A Personal Code of Ethics

Paper Summary:

This paper defines a personal code of ethics as a unique set of factors that an individual uses to identify the superior course of action in a morally confusing situation. In some cases, such a course may be easy to find, but in others, there may be no clear-cut best approach. The author explains that, whether they know it or not, everyone already possesses a personal code of ethics, which may be violated from time to time. However, possessing and actually using a code of personal ethics that has been given some thought and consideration, can help people avoid such conduct and make the right choices even when there is strong temptation to do otherwise. The author provides a review of the relevant scholarly literature as well as some examples of personal codes of ethics maintained online. The paper concludes with a presentation of the author's own personal code of ethics.

Outline:
Review and Discussion
Personal Code of Ethics Overview
What It Is
Why It Is Important
What It Should Contain
Personal Code of Ethics

From the Paper:

"While everyone likely uses these and other approaches to sorting out right from wrong to identify a superior ethical course of action, a personal code of ethics can be consulted to help formulate an informed approach. For instance, according to Wulfson, "One must try to develop well-reasoned, well-thought out answers to an ethical problem that a code of ethics can support." Clearly, then, although all personal codes of ethics are unique, it also appears they share some common features that resemble mental algorithms that are used automatically to make these determinations between ethical and unethical behavior by examining those aspects of a situation that appear to be most important to the observer."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Beasley, M. S. & Jenkins, J. G. (2003). A primer for brainstorming fraud risks: There are good and bad ways to conduct brainstorming sessions. Journal of Accountancy, 196(6), 32.
• Beker, M. (2004). Screenwriting with a conscience: Ethics for screenwriters. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
• Hancock, J. (2003, May 10). Personal code of ethics. Jill Hancock. [Online]. Available: http://www-distance.syr.edu/jillh.html.
• Nash, R. J. (2002). Spirituality, ethics, religion, and teaching: A professor's journey. New York: Peter Lang.
• Personal code of ethics. (2008). AllAboutPhilosophy.org. [Online]. Available: http://www.all about philosophy.org/personal-code-of-ethics-faq.htm.

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