Definition of Code of Ethics
Miscellanea / / July 04, 2021
By Florencia Ucha, in Nov. 2010
As we know, the Ethics is a concept that is closely linked to the moral; Ethics is a science that specifically deals with studying the behavior of human beings, the moral actions of society, and also the norms and rules that regulate these behaviors, that is, it is the one that tells us what is good, what is not and what establishes what is allowed or desired of a decision or action and what of course is not it is.
And regarding code, the right tells us that it is about the set of rules that regulate a certain matter.
Code that establishes rules within an area and through them regulates the behavior of those who intervene
From this it follows that the Code of ethics is the code that sets the rules to regulate the behavior of people within a certain context, such as a profession, a company or organization, among others.
In other words, it is a compilation of regulations that are considered the most convenient in a certain context or for a certain social group.
Meanwhile, these codes can be explicitly stated, as happens with the deontological codes of some professions, or Although they are implicit, they are not written, but this does not prevent certain behaviors and postulates that must be respected. they hold.
Although ethics do not impose effective punishments when someone deviates from the proposed behavior that it advises, the code of ethics proposes a regulation that must be in compliance required.
They guide towards what to do and discourage about what not to do
Many professions, such as journalism, medicine, psychology and the legal profession have their corresponding codes of ethics, which in some way guide the professional in the exercise of their profession, orienting him towards what is positive and of course discouraging him in case any decision or act violates some of the rules proposals. Do not disclose classified information, do not discriminate against clients or co-workers because of their social status, race or religion; do not accept bribes, are the most common principles of any code of ethics worth its salt.
The rules that comprise a code of ethics often correspond to the legal rules in force in a certain place, that is, bribery is an act that is typified in the law. law and therefore it will be plausible of a punishment who incurs it.
In some way, what a code of ethics will seek, whatever its context, will be to maintain a uniform line of behavior among the interested parties.
Benefits of having a code of this type in a profession or context
In any context, profession, it is undoubtedly a great advantage and benefit to have a code of ethics since they help especially in the creation of a weather from confidence Regarding the corresponding practice, that is, whoever starts a business with such a company that is known to respect and follow a code of ethics will be a peace of mind because they will be rigorous when it comes to respecting the agreements and conditions signed, for example.
The same can be transferred to medical practice, by undergoing treatment with a professional who is strictly governed by the code of medical ethics, we will know in advance that he will never do something that harms us as people and with regard to health by course.
These codes act as absolute inhibitors of the bad practices that may arise in some of these areas and, on the other hand, their knowledge and respect will encourage those who are part of that group to always perform adequately and in accordance, always seeking the good of the company, the patient, the good of everyone.
Now, we must also say that there is another side to the coin, not at all positive and that is Ethics is usually an ambiguous question and one that is governed a lot by subjectivity, and also by uses and traditions that prevail in a certain place.
This undoubtedly constitutes a disadvantage, as it is the most effective solution in sight to be able to counteract this state. of things is to make public, explicit, a code of ethics, so that everyone knows what is considered appropriate and what not; Obviously, in this regard, you cannot force everyone to respect it, but for now giving it to advertising and by making it known, it will be possible to let people know what is considered as good and what is not.
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