What is the purpose of professional codes of ethics?

The purpose of professional codes of ethics is to provide guidelines for behavior and ensure ethical actions within a profession. These codes serve as a framework that professionals can refer to when facing ethical dilemmas or decision-making scenarios in their work. By outlining standards of conduct, codes of ethics help establish trust between professionals and their clients, the public, and other stakeholders. They promote integrity, accountability, and transparency, which are essential for maintaining the credibility of the profession as a whole.

Such codes typically cover various ethical concerns including the importance of confidentiality, conflicts of interest, professionalism, and respect for colleagues and clients. By adhering to these guidelines, professionals are better equipped to make decisions that align with the core values of their field and foster a culture of ethical behavior.