Ethics applied
The institutionalization of codes of ethics is common with many professional bodies, communities or functional work groups. These codes of ethics are in essence rules of conduct that are rules governing one's conduct of behavior and practice when carrying out professional work (Falde, 2000). A code of ethics may be considered to be a formalization of ethics into a set of rules for a specific purpose. A code of ethics is often adopted by the community because its members accept the idea that the adherences to these rules, including the restrictions that apply, are what are best for the community or group. Conversely, group ethics are often a reflection of the collective shared ethics and values of the individual. Most individuals are aware of their beliefs concerning certain general behaviors but are unaware of the relationship between their personal ethics, their cultural values and their morals.
Defining Value
Like ethics, value can be defined in several different ways. Values are a society’s, group’s or culture’s view on the economic worth of a commodity or a product. Values are often assigned wealth of or price of a material thing. In contrast, a more abstract view of values states that values are normative standards by which a society, culture and human beings are influenced in their choice among the alternative courses of action which they perceive (Falde, 2000).
A Layman’s Understanding
My understanding of personal ethics is intricately related to my understanding of morals, values, and my personal beliefs. Similarly my personal ethics are not distinguishable from my professional ethics with the hypocrisy of certain behaviors being inappropriate personally or professionally but not both. Realizing that ethics and values although different are related and affect each other, I have defined my personal ethics as my consistent standard of conduct that guides my decisions and actions and is reflective of my core beliefs and values. I understand and acknowledge that my cultural and religious values and beliefs have largely determined my core ethical beliefs and therefore my behavior. However, I acknowledge the fact that my ethical values, like most people’s, are not really consistent in their manifested behaviors especially when confronted with certain personal ethical dilemmas.
Personal code of ethics and cultural values
Generally, my ethical beliefs support integrity, harmony, freedom, equality and justice. Ethical conflicts exist when conflicting cultural values and an individual’s personal ethics collide. These personal ethical dilemmas include issues such as stealing, lying, or even killing (http://www.uia.org). Admittedly, on the most basic level I support the Judeo-Christian principals that a person should not steal, should not lie, and should not kill. However, specific situations or dilemmas may arise which bring into question various degrees of a responsive behavior not being unethical. In other words my ethics, values and morality, although centralized and deeply rooted in my values system are in fact flexible and adaptive to specific situations.
My ethics and religious values deny me the pleasure of seeking revenge against a person that has transgressed against me however my cultural values dictate that revenge, in moderation (i.e. revenge that does not result in bodily harm or death) is not only acceptable but is an appropriate response. Additionally, my ethics and beliefs support the idea of free speech and the freedom to peak freely however in the face of over racism or verbal abuse my cultural values dictate that an appropriate response may include physical violence or an equal or elevated level of verbal abuse.
In essence, I have concluded that cultural values, ethics and morals are frequently cohesive and in line with each other however they can collide and present problems in the form of ethical or moral dilemmas. I believe that a formal code of ethics that patterns a professional or corporate code of ethics should be designed and implemented for one’s personal use. Moreover, I believe that a person should immolate various professional institutions and groups and establish a personal code of ethics if not for the sake of personal guidance then at the least as an exercise in critical thinking. I believe that a person should exercise their critical thinking ability by participating in discussions regarding morality, ethics and values.
Conclusion
My personal code of ethics mirrors common religious laws. I will seek to treat others as I want to be treated. I will seek to promote equality, justice and freedom for all mankind. I will not violate the trust of humanity by promoting, participating in, or planning malicious and harmful acts towards another person, group or country. I will seek to always practice integrity, honesty, and morality when dealing with others. I will not knowingly take, steal or covet possessions belonging to another person. I will not allow myself to be swayed into violating my personal code of ethics by way of monetary gains, coercion, or gaining favor with an individual or a group.
References
Falde-Smith, K.(2000) "2000 A Commitment to Ethics Values and Compassion" [Electronic
Version] retrieved August 13, 2004 from
Peters, D. (2003). Your Personal Ethics: Is it time for a check-up. National Jeweler, 97(7), 30