Professional Ethics (part 4)

Code of Conduct

A code of conduct can be consist of general statements of ideal conduct or specific rules that define unacceptable behaviour.

The advantage of general statements is the emphasis on positive activities that encourages a high level of performance.The advantage is the difficulty  of enforcing general ideas because there are no minimum standard of behaviour
The advantage of carefully defined specific rules is the enforceability of minimum behaviour and performance standard.
The disadvantages is the tendency of some practitioners to define the rules as maximum rather than minimum standards.

Topic on Professional Conduct and Ethics include:

~Interpretation
~Fundamental principle
~Professional independence
~Competence and due care
~Method of practice
~Description and designing letters
~Advertising,publicity and solicitation in respect
~Attention to correspodence and enquiries
~Fees and discount/commission
~Confidentiality
~Changes in professional appointments
~Referrals
~Documents/prospectus
~Incapacity or death of practitioner
~Acts discreditable to the profession
~Representation by member in professional affaires
~Restriction of use of certain word
~Training
~Professional indemnity insurance