Professional ethics refers to the ethics, norms and moral rules or principles that are applied to those practicing a particular profession. In other words, professional ethics are the action and behavior that are worthy of emulation by certain professions.
To understand this, we first need to analyze it:
ETHICS:
The word ethics is derived from the Greek word ethikos, which means moral philosophy. Moral philosophy is the science of studying people’s ethical judgment, in other words, the science of studying ethics. Moral philosophy employs ethical principles to determine the morality of behavior. This refers to customs, habits, actions and behavior of a person, an institution or a community. It is also concerned with terms such as values, norms and principles.
- Values:
Derived from the Latin word valere, which means to be strong and forceful. Values provide a broad framework according to which the value of facts, objects, ideas and events can be judged. It’s about spiritual values that are essential for moral judgments, noble characteristics and a dignified existence.
- Norms:
Derived from the Latin word norma, which means level. A levelling instrument is used to measure or judge something. A norm can therefore be seen as a measuring instrument used to test, evaluate, measure or judge human actions. The term also means to measure or to rule. A norm refers to a rule that has to be obeyed.
- Principles:
A principle is the most basic characteristic, belief, conviction or set rule. It is a statement that applies to religious, moral or political convictions. It can also be defines as that which underlies the values that are obeyed and exercised in order to make an appraisal.
Why is it important?
Resources:
http://www.dictionary.com/browse/ethics
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethics
http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/6752/4/05_chapter%201.pdf
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norm
http://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/leadership/leadership-ideas/ethical-leadership/main
