CODE OF ETHICS: FUNCTIONS AND PRINCIPLES - PHILOSOPHY - 2024

A code of ethics is a statement of principles and values ​​with which members of an organization or group must act in the development of their functions. It is a well-intentioned exposition of organizational culture and sets the internal norm for moral behavior.

The proper functioning of societies and groups depends on the establishment of common standards of conduct that promote coexistence. These rules correspond to the way in which people should function according to a community good without undermining the participation of others. That is, act ethically.

Paraphrasing Marx, ethics is a form of social conscience. It is the philosophical doctrine that studies the moral, the system that establishes the good and the bad as the basis for living harmoniously in society.

Specifically, it is a social guideline based on the principle of morality and good behavior, which established in writing and under the interpretation of law creates what is called a code of ethics.

Functions of the code of ethics

The code of ethics is a guideline of behavior within organizations, which regulates the morality of internal actions based on external repercussions. This regulatory framework prioritizes principles and values ​​as a model of conduct and action based on the policies and objectives of the association.

Its function is to express internal and external collective commitments, ensure their application and regulate the respective actions in the event of non-compliance.

It should be clarified that violating the ethical values ​​of an organization does not entail legal penalties, but administrative ones, unless the immoral act constitutes a crime. In any case, it is not the code of ethics that imposes the penalty but the corresponding legal recourse.

Internally, the code of ethics fulfills the function of institutionalizing the moral principles of the organization, promoting a climate of honesty and commitment, as well as guiding decision-making based on the group.

Externally, spreading the association's social philosophy allows the development of a binding organizational culture with its environment. The code of ethics as a self-regulation mechanism, promotes operational transparency and generates a friendly social image that raises the level of trust in society.

Principles of the code of ethics

Every code of ethics is governed by a series of moral values ​​that regulate the conscience of the members of an organizational community as part of the same social environment. It is about a series of principles that govern the philosophical thought of the institution from all its members.

Integrity

It refers to proceeding with rectitude and honor. Its foundation is dignity under any circumstance. It relies on truthfulness as a tool to promote equality and justice.

Legality

Respect for the laws is irreplaceable and invulnerable. Knowing the respective legal regulations and fully respecting them is a guiding premise of ethics, both on a personal and professional level.

Responsibility

It is related to the duty to be very broad and binding in other ethical principles. On the one hand, the person must assume their role in a timely and efficient manner, as well as the burden for their non-compliance and the consequences that may arise from it.

Transparency

All ethical behavior leaves no room for doubt. The intentions of any action, the means used for it, as well as the results obtained must have a clear purpose and without ambiguities that may lead to suspicion.

Respect

As it is a guide to coexistence in community, respect for others, the group and the environment must prevail in any action. Handling yourself with sincerity, loyalty and good faith favors cordial and peaceful exchange, in the midst of an environment in which consideration and tolerance prevail.

Professional ethics

The code of ethics is an instrument that relies on deontology to wield the duties of professional activity. In this way, it becomes the regulatory framework to control the exercise of trade union organizations and their associates in the labor field.

The professional philosophical culture is based on the role played by its members within the social environment and caring for the environment. This establishes a moral obligation to exercise the career under the precepts of ethics.

In the professional field of work, the code of ethics establishes the responsibilities of individual actions, always aimed at offering a fair, timely and efficient service.

This is how doctors swear to relieve the sick, the journalist to tell the truth, the policeman to protect the innocent, the lawyer to defend with justice, the teacher to be an example of his student, the auditor to be transparent in his observations and so many other professions.

Business ethics

Today, the operation of companies has a social impact. Its repercussions, added to the growing competition and the need to increase their productivity, forces them to establish internal conduct guidelines that have a favorable impact on their environment.

That is why corporations are governed by codes of ethics that define their actions. Internally, they regulate the procedures and patterns of conduct of their employees, under the principles of collaboration, respect, honesty and loyalty.

Externally, the negative impact on society is reduced, conflict situations are foreseen, inter-institutional relations are improved and work is done responsibly in favor of the community.

Keys to designing the code of ethics

The professional or business code of ethics constitutes a comprehensive operating system based on the principles of moral conduct.

Although it refers to a group, as it is an individual commitment, this document must list the personal values ​​that represent the image of the organization.

This is the way to establish an ethical social culture based on individual responsibility. In addition, complaint mechanisms should be implemented in the event of non-compliance with ethical statutes.

The intention of the code of ethics is to make a statement of responsibilities that will be assumed by employees or union members and whose compliance must be mandatory.

References

1. Rosental M. Iudin P. (1946). Marxist philosophical dictionary. Recovered from Philosophy.org
2. Hirsh A. (2004). Professional ethics. Some items for your understanding. Galega do Encino Magazine. Recovered from scielo.org.mx
3. Hortal A. (1996). Seven thesis on prefessional ethics, Ethical perspectives. Recovered from poj.peeters-leuven.be
4. Ethics Resource Center. (2018) Global Business Ethics Survey. Recovered from ethics.org
5. López M. (2013). Professional ethics and complexity. The principles and religion. Educational profiles. Popular Autonomous University of Puebla (UPAEP). Recovered from scielo.org.mx