Ethical Conduct and Behavior, Research Paper Example

Introduction

In general terms the concept of ethics relates to how we conduct ourselves from a moralistic, obligatory and virtuous standpoint. Whereas personal ethics are more in keeping with our personal values and commitments to others, professional ethics tends to be more holistic by nature and relates to those standards we uphold in our professional lives. In certain professions these can be very serious and have life threatening consequences i.e. Doctors, Lawyers, Bankers, etc.

Conflict in Ethics

Without a doubt there are times where personal and professional ethics can collide. A good illustration might be in the medical profession where a Doctor and Nurse are looking after a terminally ill patient. Should the patient be allowed to suffer or should the patient be allowed to pass peacefully away. The professional ethic is all about saving life whilst the personal ethic may be more humanitarian and preventing suffering. To make matters worse it has legal connotations and the Doctor may face legal consequences if he breaches his medical ethics of doing all to save lives. A similar problem may face the litigation lawyer defending a client who ultimately they may believe to be guilty. The Accountant who allows a fraud to be perpetrated on behalf of his client or acts improperly when filing tax returns. (Noonan, J.T. 1975)

Examples of Unethical Practices

Drinking at work – Being under the influence of alcohol at work is in violation of most organizational code of ethics. This will normally result in dismissal because of the contravention of the Health and Safety at work Act and the legal responsibility of a firm to protect the wellbeing of its employees. (Harris, M. 2012)

Substance abuse at work – Follows the same line of reasoning as drinking at work. Potentially more dangerous where hard drugs are concerned as this may lead towards serious accidents taking place.

References

Harris, M. (2012, 7 10). Alcohol and drugs used in the workplace: issues, controversies and directions for future research. Retrieved from http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m4

Noonan, J. (1975). Professional Ethics or Personal Responsibility. New York: Monroe.