This document discusses professional ethics for supervisors. It outlines several principles of ethical behavior including responsible conduct, respect for others, managing conflicts of interest, protecting confidentiality and privacy, stewardship of property, commitment to a safe work environment, and obligation to report misconduct. Group exercises are included to discuss examples of unethical behavior, high integrity companies, potential conflicts of interest and their mitigation, and the most important ethical issues in various professions. Related college policies are also listed.
2. What are Professional Ethics
A set of standards that are relied upon to:
• Guide all our interactions on the job.
• Reach conclusions in the workplace.
• Make decisions.
Patterns of behavior – norms – that describe what
people ought to do.
Is the foundation of trust in any organization.
3. Principles of Ethical Behavior
Responsible Conduct
• Compliance with laws regulations and policies.
• Principled business transactions
• Acting in good faith
• Accountable for individual actions
• Fulfilling obligations towards others
• Communicating ethical standards by word and deed
• Proactively detect and prevent unethical behavior
4. Principles of Ethical Behavior (Cont.)
Respect for Others
• Be respectful, fair and civil to everyone.
• Strive to be objective in interactions with colleagues
• Avoid all forms of harassment and discrimination.
• Treat colleagues, co-workers and students with
respect, professionalism and dignity.
• Accept your share of responsibility for the
governance of the college.
5. Group Exercise
Break up into pairs and talk to your colleague about a
time when:
• You or someone you know were harmed by the
unethical behavior of a company or organization.
• You or someone you know benefited from the high
integrity of a company or organization.
6. Principles of Ethical Behavior (Cont.)
Managing Conflicts of Interest
• When we or a family member has a relationship that
may impair our independent judgment.
• When our positions or confidential information we
obtain on the job can be used for personal gain.
• When we receive gifts from people doing business
with the college.
• When we have relationships with individuals or
organizations that do business with the college.
7. Principles of Ethical Behavior (Cont.)
Managing Conflicts of Interest
• We must avoid actual and perceived conflicts of
interest related to our positions.
• Actual or perceived conflicts must be disclosed.
• Employees are responsible for identifying conflicts
and reporting them.
• Conflicts should be managed or eliminated.
8. Group Exercise
At your tables, identify three potential conflicts of
interest you have encountered or heard about and
• Explain why it is a conflict.
• Identify strategies for mitigating the conflict.
• Describe an appropriate process for reporting the
conflict.
9. Principles of Ethical Behavior (Cont.)
Protecting Confidentiality and Privacy
• Many of us create and receive confidential
information.
• We are expected to comply with all legal, regulatory
and contractual obligations to ensure confidentiality.
• Examples include document preservation/disposal
and data security.
10. Principles of Ethical Behavior (Cont.)
Stewardship of College Property
• We are committed to the responsible use of college
property, including funds and equipment.
• College resources should only be used to advance
our mission.
• We should follow sound financial practices with
appropriate monitoring.
• Special care should be given to resources restricted
by donor intent.
11. Principles of Ethical Behavior (Cont.)
Commitment to Safe and Healthy Work Environment
• We are dedicated to a building a diverse and
inclusive community free of discrimination.
• We comply with all federal and state laws.
• We avoid actions that would create a hostile
environment.
• We value freedom of expression, but not abusive and
harassing behavior.
• We use appropriate safety equipment and report
injuries and unsafe situations.
12. Principles of Ethical Behavior (Cont.)
Obligation to report Suspected Misconduct
• We are all obligated to report suspected violations of
laws, regulations and policies.
• These reports can come through normal channels or
to a higher level of management or anonymously.
• We have a strict policy against retaliation.
13. Group Exercise
At your table, reflecting on the topics we discussed
today, discuss what are the most important ethical
issues in your profession.
• Responsible Conduct
• Respect for Others
• Managing Conflicts of Interest
• Protecting Confidentiality and Privacy
• Stewardship of College Property
• Commitment to Safe and Healthy Work Environment
14. Related Policies
• Drug and Alcohol
• Scientific Misconduct
• Sexual Harassment
• Non-Discrimination
• Equal Employment Opportunity
• Computing Ethics and Responsibilities
• Privacy
• Employment of Family Members
• Confidentiality
