Professional Ethical Standards: The Journey Toward Effective Codes of Ethics

Abstract

This chapter overviews the theoretical and empirical research on professional ethical standards and the field’s journey toward greater understanding of the inherent role of a code of ethics. Over the last 30 years, research in the field of professional ethical standards has evolved from a micro-level (or content focus) to include a macrolevel strategic orientation, specifically from a focus on the code itself (development, content, compliance, enforcement) to a systems perspective of the code as one of the potential key contributors in effective formal or informal governance over a profession (Gotterbarn D, Aust J Inf Syst 16(1):165–184, 2009; Mabe AR, Rollins SA, J Couns Dev 64:294–297, 1986; Murphy PE, J Bus Ethics 62:183–189, 2005; Skubik DW, Stening BW, J Bus Ethics, 85:515–525, 2009; Stevens B, J Bus Ethics 78:601–609, 2008; Tucker LR, Stathakopolous V, Patti CH, J Bus Ethics 19:287–300, 1999). This chapter represents this evolution through comparisons of code content across select professional associations and accounts of longitudinal processes used by professional associations in the code development process. The conclusion drawn is that while codes can serve to increase awareness of moral principles, contribute to a positive ethical climate, and serve as a control mechanism within the organization, they are merely part and parcel of a complex web of formal and informal governance infrastructures that work to promote integrity within a profession (De Cremer D, Tenbrunsel AE, van Dijke M, J Bus Ethics 95:1–6, 2010; Valentine S, Johnson A, J Bus Ethics, 61:45–53, 2005). The role of implicit and explicit institutionalization is discussed as it relates to Quality of Work Life (QWL) and ethical climate. The chapter concludes with considerations relating to international codes.