Ethical Culture and Codes

Ethical Culture and Codes

Strength of an organization's ethical code

There are many strengths of an organization's ethical code. First and foremost is that it inspires the members and professionals of an organization to behave ethically. The ethical codes then provide guidance to the members of the organization in making ethical choices. The ethical code also educates the members of the organization regarding their professional obligation. Ethical codes discipline the organization's members when they are found guilty of violating one or more of the ethical code directives. Ethical codes also serve in sensitizing the members of an organization to ethical issues. It makes them alert to ethical aspects while binding them to follow them. In absence of ethical codes, the members of an organization may over look these ethical aspects. Ethical codes also keep the public informed regarding the nature and roles of the profession. Ethical codes also play an important part in enhancing the image of the profession in the eyes of the public (DiMauro & Grant, 2006).

Weaknesses of an organization's ethical code

Along with the much strength, here are also many weaknesses that the codes of ethics have. Very often, the directives that are included in most of the ethical codes are very vague and most of the times are very general. This causes many misunderstanding about the code of ethics and people may either not understand what the code of ethics imply or they mistake them to be something different. The codes of ethics also tend to be very unhelpful when you have two or more directives often conflicting with each other. Another problem is that the ethical codes directives are not always complete. They are not exhaustive. This causes a problem in remembering or applying these codes by the professionals of an organization. Another significant weakness ...