Values refer to the rules which an individual uses in order to make decisions which determine whether an action is right or wrong. Ethics refers to a formal codified behavior which a particular group of people upholds (Alavudeen, 2008). As a result, each professional group has specified values which it follows. For example, there are medical ethics which are followed by the medical practitioners in order to guide them towards professional practices. Similarly, other fields such military has their professional ethics in which they uphold the values of loyalty, selfless service as well as dedication when they are undertaking their duties. Ethics go hand-in hand with professionalism, thus incase one is described as unethical such an individual is ultimately described as being unprofessional.
Ethics are primarily used in a working environment in order to promote professionalism. In the workplace, both the employees as well as the employers should lay emphasis on ethical value such as values as respect, honesty as well as trust. It is worth noting that, when the management does not uphold ethical practices, the business venture is bound to fail. When a workplace promotes ethics, then a remarkable sense of self worth as well as trust is enhanced ultimately good performance is reported (Kimmel, 2008). Professional ethics enhance a form of professionalism in the workplace. It is through upholding professional ethics and values that integrity in workplace is enhanced. Professional values and ethics act as guiding parameters in career practicing. Whenever an individual joins a particular profession, a formal induction is undertaken so as to enable the person familiarize with these guiding principles. Nonetheless, upholding the professional ethics requires individual effort and commitment through positive interactions.
Sources of professional ethics and values
First, ethics and values are set aside by the professional or governing body. Some of the values are copied from co-workers who are influential and they have been in the profession for a long duration. Professional governing bodies establishes a set of ethical values that every affiliate member ought to adhere to. The ethics advanced by such bodies clarify various procedures that any professional member may employ when making any ethical decision while still practicing or inline of duty. Professional bodies institute codes of conduct as a deliberate move in governing as well as controlling group member behavior as an attempt to safeguard ethical values of the profession (Smith &Churchill, 2000). Any misconduct may risk the concerned member for any penalty or even dismissal from practicing under the accredited body. Secondly, the business culture, internal control or even management’s practices advances codes of ethics in the workplace. For example, in order to offer clear ethical standards in the workplace, any organization ought to stipulate guiding values to all employees in order to create ethical culture in their practices. Finally, basic moral values are nurtured through the normal upbringing of an individual.
Professional ethics and career success
In order to be successful in a profession, it is paramount that the employees uphold the defined professional ethics as they undertake their tasks. A well known fact exists, that when a professional makes the right choices and ethics in a career and follows them consistently, then career success will no doubt prevail (Koehn, 1994). Whenever a person consistently follows the defined professional standards set in guiding normal practices under the profession, then professionalism culture is created. The value attached to observing professionalism standards in the workplace is remarkable. For example, following professional ethics and values to the latter may not necessarily guarantee an individual job security alone, but also earn position respect as well as recognition which in itself is fulfilling. Workers who observe professional ethics rank higher in the organization, thus opening avenues for career satisfaction and success.
Upholding professional ethics and values has several benefits. For example, doctors have professional ethics which they uphold and which enable them to display an element of responsibility. Doctors are expected to use all manner of knowledge and expertise within their reach in order to offer professional service to patients (Alavudeen, 2008). Similarly, Doctors are expected to observe high levels of professional competence in order to demonstrate integrity in their work. I addition, professional ethics impact medical career in that no individual required to provide medical services outside their professional training fields. Added responsibility is advanced to people who are professionals, such that when a person upholds particular values and ethics expected in their profession, they may be entrusted with more responsibilities that goes along with higher package. Finally, professional ethics assist in building positive public image on any career or add value to professionals associated with such careers to either prospectus employers or even to the public. For instance, professional values spelt out by any lawyers body has made the career appear prestigious and worth emulating.
References
Alavudeen , A. (2008). Professional Ethics and human values. New Delhi: India, Firewall Media Publishers.
Kimmel, A. (1988). Ethics and values in applied social research. London, UK: Sage Publishers.
Koehn, D. (1994). The Ground of Professional ethics. New York, U.S.A: Routledge Publishers.
Smith, H & Churchill, L. (2000). Professional ethics and primary care medicine: beyond dilemmas and decorum. North Carolina, U.S.A: Duke University Press.