Every professional body has an outlined code of ethics that members are expected to adhere to. The code of ethics guides the members on how to conduct themselves in a professional manner. International Communication of Business Communicators (IABC) and Institute of Management Consults (IMC) USA are some of the professional bodies that have well-outlined code of ethics applicable to most stakeholders in the business.
IABC stipulates that organizations should uphold credibility and dignity by ensuring that the communication to stakeholders such as clients, employees and the public is not only candid, honest and timely but also accurate and promptly correct. Organizations that offer false information are likely to lose business because would be considered untrustworthy by the prospective clients. False and vague information also kills employee morale, reducing their productivity. Organizations should further encourage free speech, freedom of assembly and access to ideas. When employees have the freedom to express themselves they are most likely to generate new ideas and innovations, the public is also likely to express its satisfaction or dissatisfaction. It is the responsibility of the organization to ensure that the information released to stakeholders does not demean their cultural values in any way. Information ought to be confidential and should only be used for intended purposes.
According to IMC stakeholders ought to be served with the utmost integrity, objectivity, competence and professionalisms. Organizations should always strive to offer the best service because that is why they are in the business. Organizations are expected to be realistic with their goals, objectives, the results expected and the benefits of the services of products. Clients deserve to be charged a reasonable fee that commensurate with the quality of the products or services offered. Lastly, IMC points out that stakeholder’s rights deserve to be respected by the organization.
References
IMC USA Code of Ethics - Institute of Management Consultants USA. (n.d.). IMC USA Code of Ethics - Institute of Management Consultants USA. Retrieved October 5, 2014, from http://www.imcusa.org/?page=ETHICSCODE
about IABC. (n.d.). IABC: Code of Ethics for Professional Communicators. Retrieved October 5, 2014, from http://www.iabc.com/about/code.htm
