course material

1. Introduction to Ethics: An Ethical Code for Ministers
Code of Ethics Writing Assignment InstructionsHM 2410 – Introduction to EthicsThe first
draft of your Code of Ethics paper counts 30 points. Due date: week 7.The final draft of your
Code of Ethics paper counts 100 points. Due date: week 13.The research log for your Code
of Ethics paper counts 100 points. Due date: week 13.The purpose of the code of ethics
writing assignment is (1) to help you understand thepurpose of a code of ethics and (2) to
study and recognize the applicability of a code ofethics in your particular vocation or
occupation. So this assignment is divided into twoparts to fulfill this purpose. Your code of
ethics paper should be approximately 1 and ½to 2 pages long, double spaced on 8 and ½ by
11 inch pages. Your code might belonger than this, but only if you happen to have chosen a
long code as your samplecode. Your bibliography needs to have four sources in it. Those
sources should beplaced in the Research Log. Now, let’ s get started.Part 1 – Understanding
the purpose of a code of ethics.Go to at least two web sites and read about the purpose of a
code of ethics and write ahalf of a page on the purpose of a code of ethics as the first part of
your paper. You canfind some web sites by going to an Internet search engine and typing in:
purpose of acode of ethics.Here are some web sites you could use for
this.http://www.ehow.com/facts_5490008_purpose-code-
ethics.htmlhttp://smallbusiness.chron.com/importance-creating-code-ethics-business-
3094.htmlFunctions of code of ethics fromSunita PatelThat was easy. Now that you know
why codes of ethics are useful and important, let’ sdo the fun part. Let’ s apply this to
YOU.Part 2 – A code of ethics for your occupation or profession.Instead of having you write
a code of ethics for your occupation, I want you to do outand search the Internet and find
two codes of ethics for your line of work—
either theoccupation you are in now or the one
you hope to get into in the near future. The twocodes you find are the other two sources for
your bibliography, so copy and paste theURL into your bibliography at the end of your
assignment and also place those in theResearch Log.“ Give me an example?” you say. OK.
Suppose you want to work in human resourcesdevelopment. Go to an Internet search
engine and type in: code of ethics for humanresources development. You will find many
examples. I have given one below inAppendix 1. If you are or want to be a pastoral
counselor then go to an Internet searchengine and type in: code of ethics for pastoral
counselor. Or you could search for acode of ethics for a “ family therapist.” You can do the
same for a code of ethics for aminister, military, computer data manager, business owner,
teacher, or whateveroccupation or profession you are in or plan to enter.What you need to
do for part 2 is copy and paste the code of ethics that you like, theone that you find most

2. helpful to you into your paper and footnote the URL where youfound that code of ethics to
give them credit for writing it. Then write one paragraphabout what you find most helpful
about this particular code of ethics.Bibliography:At the end put the two URLs you used to
study about the importance and purpose of acode of ethics. Put the two URLs you used
where you found examples of a code ofethics for your occupation.Check list:1. Cover page –
your name and this class.2. One paragraph on the purpose and importance of a code of
ethics.3. A sample code of ethics from the occupation you have chosen with a footnotefrom
the website where you obtained it.4. One paragraph where you tell about why you liked this
particular code of ethics.5. Bibliography – four web sites; two on the importance of codes of
ethics; twowhich have sample codes of the occupation you have chosen.6. Submit your code
as a 1stdraft.7. After the 1stdraft is graded, make any corrections that are needed.8. Submit
your final copy by week 13.9. Submit your four sources in the Research Log in week 13
when you do the finalsubmission.Appendix 1 – A sample code of ethics from Human
Resources ManagementCore PrincipleSHRM Code of EthicsSHRM Code of Ethical and
Professional Standardsin Human Resource ManagementCODE
PROVISIONS**************************************************PROFESSIONAL
RESPONSIBILITYAs HR professionals, we are responsible for adding value to the
organizations we serveand contributing to the ethical success of those organizations. We
accept professionalresponsibility for our individual decisions and actions. We are also
advocates for theprofession by engaging in activities that enhance its credibility and
value.Intent? To build respect, credibility and strategic importance for the HR profession
withinour organizations, the business community, and the communities in which wework.?
To assist the organizations we serve in achieving their objectives and goals.? To inform and
educate current and future practitioners, the organizations weserve, and the general public
about principles and practices that help theprofession.? To positively influence workplace
and recruitment practices.? To encourage professional decision-making and responsibility.?
To encourage social responsibility.Guidelines1. Adhere to the highest standards of ethical
and professional behavior.2. Measure the effectiveness of HR in contributing to or achieving
organizationalgoals.3. Comply with the law.4. Work consistent with the values of the
profession.5. Strive to achieve the highest levels of service, performance and
socialresponsibility.6. Advocate for the appropriate use and appreciation of human beings
asemployees.7. Advocate openly and within the established forums for debate in order
toinfluence decision-making and results.Core PrinciplePROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENTAs
professionals we must strive to meet the highest standards of competence andcommit to
strengthen our competencies on a continuous basis.Intent? To expand our knowledge of
human resource management to further ourunderstanding of how our organizations
function.? To advance our understanding of how organizations work (“ the business of
thebusiness” ).Guidelines1. Pursue formal academic opportunities.2. Commit to continuous
learning, skills development and application of newknowledge related to both human
resource management and the organizationswe serve.3. Contribute to the body of
knowledge, the evolution of the profession and thegrowth of individuals through teaching,
research and dissemination ofknowledge.4. Pursue certification where available, or
comparable measures of competenciesand knowledge.Core PrincipleETHICAL

3. LEADERSHIPHR professionals are expected to exhibit individual leadership as a role model
formaintaining the highest standards of ethical conduct.Intent? To set the standard and be
an example for others.? To earn individual respect and increase our credibility with those
we serve.Guidelines1. Be ethical; act ethically in every professional interaction.2. Question
pending individual and group actions when necessary to ensure thatdecisions are ethical
and are implemented in an ethical manner.3. Seek expert guidance if ever in doubt about
the ethical propriety of a situation.4. Through teaching and mentoring, champion the
development of others as ethicalleaders in the profession and in organizations.Core
PrincipleFAIRNESS AND JUSTICEAs human resource professionals, we are ethically
responsible for promoting andfostering fairness and justice for all employees and their
organizations.IntentTo create and sustain an environment that encourages all individuals
and theorganization to reach their fullest potential in a positive and productive
manner.Guidelines1. Respect the uniqueness and intrinsic worth of every individual.2. Treat
people with dignity, respect and compassion to foster a trusting workenvironment free of
harassment, intimidation, and unlawful discrimination.3. Ensure that everyone has the
opportunity to develop their skills and newcompetencies.4. Assure an environment of
inclusiveness and a commitment to diversity in theorganizations we serve.5. Develop,
administer and advocate policies and procedures that foster fair,consistent and equitable
treatment for all.6. Regardless of personal interests, support decisions made by our
organizationsthat are both ethical and legal.7. Act in a responsible manner and practice
sound management in the country(ies)in which the organizations we serve operate.Core
PrincipleCONFLICTS OF INTERESTAs HR professionals, we must maintain a high level of
trust with our stakeholders. Wemust protect the interests of our stakeholders as well as our
professional integrity andshould not engage in activities that create actual, apparent, or
potential conflicts ofinterest.IntentTo avoid activities that are in conflict or may appear to
be in conflict with any of theprovisions of this Code of Ethical and Professional Standards in
Human ResourceManagement or with one’ s responsibilities and duties as a member of the
humanresource profession and/or as an employee of any organization.Guidelines1. Adhere
to and advocate the use of published policies on conflicts of interestwithin your
organization.2. Refrain from using your position for personal, material or financial gain or
theappearance of such.3. Refrain from giving or seeking preferential treatment in the
human resourcesprocesses.4. Prioritize your obligations to identify conflicts of interest or
the appearancethereof; when conflicts arise, disclose them to relevant stakeholders.Core
PrincipleUSE OF INFORMATIONHR professionals consider and protect the rights of
individuals, especially in theacquisition and dissemination of information while ensuring
truthful communications andfacilitating informed decision-making.IntentTo build trust
among all organization constituents by maximizing the open exchange ofinformation, while
eliminating anxieties about inappropriate and/or inaccurate acquisitionand sharing of
informationGuidelines1. Acquire and disseminate information through ethical and
responsible means.2. Ensure only appropriate information is used in decisions affecting
theemployment relationship.3. Investigate the accuracy and source of information before
allowing it to be usedin employment related decisions.4. Maintain current and accurate HR
information.5. Safeguard restricted or confidential information.6. Take appropriate steps to

4. ensure the accuracy and completeness of allcommunicated information about HR policies
and practices.7. Take appropriate steps to ensure the accuracy and completeness of
allcommunicated information used in HR-related training.– See more at:
https://www.shrm.org/about/pages/code-ofethics.aspx#sthash.mx7fC3rz.dpuf