organizations. If your subordinate leaders fully understand your intent,
they’ll be better equipped to appropriately handle violent and unpredicted shifts in
m

the environment. In the military, commanders communicate their intent in the form
of a purpose, key tasks, and an end state. The purpose is a contextual frame of
reference and can include moral reasoning and physical goals. Key tasks provide
)A

concrete incremental goals that if accomplished will support achieving the desired
results. Finally, the end state describes what success should look like when the
dust settles.

5 ways entrepreneurs can survive and thrive in a VUCA world

(c

1. Conduct a “state of the business” audit.

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42 Professional Ethics

◌ If nothing else, COVID-19 has provided an opportunity to test the

Notes completeness and reliability of your policies and procedures. Now is a perfect

e
time — while the latest VUCA event is still in progress — to gather feedback
from your team about what’s working and what isn’t.

in
2. Update (or create) your business continuity plan.
◌ If you created a plan early on in your business and checked it off your to-do

nl
list, it may have been buried on your server or gathering dust on a shelf as
the pandemic spread. With the successes and failures of your company’s
response still fresh in your mind, create an action plan that includes:

O
◌ Updating emergency contacts for all employees.
◌ Appointing a Pandemic Point Person to keep up with COVID developments
and disseminate employee communication as you reopen or react to a
second wave.

it y
◌ Updating (or creating) your succession plan.
◌ Cross training employees.
◌ Developing “outage” scenarios (critical software failures, supply chain failures,
etc.) and plans for workarounds.
3.
◌ rs
Work with your financial adviser to assess cash-flow problems and create contingencies.
An interpretive adviser, one who can both provide you with critical information
and help guide you to the best decision to address your needs. And don’t just
ve
focus on the business: Your adviser should consider your personal financial
situation as part of the overall picture.
4. Update (or create) your crisis communication plan.
ni

◌ How well have you communicated with customers, suppliers, regulators or

other key stakeholders about how your company is operating (or not) during
the pandemic? What would you do differently in another crisis?
U

◌ One way to create an actionable crisis communication plan is to anticipate a variety

of scenarios that could trigger the plan (think natural disaster, criminal behavior, or
the death of key employee). If you’ve never created such a plan, HubSpot offers
free templates and other advice to get you or a team member started.
it y

5. Review and update your supplier agreements.

◌ As the coronavirus outbreak spread, the nation watched as both federal
and state authorities, desperate to shore up supplies of personal protection
equipment and other medical supplies, turned to untested sources. How well
m

did your suppliers meet your needs? Do you have reliable backups in place in
the event of another, or a different emergency?
◌ At some level, volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity will always
)A

affect entrepreneurs, but anticipating difficulty and knowing what to do when it

strikes can mean the difference between success and failure.

4.1.3 Importance of Sustainability & Sustainable Business Practices

(c

Importance of Sustainability
● “Sustainability” in its broadest sense is the capacity to endure, to maintain a

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Professional Ethics 43

process or situation over time. In ecology, a sustainable system is a system whose

biodiversity and productivity are preserved over time. Long-lived and healthy Notes

e
wetlands and forests are examples of sustainable biological systems.

in
● Sustainability can be explored and managed in various references of time and
space and within different contexts of environmental, social and economic order.
These contexts include the carrying capacity of planet Earth, sustainability of

nl
economic sectors, ecosystems, countries, municipalities, neighbourhoods, home
gardens, private life, goods and services, occupations, lifestyles, behaviour
patterns and so on.

O
Primary Goals of Sustainability
● The sustainable development professional network thinks, acts and works
globally. In 2012, the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development

it y
met to discuss and develop a set of goals to work towards; they grew out of the
Millennium Development Goals (MDG) that claimed success in reducing global
poverty while acknowledging there was still much more to do. The SDG eventually
came up with a list of 17 items which included amongst other things:
● The end of poverty and hunger
●

●
rs
Better standards of education and healthcare - particularly as it pertains to water
quality and better sanitation
ve
To achieve gender equality
● Sustainable economic growth while promoting jobs and stronger economies
● All of the above and more while tackling the effects of climate change, pollution
and other environmental factors that can harm and do harm people’s health,
ni

livelihoods and lives.

● Sustainability to include health of the land, air and sea
●
U

Finally, it acknowledged the concept of nature having certain rights - that people
have stewardship of the world and the importance of putting people at the forefront
of solving the above global issues through management of the environment and
of consumption (for example, reducing packaging and discouraging food waste as
it y

well as promoting the use of recyclable materials).

Goals of Sustainable Development

There are three primary goals of sustainable development:
m

◌ To minimize the depletion of natural resources when creating new developments.

◌ To create a development that can be maintained and sustained without
causing further harm to the environment.
)A

◌ To provide methods for retrofitting existing developments to make them

environmentally friendly facilities and projects.

Importance of Sustainable Development

Sustainable development is a hard topic to nail down because it consists of a wide
(c

range of things. Due to the technicality and complexity of this topic, it’s best to check
out its importance holistically to be able to grasp it easily.

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44 Professional Ethics

The population is the main factor driving up sustainable development campaigns.

Notes So, the importance of sustainable development can be viewed from this perspective:

e
1. Provides Essential Human Needs

in
The explosion of population means people will have to scramble for the limited life
essentials like food, shelter, and water. Adequate provision of these basic needs almost
entirely hinges on infrastructure capable of sustaining them for a long time.

nl
If governments insist on utilizing fossil fuel-based sources of energy instead of
renewable and sustainable options, the cost and environmental effects of supplying
these basic needs would become a tall order.

O
2. Agricultural Requirement
A growing population means agriculture must catch up. Finding ways to feed more

it y
than 3 billion people can be staggering. If the same unsustainable cultivation, planting,
irrigation, spraying, and harvesting techniques are utilized in the future, they might prove
to be financially burdening considering fossil fuel resources are projected to run out.

Sustainable development focuses on sustainable agricultural methods such as

effective seeding techniques and crop rotation to promote high yields while maintaining

3. Manage Climate Change rs

the integrity of the soil, which produces food for a large population.
ve
Climate change can be mitigated by sustainable development practices. Sustainable
development practices seek to reduce the use of fossil-based sources of fuel like oil,
natural gas, and coal. Fossil fuel sources of energy are unsustainable since they will
deplete in the future and are responsible for the emission of greenhouse gasses.
ni

4. Financial Stability
Sustainable development practices have the ability to create more financially
sustainable economies across the globe. Developing countries that can’t access fossil
U

fuels can leverage renewable forms of energy to power their economies.

From the development of renewable energy technologies, these countries can

create sustainable jobs as opposed to finite jobs based on fossil fuel technologies.
it y

5. Sustain Biodiversity
Unsustainable development and overconsumption practices greatly impact biodiversity.
The life ecosystem is designed in such a way that species depend on one another for
survival. For instance, plants produce oxygen that humans need for respiration.
m

Sustainable Business practices

●
)A

A business practice that is economically viable, socially responsible and

environmentally friendly is usually regarded as being sustainable. Corporations
that include socially responsible and environmentally sound policies as core
elements in their growth strategy very often create sustainable economic values.
● The definition of sustainability is:
(c

“The quality of not being harmful to the environment or depleting natural resources,
and thereby supporting long-term ecological balance.”

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Professional Ethics 45

The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) defines sustainability as:

Notes

e
“Everything that we need for our survival and well-being depends, either directly
or indirectly, on our natural environment. Sustainability creates and maintains the

in
conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony, that permit
fulfilling the social, economic, and other requirements of present and future generations.
Sustainability is important to make sure that we have and will continue to have, the

nl
water, materials, and resources to protect human health and our environment.”

1. Be Intentional About Sustainability

◌ Sustainability needs to be incorporated into corporate strategies and reflected

O
in organizational business goals. This means making this a priority in every
aspect of organizational operations.
◌ As with any other business initiative, you need to make a plan of action and

it y
assign accountability. Hold people accountable and measure the results.
◌ Once that is done, do it again. This will create momentum in your
sustainability efforts.
◌ Invest the time in training employees on the importance of sustaining the

rs
environment and share what the organization is doing to help conserve resources.
◌ Solicit additional ideas from employees for resource conservation.
◌ You might be surprised at what employees are experiencing and can offer
ve
ideas to reduce waste and improve their work environment.
◌ Conserving our water is something we can all participate in by reducing the
opportunities for wasting this valuable resource.
◌ For example, converting to energy-efficient faucets, toilets, and lighting can be
ni

a great way to save water, energy, and budget dollars.

◌ Statistics show that customers prefer working with sustainable companies that
are environmentally friendly.
U

◌ Maintain a list of sustainable friendly vendors and make it a priority to only use
organizations that embrace sustainable business practices.
◌ Negotiate contracts with this expectation made clear.
it y

◌ Develop an in-house program for recyclable products like:

 fluorescent light-bulbs
 electronics

m

computers and monitors

 paper products
 supplies
)A

◌ Use your waste management vendor to help create a process for this.
◌ We are learning more and more about the impact of chemicals on our environment.
◌ Strive to use green cleaning products and non-chemical products for pest
control and weed management.
(c

◌ Use your chemical vendors to help train employees on the proper use and
disposal of chemicals.

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46 Professional Ethics

◌ If you outsource your facility cleaning to a professional cleaning company,

Notes insist on the use of green products.

e
◌ Look for energy-efficient electronic products and use environmentally friendly

in
settings on office equipment.
◌ Choose computer, electronic, and IT acquisition products that are
EPEAT(Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool) registered to

nl
ensure the highest levels of efficiency.
◌ EPEAT is a worldwide standard, used by global companies, governments
and consumers to ‘green’ their electronics purchasing. By using EPEAT to

O
select environmentally preferable products, individuals and organizations can
reduce their own environmental impact while also helping to build consistent
worldwide market demand for more sustainable IT products.
◌ Develop sustainability policies and procedures to reinforce the efforts.

it y
◌ Things like, power down equipment at the end of the day and enable energy
savings settings on all computers and desktops, are examples of policies that
can support the cause.
◌ The challenge to sustain the environment can be overwhelming, but if each

rs
of our organizations, large or small, does its part, we can all contribute to
conserving this great planet that we call home.
ve
4.4: Corporate Social Responsibility
Need for CSR:
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) promotes a vision of business accountability
ni

to a wide range of stakeholders, besides shareholders and investors. Key areas of

concern are environmental protection and the wellbeing of employees, the community
and civil society in general, both now and in the future. The concept of CSR is
underpinned by the idea that corporations can no longer act as isolated economic
U

entities operating in detachment from broader society. Traditional views about

competitiveness, survival and profitability are being swept away.

Some of the drivers pushing business towards CSR include:

it y

1. The shrinking role of government In the past, governments have relied on

legislation and regulation to deliver social and environmental objectives in
the business sector. Shrinking government resources, coupled with a distrust
of regulations, has led to the exploration of voluntary and non-regulatory
m

initiatives instead.
2. Demands for greater disclosure There is a growing demand for corporate
)A

disclosure from stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, employees,

communities, investors, and activist organizations.
3. Increased customer interest There is evidence that the ethical conduct
of companies exerts a growing influence on the purchasing decisions of
customers. In a recent survey by Environs International, more than one in five
(c

consumers reported having either rewarded or punished companies based on

their perceived social performance.

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Professional Ethics 47

4. Growing investor pressure Investors are changing the way they assess
companies’ performance, and are making decisions based on criteria that Notes

e
include ethical concerns.

in
5. Competitive labor markets - Employees are increasingly looking beyond pay
checks and benefits, and seeking out whose philosophies and operating
practices match their own principles. In order to hire and retain skilled employees,

nl
companies are being forced to improve working conditions.
6. Supplier relations - As stakeholders are becoming increasingly interested in
business affairs, many companies are taking steps to ensure that their partners

O
conduct themselves in a socially responsible manner. Some are introducing
codes of conduct for their suppliers, to ensure that other companies’ policies or
practices do not tarnish their reputation.
● Some of the positive outcomes that can arise when businesses adopt a policy of

it y
social responsibility include:
1. Company benefits:
 Improved financial performance;

rs
 Lower operating costs;
 Enhanced brand image and reputation;
 Increased sales and customer loyalty;
ve
 Greater productivity and quality;
 More ability to attract and retain employees;
 Reduced regulatory oversight;
ni

 Access to capital;
 Workforce diversity;
U

 Product safety and decreased liability

2. Benefits to the community and the general public:
 Charitable contributions;
it y

 Employee volunteer programmes;

 Corporate involvement in community education, employment and
homelessness programmes;
m

 Product safety and quality.

3. Environmental benefits:
)A

 Greater material recyclability;

 Better product durability and functionality;
 Greater use of renewable resources;
 Integration of environmental management tools into business plans,
(c

including life-cycle assessment and costing, environmental management

standards, and eco-labelling.

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48 Professional Ethics

● Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a transformational practice by the

Notes business corporations in India, mandated by the government. As an initiative

e
towards the collective community well-being, CSR is a positive step towards
upliftment of the society. These are the top companies which have incorporated

in
CSR initiatives in their policies successfully:
1. Tata Chemical

nl
Tata Chemicals Ltd are committed to serve the national and local deprived
communities, present in their area of operations. Their focus is highlighted in
their initiative programme, BEACON, further declassified as:

O
 Blossom: Promotion and development of native handicrafts
 Enhance: Overall enhancing the quality of life
 Aspire: Education and vocational skill development

it y
 Conserve: Investment in Bio-diversity, natural resource and climate
change management leading to increase in environment sustainability
 Nurture: Health care, sanitary solutions and safe drinking water

rs
2. Ambuja Cements
 Committed to providing quality lives to the unprivileged, Ambuja Cement
emphasizes on utilizing the hidden talent of people. It also focuses on
ve
generating goodwill amongst its stakeholders through their community
initiatives.
3. Infosys
 As a leading software company, Infosys provides programs of quality
ni

education to its citizens, increasing their IT skills and proficiency. They are
sensitive towards vigilant utilization of natural resources, and believe that
the use of energy has a direct impact on the environment.
U

4. Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M)

 Always supporting the enhancement of the quality of life, education
and health, M&M affirm their commitment to the welfare of community,
it y

employees and its stakeholders. One of their recent CSR initiative, “Rise
for good”, supports youth, girls and farmers. The company is committed to
run their business with integrity and responsibility.
5. Tata Motors
m

 Environmental and societal consciousness go hand in hand, for Tata

Motors Ltd. Their initiatives are centred on health, primary education, skill
training, women empowerment and support services for differently-abled.
)A

The programs hold local, national and global relevance.

6. Hindustan Zinc Ltd
 Harmonious and equitable growth is the aim of the CSR initiatives of
Hindustan Zinc Ltd. They prioritize inclusive growth, and therefore, have
(c

an internal committee and monitoring programs, which are established to

keep a check on its social responsibility measures.

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Professional Ethics 49

7. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd

Notes

e
 CSR is integrated with the core operations of the company. Bharat
Petroleum Corporation contributes to India’s development through its

in
active participation in the energy sector. Its sustainable involvements are
spread over urban, semi-urban, rural and tribal areas.
8. Coca-Cola Multinational

nl
 Coca-Cola aims at both profit and social benefit maximization. It
continuously makes efforts to create a difference through its CSR efforts.
It aims to contribute at least 1% of its annual income to the charitable

O
causes. It also states clearly in its policies, the necessity to adopt ethical
values and practices.
9. Ultra Tech Cement Ltd

it y
 Ultra Tech Cement Ltd envisions a long-term goal of creating a sustainable
and self-reliant community. Their projects focus on providing educational
and health care facilities, along with promoting sustainable livelihood and
capacity building.

rs
 India has entered into a transformative phase, with the active involvement
of these multinational brands, in implementing CSR policies and
programmes. These initiatives are a major driving force for collaborative
growth and development at business and societal level.
ve
10. ITC Group
 ITC Group, a conglomerate with business interests across hotels,
FMCG, agriculture, IT, and packaging sectors has been focusing on
ni

creating sustainable livelihood and environment protection programs. The

company has been able to generate sustainable livelihood opportunities
for six million people through its CSR activities.
U

 Their e-Choupal program, which aims to connect rural farmers through the
internet for procuring agriculture products, covers 40,000 villages and over
four million farmers. It’s social and farm forestry program assists farmers
it y

in converting wasteland to pulpwood plantations. Social empowerment

programs through micro-enterprises or loans have created sustainable
livelihoods for over 40,000 rural women.

4.5: Inclusive Development

m

● The purpose of inclusive development is to realize an inclusive society that is

capable to adapt to differences and to value diversity
)A

● Persons with disabilities are meaningfully and effectively participating in

development processes and policies.
● Persons with disabilities are recognized as rights-holding equal members of
society who must be actively engaged in the development process irrespective of
their impairment
(c

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50 Professional Ethics

● Development institutions, policies and programmes must take into account and be
Notes assessed in accordance with their impact on the lives of persons with disabilities

e
Growth in all sectors of economy is inclusive development.

in
◌ Primary sector includes production of raw material.
◌ Secondary sector includes transformation of raw material or intermediate
material into goods. e.g. manufacturing.

nl
◌ Tertiary sector includes services.
◌ This inclusive development will make every sector’s growth viable and

O
sustainable. By this inclusive development financial health of each and every
individual will be improved. Because there will be no gap left between the
sectors of economy.

it y
Summary
● Green businesses are socially and environmentally responsible. They challenge
themselves to bring the goals of social and economic justice, environmental
sustainability, as well as community health and development, into all of their
business activities — from production and supply chain management to employee

●
with the positive impact in the society.
rs
relations and customer service. Their main aim is the sustainability of business

In the present scenario of Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity

ve
(VUCA), sustainability of business is a challenge and establishing strong ethical
culture is the need of the hour.
● Sustainability in business is a practice that is economically viable, socially
ni

responsible and environmentally friendly. These days one of the major ways by
which organisations offer sustainable business practices is by Corporate Social
Responsibility or CSR.
●
U

CSR promotes a vision of business accountability to a wide range of stakeholders,

besides shareholders and investors. Key areas of concern of CSR are
environmental protection and the wellbeing of employees, community and civil
society in general, both now and in the future.
it y

● In the current situation, only CSR is not sufficient for the private sector to fully fast-
track the world’s development. Firms with an “inclusive development” approach
can offer much more than widely-practiced CSR activities. Inclusive development
means economic growth that creates employment opportunities and helps in
m

reducing poverty. It includes providing equality of opportunity and empowering

people through education and skill. These two different methodologies, if
combined, could really make a difference in achieving development goals, with the
)A

former supporting the later.

Check Your Understanding (MCQs)

1. Which of the following pollution is not a cause of chemical industry.
A. Air Pollution
(c

B. Water Pollution

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Professional Ethics 51

C. Noise Pollution
Notes

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D. Nuclear Pollution
2. How can we keep environment clean and green?

in
A. Less energy
B. Environment friendly technology

nl
C. Protecting wildlife
D. All of these

O
3. A typical computer monitor may contain more than 6 percent ___________ by
weight.
A. PCB

it y
B. Cadmium
C. Mercury
D. Lead
4. VUCA is a comprehensive assessment of which of these things?
A. Various marketing strategies that can be used to advertise products
B. The challenging circumstances businesses face in today’s market rs
ve
C. The different types of employee’s businesses manage in the workplace
D. Varying types of leadership style in organizational management
5. Removing the barriers for group countries is known as _____
ni

A. Horizontal Integration
B. Vertical Integration
U

C. Internal Integration
D. Regional Integration
6. Which of the following would most effectively act as the primary objective of a
it y

business organisation?
A. To make a profit
B. To procure resources
C. To communicate with shareholders
m

D. To mediate between the organisation and the environment

7. Taking someone else’s sensitive and private information and selling it for financial
)A

gain is an ethical issue called:

A. Privacy Infringement
B. Money laundering
C. Money Embezzlement
(c

D. Copyright Infringement

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52 Professional Ethics

8. ______ includes rules of conduct that may be used to regulate our activities
Notes concerning the biological world.

e
A. Bio-piracy

in
B. Bioethics
C. Biosafety

nl
D. Bio-patent
9. What does the market-based economy mean?
A. All economic decision is taken based on the demand and supply forces

O
B. Some economic decisions are taken by government and other are left to
market forces
C. Government has full control over the private sector

it y
D. Economic decisions are taken after keeping in view the social welfare
10. Which of the following is true about the use of ambiguity in advertising?
A. It is the use of different deceptive advertising techniques.

rs
B. It uses clear wording to try and convince consumers to purchase a product.
C. It is an ethical and legal way to sell products to the public.
ve
D. It is a responsible way to doing advertising for the product.

Check your Understanding (Answers)

1D, 2D,
ni

3D, 4B,
5D, 6A,
U

7A, 8B,
9A, 10A
it y
m
)A
(c

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Professional Ethics 53

Module - V: Ethics in Different Domain

Notes

e
Learning Objectives:

in
At the end of this topic, you will be able to understand:

● Roles of Ethics in Law, Journalism & Management

nl
● Roles of Ethics in Science, Entrepreneurship & Psychology
● Role of Ethics in Different Domain

O
● Role of Ethics in Research, Medicine & Engineering

Introduction

it y
Ethics play an important role in governing the process and action in various
professions. It determines the integrity of the person and also helps in preserving
the decorum of the profession. Almost every profession has its own set of codes that
are safeguarded through ethical practices. The nature of some professions is deeply
intertwined with the ethics, making it more significant than usual.

governed by the ethical parameters. For example, in science, say pharmacology,

rs
Professions like the judiciary, medicine, science and research in general is

medicines need to be tested on living subjects. The nature, condition and the extent of
ve
the testing on live subjects is at its core, a matter of ethics.

Ethics is imbibed on a personal and intimate level, which then reflects on the
actions. Since these actions are the foundations of professional behaviour, it becomes
important for us to understand the role of ethics in different domains and profession.
ni

Important Skills for Ethical Reasoning

● Moral Reasonableness − The ability and willingness to be morally reasonable that
U

one should have while dealing such issues. Unless one is willing and improve
such ability, justice cannot be done.
● Respect for Persons − The persons involved in the issue, should be treated with
it y

genuine concern by one. Such concern should also be there with oneself along
with being there for others.
● Tolerance of diversity − One should have a broader perspective towards ethnic
and religious differences that the people have. Every person differs with another
m

when compared on grounds of moral reasoning. The acceptance of those

differences is really important.
● Moral hope − The moral conflicts can be resolved by using better communication
)A

and having rational dialogue which is evident-based and open-ended which is

acceptable and appreciable by both the parties.
● Integrity − The moral integrity has to be maintained. Being honest and having
strong moral principles helps one to resolve an issue in an efficient manner. An
individual also needs to consider other’s professional life and personal convictions
(c

while solving a problem.

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54 Professional Ethics

5.1: Role of Ethics in Law, Journalism and Management

Notes

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The legal profession and ethics are inextricably linked. It is a noble profession to
practise law. As a result, adhering to a set of professional norms in one’s conduct and

in
behaviour is a crucial component of this career. A code of conduct, written or unwritten,
can be simply described as legal ethics. A code of conduct like this is intended to
govern how a practising lawyer interacts with the court, the presiding judge, his client,

nl
and his rivals in the courtroom.

This concept encompasses not just the nature of the lawyer’s engagement with the
client, but also the obligation due to the general public. The duties and obligations also

O
extend to legal educators who are charged with the mandate of offering legal education
to the public without discrimination, paralegals, and private investigators. The legal
profession has been created by the state to serve the litigatory needs of the public.
Thus, it is not a business it’s a profession. Consequently, there are three fundamental

it y
basis of legal ethics that gives an insight into the essence of the legal profession:

1. The organisation of its members in order for the performance of their function;
2. Maintain certain standards at both the intellectual and ethical level to preserve the

rs
dignity of the profession;
3. Pecuniary gains must be subordinate to the client’s interest.

Importance of Legal Ethics

ve
1. A code of conduct that is strictly enforced is critical to the practitioners’ and legal
system’s confidence.
2. Lawyers and other legal professionals frequently confront competing interests from
ni

their clients, society at large, and personal interests.

3. Legal ethics are so critical in assisting the lawyer in navigating the delicate balance
of these competing interests and working for the greater good.
U

4. Ethics also protects the interests of the client being represented and ensures that
they get fair treatment.
it y

Ethics in Law
Professional ethics encompasses an ethical code governing the conduct of
persons engaged in the practice of law as well as persons engaged in the legal sector.
All members of the legal profession have a paramount duty to the court and towards
the administration of justice. This duty prevails over all other duties, especially in
m

the circumstances where there may be a conflict of duties. It is important that legal
practitioners conduct themselves with integrity, provide proper assistance to the court,
and promote public confidence in the legal system. In carrying out their duties, they are
)A

required and expected to deal with other members of the legal profession with courtesy
and integrity. Advocates, apart from being professionals, are also officers of the court
and play a vital role in the administration of justice.

Act in a dignified manner

(c

● An advocate must behave in a dignified manner during the time of his case as
well as while acting before the court. He should conduct himself with self-respect.

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Professional Ethics 55

Whenever there is a ground for complaint against a judicial officer, the advocate
has a duty to submit his grievance to the concerned authorities. Notes

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Respect the Court

in
● The advocate must show his respect towards the Court. He/she has to keep in
mind that the dignity and respect towards the judicial officer are essential for the
survival of a free community.

nl
No communication in private
● The advocate should not communicate with the judicial officer in private regarding

O
any matter pending before the court. The advocate should not influence the
decision of a court in any matter through illegal or improper acts such as coercion,
bribe, etc.

it y
Appear in proper dress code
● The advocate should be present at all times in the court only in the proper dress
code prescribed by the Bar Council of India Rules, and the dress code must
be presentable.

Not represent the establishment of which he is a member

● rs
An advocate should not appear in the court, for or against any establishment in
ve
which he is a member. But this rule does not apply in the case of appointment as
an ‘Amicus Curiae’ or without a fee on behalf of the Bar Council.
● Not stand as surety for the clients
ni

● The advocate should not stand as a surety for his client, or certify the soundness
of a surety that his client requires for the purpose of any legal proceedings.

Media and Journalism Ethics

U

The ethics are essentially the voluntary self-restraint that journalists must adopt
in order to protect and promote the public’s trust, retain their own credibility, and not
violate the public’s faith and confidence. The press is a necessary component of
it y

democracy. It gathers and moulds public opinion. Only under the careful scrutiny of
the media can parliamentary democracy thrive. The media not only reports on events,
but also serves as a link between the government and the general people. Media has
always faced ethical difficulties, but the Internet and social media are posing new ones.
m

These are the subdivision of applied ethics dealing with the specific ethical
principles and standards of media, including broadcast media, film, theatre, the arts,
print media and the internet.
)A

The field covers many varied and highly controversial topics, ranging from war
journalism to various ad campaigns.

They effectively promote and defend values like the universal respect for life and
the rule of law and legality.
(c

Media Ethics defines and deals with ethical questions about how media should use
texts and pictures provided by the citizens.

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56 Professional Ethics

The media all over the world has voluntarily accepted that code of ethics should
Notes cover at least the following areas of conduct:

e
1. Duty towards ensuring honesty and fairness

in
2. Duty to seek the views of the subject of any critical reportage in advance of publication
3. Duty to correct factual errors

nl
4. Duty not to falsify pictures or to use them in a misleading fashion;
5. Duty to provide an opportunity to reply to critical opinions as well as to critical
factual reportage

O
6. Duty to distinguish between facts and opinion
7. Duty not to discriminate or to inflame hatred on such grounds as race, nationality,
religion, or gender.

it y
8. Duty not to use dishonest means to obtain information
9. Duty not to endanger people; ix. general standards of decency and taste
10. Duty not to prejudge the guilt of an accused and to publish the dismissal of

rs
charges against or acquittal of anyone about whom the paper previously had
reported that charges had been filed or that a trial had commenced.

Ethics in Journalism
ve
Ethics is the analysis, evaluation and promotion of what constitutes correct conduct
and virtuous character in light of the best available principles. Ethics does not simply
ask how to live well. It asks how we should live well ethically, that is, in goodness and
in right relation with each other, a task that may require us to forego personal benefits,
ni

to carry out duties or to endure persecution. Ethical reasoning is about how people
interpret, balance and modify their principles in light of new facts, new technology, and
new social conditions.
U

Importance of Media Law and Ethics

● It is imperative that practitioners in any field have a sound working knowledge of
it y

the legal and ethical considerations that apply to their occupation.

● Public responsibility: Sound legal and ethical practice enhances the standing of
journalism in the broader community when many citizens are calling question the
integrity of media professionals and demanding greater accountability on the part
of journalists.
m

● Self-protection: Legal and ethical transgressions can prove costly and painful
for journalists and their families, friends, colleagues and employers. Defamation
)A

actions have the potential to leave journalists in a tough spot. Contempt charges
can land journalists in jail for indefinite periods.
● Professionalism: Professional awareness of important issues like media law and
ethics can set them apart from the amateurs and the charlatans.
(c

Rights and obligation of the media

● Accuracy, fairness & lack of bias

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Professional Ethics 57

● Make sure facts (events, names, dates, statistics, places, quotes) are correct
Notes

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● Verify facts with multiple sources
● Use reliable sources for statistics

in
● Use facts as the substance of the story
● Discover and include all necessary facts

nl
● Strive for balance
● Provide context for facts

O
● Give all relevant sides of the story
● Leave personal bias out of the story
● Use neutral language

it y
Objectivity
● Reliance on observable fact
● Use of transparent techniques for pursuing truth and verifying facts
● Yield best obtainable version of the truth

Pre-publication verification rs
ve
● The editor should check all the facts

Caution against defamatory writings

● A news agency should not publish anything insulting against any institution or any
ni

individual person
● Should not write anything, not in public interest
● No remarks against a dead person unless of public interest
U

Right to privacy
● Caution against Identification Privacy of women, names, photography like privacy
it y

cases of rape, women safety, sexual assault should be restricted even though it is
of public interest
● No photography of personal grief unless it is in the public interest such as
accident, natural calamities
m

Recording Interview
● Should not try to record any private conversation without the consent unless it is
)A

required to protect the journalism

Prior to Publication
● Delete offensive language by interview to the press
(c

Avoid suggestive guilt

● The reporter should not involve any family member of a crime

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58 Professional Ethics

Correction
Notes

e
● A newspaper should correct the publication and apologise if anything wrong were
printed.

in
Obscenity Test
● It is vulgar and indecent

nl
● Pornography should be avoided

Management Ethics

O
‘Management Ethics’ is related to social responsiveness of a firm. It is “the
discipline dealing with what is good and bad, or right and wrong, or with moral duty and
obligation. It is a standard of behaviour that guides individual managers in their works”.

it y
● “It is the set of moral principles that governs the actions of an individual or a
group.”
● Business ethics is application of ethical principles to business relationships and
activities. When managers assume social responsibility, it is believed they will do it

rs
ethically, that is, they know what is right and wrong

Need for Business Ethics:

Business ethics is important for the following reasons:
ve
1. Business organisations are economic and social institutions that serve
customers’ needs by supplying them right goods at the right place, time and
price. This is possible if the institutions engage in ethical practices.
ni

2. Business ethics help in long-run survival of the firms. Unethical practices like
paying low wages to workers, providing poor working conditions, lack of health
and safety measures for employees, selling smuggled or adulterated goods, tax
U

evasion etc. can increase short-run profits but endanger their long-run survival.
It is important, therefore, for firms to suffer short-term losses but fulfill ethical
social obligations to secure their long- term future.
it y

3. Business houses operate in the social environment and use resources provided
by the society. They are, therefore, morally and socially committed to look after
the interests of society by adopting ethical business practices.
4. Ethical business activities improve company’s image and give it edge over
competitors to promote sales and profits.
m

5. Legal framework of a country also enforces ethical practices. Under Consumer

Protection Act, for example, consumers can complain against unethical
)A

business practices. Labour laws protect the interests of workers against

unethical practices. Legal framework of the country, therefore, promotes ethical
business behaviour. Business houses want to avoid Government intervention
and, therefore, follow ethical practices.
(c

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Professional Ethics 59

5.2: Role of Ethics in Science, Entrepreneurship and

Notes

e
Psychology

in
Ethical standards in science
● Scientists have long maintained an informal system of ethics and guidelines for
conducting research, but documented ethical guidelines did not develop until the

nl
mid-twentieth century, after a series of well-publicized ethical breaches and war
crimes. Scientific ethics now refers to a standard of conduct for scientists that is
generally delineated into two broad categories (Bolton, 2002). First, standards
of methods and process address the design, procedures, data analysis,

O
interpretation, and reporting of research efforts. Second, standards of topics and
findings address the use of human and animal subjects in research and the ethical
implications of certain research findings.

it y
● Together, these ethical standards help guide scientific research and ensure that research
efforts (and researchers) abide by several core principles (Resnik, 1993), including:
◌ Honesty in reporting of scientific data;
◌ Careful transcription and analysis of scientific results to avoid error;
◌

◌
not on the influence of external sources;
rs
Independent analysis and interpretation of results that is based on data and

Open sharing of methods, data, and interpretations through publication and

ve
presentation;
◌ Sufficient validation of results through replication and collaboration with peers;
◌ Proper crediting of sources of information, data, and ideas;
ni

◌ Moral obligations to society in general, and, in some disciplines, responsibility

in weighing the rights of human and animal subjects
● Ethical standards are a critical part of scientific research. Through examples of
U

scientific fraud, misconduct, and mistakes, this module makes clear how ethical
standards help ensure the reliability of research results and the safety of research
subjects. The importance and consequences of integrity in the process of science
are examined in detail.
it y

● Key Concepts
● Ethical conduct in science assures the reliability of research results and the safety
of research subjects.
●
m

Ethics in science include: a) standards of methods and process that address

research design, procedures, data analysis, interpretation, and reporting; and
b) standards of topics and findings that address the use of human and animal
subjects in research.
)A

● Replication, collaboration, and peer review all help to minimize ethical breaches,
and identify them when they do occur.

Ethics In Entrepreneurship
(c

● Successful entrepreneurs operate on sound business ethics which are approved

and accepted in any society.

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60 Professional Ethics

● Entrepreneurial Ethics are those codes of conduct, employed by entrepreneurs

Notes which impact society positively, thereby increasing the entrepreneur’s chances for

e
greater success.

in
● Entrepreneurial ethics would lead to positive attitudes towards raising successful
entrepreneurs, who would, in turn, build entrepreneurial institutions for societal
growth and advancement.

nl
When entrepreneurial ethics are practiced and visible, the entrepreneurs and
their team, work with great zeal, dedication, and purposefulness, to achieve the
organization’s objectives, and together, they work for the common good of all.

O
It can be clearly seen that when good entrepreneurial ethics are demonstrated,
businesses can handle or tackle difficulty when they arise

Ethics Reality Check for the Entrepreneur Ethics

it y
1. Entrepreneurs must first recognize that there are ethical dilemmas surrounding
them within the culture of entrepreneurship.
2. They must decide to make ethics a principle value of their business’s objectives and

rs
mission. The entrepreneur today should embrace doing business ethically in order
to improve their standards.
Good business ethics should be visible to all who come into contact with the
business. Ethical policies should be included in business plans, in the business’s
ve
mission statements, and in all other business documents.
3. The ethical entrepreneur ought to seek out favourable opportunities to make
his or her ethical commitment bona fide. It is the business of an entrepreneur to
ni

communicate clearly to all, from the initial stages of business, the ethical standards
they employ. This entrepreneur will no doubt enjoy both financial success and a
superb reputation.
U

4. The ethically made entrepreneur should be un-naively aware of the inevitable and
unavoidable tensions in the business world, and anticipate these tensions not with
fear, but with resilience, and so be able to put in place, a reasonable action plan that
helps the entire team to deal with these tensions before the situations are actually
it y

encountered. This practice should be included in the business’s plan and mission
and become part of a more formal “ethics training” for all.
5. Not every situation can be anticipated, but the ethical entrepreneur must always
keep an open door policy so that new and uncommon ethical issues can be worked
m

out as they arise.

6. The ethical entrepreneur looks for opportunities to engage the business as a whole
and align them to the community and its needs. This aids in team building and
)A

strengthening interpersonal relationships

7. The ethical entrepreneur thinks and talks about the ethical values that matter at
any given opportunity. The frantic and elaborate, rapid growth of start-ups makes it
easy to submit to the temptations of malpractices in order to stay alive in this highly
(c

competitive business world. Always keep your objectives clear in front of you and
visible for all to see and acknowledge.

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Professional Ethics 61

8. The ethical entrepreneur challenges growth and renews the commitment to ethical
practices. Businesses change as they grow, and so to, do their objectives. As the Notes

e
entrepreneur and his/her business grows, re-valuation is important and needed
where ethics is concerned. Ethical values and the commitment to continued ethical

in
practices must be reworked and re- communicated every time change occurs,
thereby preparing all involved in the business to deal with the changing and evolving
ethical dilemmas.

nl
9. The ethical entrepreneur looks for opportunities to engage the business as a whole
and align them to the community and its needs.

O
Ethics in Psychology
The BPS Code of Ethics are a set of guidelines which have been outlined by the
British Psychological Society for anyone carrying out psychological research in the UK.

it y
Many countries have guidelines that are similar (for example the USA).

There are four ethical principles which are the main domains of responsibility for
consideration by researchers within the code; respect, competence, responsibility
and integrity.

2009. The list is only a summary and only covers the main considerations.
rs
The following list is a summary of the ethical considerations set up by the BPS in

Researchers in psychological research should consider the following when they

ve
plan and run research:

◌ Consent; have participants given informed consent? If the participant is under

16 years old, has informed consent been given by their parents or carers?
ni

◌ Deception: have the participants been deceived in any way? If so, could this
have been avoided?
◌ Debriefing: have the participants been debriefed? Have they been given the
U

opportunity to ask questions?

◌ Withdrawal from the investigation: have the participants been informed of their
right to withdraw from the research at any point, including the right to withdraw
their data at a later date?
it y

◌ Anonymity and Confidentiality: participants have a right to remain anonymous

in publication of the research and confidentiality should be maintained except
in exceptional circumstances where harm may arise to the participant or
someone associated with the research or participant.
m

◌ Protection of participants: researcher must protect participants from both

physical and psychological harm
)A

5.1.3 Ethics in Different Domain

Ethics in Humanities
Recognising that research and development within the normative sciences do
not happen in isolation, but in interplay with existing norms and values in our society,
(c

a National Committee for Research Ethics in the Social Sciences and the Humanities
(NESH) is established. The National Committee for Research Ethics in the Social

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62 Professional Ethics

Sciences and the Humanities is an independent body which shall observe, inform and
Notes counsel on issues of research ethics within these subjects at the national level, based

e
on the formation of norms and tradition in our society.

in
Ethical behaviour is important in any endeavour in which multiple people work
together or work for each other. Because individuals in the Humanities also face
ethical problems, research on such problems is necessary in order to understand the

nl
professional and research ethics involved in these fields.

The Key Principles of Ethical Research are:

◌ The emotional well-being, physical well-being, rights, dignity and personal

O
values of research participants should be secured;
◌ Research participants and contributors should be fully informed regarding the
purpose, methods and end use of the research. They should be clear on what

it y
their participation involves and any risks that are associated with the process.
These risks should be clearly articulated and if possible quantified;
◌ Research participants must participate in a voluntary way, free from coercion.
Participants have the right to withdraw at any time;

rs
◌ Research must be independent and any conflicts of interest or partiality must
be explicit;
◌ Normally information provided by the participants should be anonymous. At all
ve
times confidentiality must be assured.

Environmental Ethics
Environmental ethics is concerned with the ethical interaction that exists between
ni

humans and their environmental surroundings. Humans make several ethical

judgments that affect the environment. These decisions could include whether a forest
area should be cleared to make room for humans or for human consumption, whether
zero-emission vehicles should be used to save on fossil fuel resources, whether
U

consumption should be reduced to preserve resources for future generations, whether

it is acceptable to be oblivious to the extinction of certain species simply because it is
convenient for society, and so on.
it y

It is a discipline of ethics that analyses the relationship between humans and the
environment, as well as how ethics affects this relationship. Humans, as well as other
living beings such as plants and animals, are seen to be members of society. These
objects are an essential aspect of the world and are seen as a necessary part of human
life. As a result, every human being must respect and honour this, as well as utilise
m

morality and ethics while dealing with these species.

They aid in the definition of man’s moral and ethical responsibilities to the environment.
)A

When it comes to environmental ethics, however, human values play a role.

Human values are the things that matter to people, and they use them to assess
actions and occurrences.

To put it another way, people give value to specific things and then use that value
(c

to determine whether or not something is proper or incorrect. Human values are unique
to each individual since not everyone values each aspect of life equally. For example, a
poor individual in an underdeveloped area may consider it ethically acceptable to clear

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Professional Ethics 63

the forest to make place for a farm where he can feed his family. With the emergence
of several theories, several environmental ethics have emerged. While some protect Notes

e
human beings, others protect plants, animals and other elements of nature. The
types include:

in
◌ Social ecology: Social ecology, which is the study of human beings and their
relation to their environment.

nl
◌ Deep ecology: Deep ecology promotes that all beings have an intrinsic value.
◌ Ecofeminism: Ecofeminism is a branch of feminism that helps us look at earth
as a woman so that we can respect it in a better way.

O
Managing Environmental Issues
Reinhardt suggests five different approaches to managing environmental issues:

it y
1. Investing in environment friendly processes or products.
2. Managing environmental regulations.
3. Investing in environmental performance improvement, without increasing costs.
4. Combining all the three methods mentioned above to change the basis for

5.
competition.
Looking at environmental issues from a risk management perspective. rs
ve
Manufacturing Ethics
Businesses have a significant effect on their communities, whether it is via
environmental stewardship or contributions to the lives of their employees. This is
especially true in the case of manufacturers. Their presence is important in supporting
ni

communities and delivering critical items for customers and other companies, but
they may have a significant environmental effect. Manufacturers face a difficult task in
achieving ethical status while enhancing their business procedures. Ethical production
U

may take numerous forms, from reducing waste to training employees.

Ethical manufacturing is a comprehensive approach to production that prioritises

the wellbeing of all parties involved. This means that the design, manufacture, and
it y

usage of a product adhere to sustainable standards, and that the item and the
manufacturing process have a good influence on communities. All production functions
are controlled by production ethics, but there are a few that are particularly hazardous
or detrimental and must be constantly supervised. These include –
m

1. The use of new technologies that are harmful to health, safety, and the
environment raises ethical concerns. Technological improvements such as
genetically engineered foods, cell phone radiation, medical equipment, and so
)A

on are less of an issue and more of a conundrum.

2. Defective services and goods, or items that are inherently harmful, such as
alcohol, cigarettes, fast cars, warfare, chemical manufacture, and so forth.
3. Another element of production ethics includes animal testing and their rights, as
well as the employment of economically or socially disadvantaged persons for
(c

testing or experimenting.

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64 Professional Ethics

4. The ethics of business interactions with the environment that result in pollution,
Notes global warming, increased water toxicity, and depletion of natural resources.

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in
5.4: Role of Ethics in Research, Medicine and Engineering
Research ethics provides guidelines for the responsible conduct of research.
In addition, it educates and monitors scientists conducting research to ensure a high

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ethical standard. The following is a general summary of some ethical principles:

Honesty:

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● Honestly report data, results, methods and procedures, and publication status. Do
not fabricate, falsify, or misrepresent data.

Objectivity:

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● Strive to avoid bias in experimental design, data analysis, data interpretation, peer
review, personnel decisions, grant writing, expert testimony, and other aspects
of research.

rs
Integrity:
● Keep your promises and agreements; act with sincerity; strive for consistency of
thought and action.
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Carefulness:
● Avoid careless errors and negligence; carefully and critically examine your own
work and the work of your peers. Keep good records of research activities.
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Openness:
● Share data, results, ideas, tools, resources. Be open to criticism and new ideas.
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Respect for Intellectual Property:

● Honour patents, copyrights, and other forms of intellectual property. Do not use
unpublished data, methods, or results without permission. Give credit where credit
it y

is due. Never plagiarize.

Confidentiality:
● Protect confidential communications, such as papers or grants submitted for
m

publication, personnel records, trade or military secrets, and patient records.

Responsible Publication:
)A

● Publish in order to advance research and scholarship, not to advance just your
own career. Avoid wasteful and duplicative publication.

Responsible Mentoring:
● Help to educate, mentor, and advise students. Promote their welfare and allow
(c

them to make their own decisions.

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Professional Ethics 65

Respect for Colleagues:

Notes

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● Respect your colleagues and treat them fairly.

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Social Responsibility:
● Strive to promote social good and prevent or mitigate social harms through
research, public education, and advocacy.

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Non-Discrimination:
● Avoid discrimination against colleagues or students on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity,

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or other factors that are not related to their scientific competence and integrity.

Competence:
● Maintain and improve your own professional competence and expertise through

it y
lifelong education and learning; take steps to promote competence in science as
a whole.

Legality:

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● Know and obey relevant laws and institutional and governmental policies.

Animal Care:
● Show proper respect and care for animals when using them in research. Do not
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conduct unnecessary or poorly designed animal experiments.

Human Subjects Protection:

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● When conducting research on human subjects, minimize harms and risks and
maximize benefits; respect human dignity, privacy, and autonomy.

Medical Ethics
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Medical ethics involves examining a specific problem, usually a clinical case, and
using values, facts, and logic to decide what the best course of action should be.

◌ Some ethical problems are fairly straightforward, such as determining right

it y

from wrong. But others can also be more perplexing, such as deciding between
two “rights”—two values that are in conflict with each other—or deciding
between two different value systems, such as the patient’s versus the doctor’s.
◌ Doctors may deal with a great variety of perplexing ethical problems even in a
m

small medical practice. Here are some common problems identified in a 2016
Medscape survey, where at least some physicians held different opinions :
◌ Withholding treatment to meet an organization’s budget, or because of
)A

insurance policies;
◌ Accepting money from pharmaceutical or device manufacturers;
◌ Upcoding to get treatment covered;
◌ Getting romantically involved with a patient or family member;
(c

◌ Covering up a mistake;
◌ values.

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66 Professional Ethics

◌ Reporting an impaired colleague;

Notes

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◌ Cherry-picking patients;
◌ Prescribing a placebo;

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◌ Practicing defensive medicine to avoid malpractice lawsuits;
◌ Dropping insurers; and
◌ Breaching patient confidentiality owing to a health risk.

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◌ Professional standards are a way to provide some guidance on ethical
problems, but they cannot address every issue, and they may not address
troubling nuances, such as reconciling two conflicting

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Ethics in clinical practice
● Doctor patient relationship (the content is considered under the broad title of

it y
doctor-patient relationship with sub-sections given under sections 1.1 to 1.6)
● Discuss the ethical principles applicable within the doctor patient relationship.
● Describe the patient’s expectations with regard to the above mentioned aspects
and the doctor’s attitude towards those expectations

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● Recognize the doctor-patient relationship based on mutual trust and facilitated by
effective communication.

Patient autonomy (freedom of choice)

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● Explain the importance of patient autonomy
● Explain current procedures adopted in the ward (clinical) setting in maintaining
patient autonomy
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● Identify situations in which a doctor may have to take decisions in the best
interests of the patient
● Explain the process of ensuring patient autonomy while informing/ deciding on a
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treatment modality.

Informed consent
it y

● Describe the different types of consent and the situations in which obtaining
consent is required
● Recognize the importance of obtaining valid consent from a patient for
investigations and treatment
m

● Explain how to proceed if a patient refuses treatment

● Explain how to proceed if a patient is incompetent to give consent
●
)A

Consider when it is justifiable to refrain from obtaining patient consent

Confidentiality
● Recognize the importance of confidentiality in the doctor patient relationship
● Identify potential weaknesses in the health care and information system
(c

● List the potential situations where it is justifiable to breach confidentiality (e.g. legal
requirements).

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Professional Ethics 67

● Evaluate critically the practice of the principle of confidentiality in the ward setting
Notes

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Truth telling/disclosure
●

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Recognize the importance of telling the patient the truth about his/ her medical
condition
● Consider when it is justifiable to withhold information from a patient/ relative

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● Making decisions about giving relevant information to a patient or family by a
medical student/doctor
● Analyse the doctor’s role when there is disagreement between the doctor’s view

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and the views of patient, guardians or relatives

End-of-life decisions

it y
● Explain what is meant by “a good death” and the principles involved in providing “a
good death” to a terminally ill patient
● Explain the terms best interest, advance directives, withdrawal or withholding of
life support systems, do not Resuscitate (DNR) orders and euthanasia

rs
● Explain the legal situation with regards to euthanasia
● Respond appropriately to a patient who requests euthanasia
● Apply the ethical principles underlying management options (i.e. ventilation and
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other options) in the terminally ill
● Apply these principles in improving the quality of life in terminally ill patients.
● Demonstrate how you would communicate end-of-life decisions to appropriate persons.
ni

Patient rights
● Describe the concept of rights of individuals including provider rights
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● Identify the relationship between rights, duties and responsibilities

● Outline the International Declaration of Human Rights
● Describe the Declaration of Rights of the Patient developed by World Medical
it y

Association (WMA)

Ethics in Engineering
Engineering is the process of developing an efficient mechanism which quickens
m

and eases the work using limited resources, with the help of technology. Ethics are the
principles accepted by the society, which also equate to the moral standards of human
beings. An engineer with ethics, can help the society in a better way.
)A

Hence the study of Engineering ethics, where such ethics are implemented in
engineering by the engineers, is necessary for the good of the society. Engineering
Ethics is the study of decisions, policies and values that are morally desirable in
engineering practice and research
(c

◌ Ethics are principles followed depending upon the moral responsibility

that a person feels. The study of related questions about moral ideals,

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68 Professional Ethics

character, policies and relationships of people and organizations involved in

Notes technological activity, can be termed as Engineering ethics.

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◌ An engineer whether he works individually or works for a company, has

in
to go through some ethical issues, mostly under the conditions such as,
conceptualization of a product, issues arising in design and testing departments,
or may be on the issues involving the manufacturing, sales and services.
Questions related to morality also arise during supervision and team works.

nl
◌ The ethical decisions and moral values of an engineer need to be considered
because the decisions of an engineer have an impact the products and
services - how safe they are to use, the company and its shareholders who

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believe in the goodwill of the company, the public and the society who trusts
the company regarding the benefits of the people, the law which cares about
how legislation affects the profession and industry, the job and his moral

it y
responsibilities and about how the environment gets affected, etc.
Not only an engineer, but everyone has to follow a set of morals in order to keep
away from getting morally degraded. Our behavior should include the following −

◌ Respecting others and ourselves.

◌
◌
◌
Respecting the rights of others.
Keeping promises.
Avoiding unnecessary problems to others.
rs
ve
◌ Avoiding cheating and dishonesty.
◌ Showing gratitude towards others and encourage them to work.
◌ Morality commands respect for persons, both others and ourselves. It involves
ni

being fair and just, meeting obligations and respecting rights and not causing
unnecessary harm by dishonesty and cruelty or by hubris.

Steps to Deal with Issues

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● Whenever there occurs an issue, one should possess a few skills in order to sort
out the problem. The issues that engineers face, have to be dealt with patience
and few moral goals have to be kept in mind while dealing with such issues. They
it y

are as follows −
● Moral Awareness − One should be able to recognize the moral problems and
issues that occur in Engineering. The analysis on the problem is necessary in order
to differentiate and judge according to ethics or according to the rules to follow.
m

● Cogent Moral Reasoning − In order to come to a conclusion on an issue, the

argument has to be assessed and comprehended. The argument on both sides
has to be considered with all the probabilities and the nature of the argument
)A

should be logical and moral.

● Moral Coherence − After having gone through all the logical and moral facts,
consistent and comprehensive view points are to be formed based upon a
consideration of relevant facts.
● Moral Imagination − The moral issues and the practical issues have to be dealt
(c

separately. Alternative responses are to be found out for dealing with moral issues
while creative solutions should be found out for practical difficulties.
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Professional Ethics 69

● Moral Communication − The language to communicate about one’s moral views

should be so precise and clear, that the expression or words should not alter the Notes

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original meaning.

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● Though one has all these moral goals, the ethical reasoning for achieving moral
conduct with responsibility and commitment is obtained by a few skills that are
described below.

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Summary
● Professional ethics are principles that manage the conduct of a person or group in

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a business environment. It offers set of rules on how an individual or a group should
act towards other people and institutions in specific situation or an environment.
● The nature of some professions is deeply intertwined with the ethics, making
it more significant than usual. Professions like the law, medicine, science and

it y
research in general is governed by the ethical parameters.
● For example, in pharmacology, medicines need to be tested on living subjects.
The nature, condition and the extent of the testing on live subjects at its core is a
matter of ethics.

Check Your Understanding (MCQ)

1. Which of the following comes under plagiarism? rs
ve
A. Make use of the works of others to gather information.
B. Use the work of another and misrepresent it as your own.
C. Make use of the works of others to support your own arguments.
ni

D. Examine the ideas and arguments of others to help you shape your own
thoughts or views on a particular issue.
2. Which of the following does not come under research ethics?
U

A. Honesty
B. Integrity
it y

C. Subjectivity
D. Objectivity
3. ___________ is a branch of applied ethics that studies the philosophical, social and
legal issues arising in medicine and the life sciences.
m

A. Medical ethics
B. Bio-ethics
)A

C. Vision statement
D. Practical Ethics
4. Which of the following are the four major ethical principles that guide the conduct of
psychologists?
(c

A. Respect, competence, responsibility, and integrity

B. Consent, debriefing, giving advice, and protection

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70 Professional Ethics

C. Respect, confidentiality, responsibility and integrity

Notes

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D. Human rights, law, competence and responsibility
5. ______________is the sign of professionalism and responsible journalism.

in
A. Humanity
B. Truth and Accuracy

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C. Independence
D. Accountability

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6. If the study is based on a data that is never being collected from any sample, it
is called:
A. Falsification

it y
B. Deception
C. Fabrication
D. Adaptation
7. Which of the following is the non-profit trade association that was established in

rs
order to represent the interests of Open Access publishers
A. Open Access Scholastic Publishers Association
B. Directory of Open Access Journals
ve
C. Open Access Scholarly Publishers Association
D. Committee for Open Publication Ethics
8. _______________ has identified principles of authorship on which there is general
ni

consensus across disciplines.

A. Council of Science Editors
U

B. Authors and Contributor Consortium

C. Committee for Legal and Professional Obligations
D. Board for Duty of Care
it y

9. Those who are named as authors merely because they hold senior positions within
the service or facility where the research occurred, and may have helped secure
funding, are called:
A. Ghost Authors
m

B. Guest Authors
C. Honorary Authors
)A

D. Gift Authors
10. What is essential in ethics and ethical standards?
A. A good grasp of research methods.
B. The capacity to produce good research
(c

C. A good understanding of business

D. The capacity to distinguish between right and wrong
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Professional Ethics 71

Check Your Understanding (Answer)

Notes

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1B, 2C,
3B, 4A,

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5D, 6C,
7C, 8A,

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9C, 10D

Further Reading and Bibliography

O
1. McDonald, Michael. Ethics and Conflict of Interest. Centre for Applied Ethics,
University of British Columbia.1999. www.ethics.ubc.ca/people/mcdonald/
conflict.htm

it y
2. Adapted from Kernaghan, Ken, and Langford, John. The Responsible Public
Servant. 1990.
3. Gilbert. Daniel. “I’m O.K., You’re Biased”. The New York Times. April 16, 2006.
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/16/ opinion/16gilbert.html?ex=1302840000&e

rs
n=673c97f158031fd3&ei=5088&partn er=rssnyt&emc=rss
4. Adapted from Managing Conflicts of Interest in the Public Service Toolkit,
Independent Commission Against Corruption and Crime and Misconduct
Commission, Australia. http://www.psagency-agencefp.gc.ca/veo- bve/
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documents/ ManagingConflictOfInterestToolkit.pdf
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U
it y
m
)A
(c

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