A code of ethics may be defined as a set of statements concerning an appropriate as well as expected behavior of members of a given group of people (Fisher, 2003). The members of the group are supposed to reflect the values of the code of ethics. Code of ethics is developed following recognition of a given path of lessons. This means that a code of ethics is a process where an individual picks different forms of behavior, which adapts the behavior of the individual to a set of ethic standards.
One of the main steps of developing a code of ethics is to understand what a code of ethics entails. Therefore, the individual must begin by understanding that a code of ethics is a system of right and wrong. As a set of instructions, it guides the person in making decisions based on their conscience. This is a major step since an individual needs to have the ability to differentiate between what he or she should do and what is not required of him or her.
In the development of a code of ethics, understanding for existing codes is extremely fundamental. An individual may consult various behaviors that have been existence in a given field for some time and learn from them. Also, the individual may consult religious, political, and economic ideologies as well as analytical philosophy in bid to develop personal code of ethics (Fisher, 2003).
Also, associates are extremely fundamental in development of a code of ethics in an individual. This may work following exposure of an individual to various classes of people. This means that a code of ethics may begin its development at birth of an individual (Peil, 2009).
Immediately one is born, he or she gets to the hands of parents as well as members of the nuclear family. The behaviors of the family are extremely vital in shaping how the individual will behave for the rest of his or her life (Fisher, 2003). Therefore, parents need to be extremely cautious of the kind of behaviors that they nurture in their children.
The other place that exposes individuals to influential codes of ethics is school. At school, students meet with people from various places with different beliefs as well as behaviors. This is another platform where people are likely to acquire various sets of behaviors or definition of right and wrong. Schools are known to be the major platforms for making the character of an individual before he or she gets to the job market (Peil, 2009).
The other place which is equally fundamental in the development of an individual’s code of ethics is the workplace. It is at this place where an individual is required to uphold certain set of behaviors as defined by the ethics standards of the organization. It is compulsory for all employees to adhere to the provided codes of ethics.
Workplaces emphasize on respect for codes of ethics for various reasons. The first reason is to harmonize efforts for all employees as well as maintain proper coexistence among employees. This is defined through respect of another person’s duties. Also, code of ethics for an organization helps in portraying the image of the organization to the rest of the economic world. People will always wish to work with disciplined and attractive organizations. Through proper code of ethics, organizations will be in a position to match the competition in the market, since there will be productivity among employees (Peil, 2009).
Code of ethics is a process and cannot be developed in one day. Extensive exposure to various fields defines the ability of an individual to develop a reliable code of ethics. Since childhood, the code of ethics for an individual continues being developed. Nuclear family, schools, as well as work places play critical role in the development of a code of ethics. At work place, code of ethics is exclusively fundamental and every employee is required to respect the set code of ethics.
References
Fisher, C. B. (2003). Developing A Code Of Ethics For Academics. Science and Engineering Ethics, 9(2), 171-179.
Peil, J. (2009). Handbook of economics and ethics. Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar.
