Term Paper on "Ethics the Core Values and Ethical Principles"

Term Paper 7 pages (2105 words) Sources: 5

[EXCERPT] . . . .

Ethics

The core values and ethical principles are a fundamental feature of any organization or profession. The purpose of ethical principles and core values is to facilitate the presence of guiding standards that are conducive to promoting honesty and integrity. For the purpose of this discussion the university's core values will be compared to the 2002 ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct of American psychological association (apa).

Summary of APAs Ethical Principles and core values

The current American Psychological Association Ethics Code was created by the Council of Representatives in August of 2002 and made effective in 2003. The Ethics code was also amended in the early part 2010 and just recently became effective. The APA also explains that, "The standards in this Ethics Code will be used to adjudicate complaints brought concerning alleged conduct occurring on or after the effective date. Complaints will be adjudicated on the basis of the version of the Ethics Code that was in effect at the time the conduct occurred ("Ethical Principles…")."

There are five main principles that are presented by the APA as it pertains to the general principles. These principles are factors that the association aspires to reach and adhere to. These principles include the following:

1. Integrity-under this principle the APA insists that psychologists should seek to report correct information to patients and the public. In addition, this principle means that psychologists are no to defraud clients or the public. Psychologists are also encouraged not to engage in deceitful practices and to report deceit when they witness such actions ("Ethical Principles…").

2. Fidelity and Responsibility- Psychologists must understand that people trust them and as such they have a responsibility to act professionally. This means that psychologists must be aware of any conflicts of interests that may be present and addressed the conflicts in an efficient manner. In addition, psychologists also need to consult with other professionals in the field to ensure that the actions that are being taken are done so only after all other options have been exhausted. Overall this principle reminds psychologists of the trust that has been placed in them and the responsibility that they have as professionals ("Ethical Principles…").

3. Beneficence and Nonmaleficence- this principle involves issues that all healthcare professionals must adhere to and that is to do no harm (Beneficence). This means that psychologists must treat patient in a manner that will do them no harm. In addition the psychologists must take care that their actions do not harm others such as the public (Nonmaleficence). This is particularly relevant in the field of psychology because of the danger that some mentally ill people can pose to society. With these things understood there must be a balanced maintained between doing no harm to the patient while also ensuring that people clost to the patient or the general public is not harmed. In some cases this means that a patient must be institutionalized. Whatever the case, making the wrong decision can be detrimental to the patient and society ("Ethical Principles…").

4. Respect for Rights and Dignity- treating people that have mental illnesses or mental issues is a sensitive issue. In addition there is a certain stigma attached to needing mental health assistance. With these things understood the APA encourages psychologists to have respect for their profession and their patients. This also means that the privacy and confidentiality of patients must be protected. It is essential that patients are treated in ways that are dignified and respectful. This respect and dignity are also needed because patients need to feel comfortable enough that they continue treatment. Discontinuation of treatment can lead to devastating setbacks for people with several mental health issues ("Ethical Principles…").

5. Justice- this principle refers to the right of every person to receive equal care and attention. This means that every patient should be processed using the same processes and procedures. Failure to do this can result in justice not being present for all patients ("Ethical Principles…").

In addition to these five principles the APA has ethical standards associated with several different factors. These factors include Resolving Ethical Issues, Competence Human Relations, Privacy and Confidentiality, Advertising and Other Public Statements, Record Keeping and Fees, Education and Training, Research and Publication, Assessment and Therapy. All of these standards are consistent with the principles that have already been explained. Overall the APA seeks to ensure that patients receive the proper care and psychologist understand their responsibilities as professionals.

Like the APA colleges and Universities also have a code of conduct that students and staff are expected to follow. One school's core values involves six principles and are as follows:

1. Excellence- foster an environment conducive to the development character, learning skills, and absorb the knowledge essential to becoming morally responsible leaders. School success is contingent upon a conscientious commitment to our mission, vision, and goals.

2. Community- the school aims to encourage a spirit of belonging, unity, and interdependence based on mutual trust and respect. The goal of the community is to create a socially responsible environment that challenge all of us to listen, learn, change and serve.

3. Respect- the school values all individual talents, respects their dignity, and strives to foster their commitment to excellence in our work. The schools strength depends on the unity and diversity of the members of the community, on the free exchange of ideas and on learning, living, and working harmoniously.

4. Personal Development- encourages the development of every person's mind, spirit, and body for a balanced life. All members of the school community must demonstrate their commitment to personal development to strengthen the character of our community.

5. Responsible Stewardship- we promote a spirit of service to employ our resources to university and community development. We must fully exploit and apply all of the resources of our community to fulfill the school's mission and goals.

6. Integrity- the commitment to excellence demands that members live its mission and deliver on its promise. The faculty, staff, and students pledge to be honest, just and consistent in word and deed.

Codes of Conduct in any setting serve an important purpose for the members of the community. According to Rezaee et al. Codes of conduct are seen as making a clear distinction as to what is permissible and what is not, and informing employees of actions that will land them in trouble. They also can help restore public trust, provide guidance, and be a source of professional identity and reference (Rezaee et al.,172).

Similarities and differences

Both the APA and the college recognize the need to establish certain standards for the community that these guidelines are directed towards. For the APA the council want psychologists to be aware of what is expected of them and what to do when certain issues arise. Likewise the college sets standards for students and staff to adhere to. In both instances a tone is set and the people who are members of the respective communities have clear instructions about how they are to conduct themselves.

The setting of these standards also reflects that there are consequences for behaving in ways that are outside of the established code of ethics (Rezaee et al.). The standards let members of the community know that there are certain behaviors and actions that will not be tolerated. It is important that these standards are established so that the appropriate tone can be set for the community and all members of the community (Shattock, 2008). Without such standards people in the community may not conduct themselves in ways that reflect integrity and honesty.

The codes of conduct are also similar in the principles that they espouse including integrity, respect, responsibility and personal development. Psychologists are expected to act with integrity as it pertains to the way that they treat patients. Students and staff are expected to behave honestly so that the community can reflect excellence at all times. The APA and the college also have standards that explain the importance of respect. Rect is important in both communities because it allows everyone to operate in an environment in which concerns and opinions can be heard and considered.

In addition to the similarities that exists between to code of conduct between the college and the APA code of ethics there are also some differences. The primary difference is the size of the communities there are many more people who are a part of the APA community when compared to the college community. As such the enforcement of APA standards can be more difficult because of the logistics involved. On the other hand, adhering to the code of ethics in a college community is easier because of the close knit nature that is present on most college campuses. In addition, if a violation does take place the community is small of enough that violators will be caught and forced to deal with the consequences of their actions.

Another major difference is that the APA represents a professional association and the ways in which… READ MORE

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