Chapter 5
Ethical and Professional Considerations
What are the legal, financial, and professional considerations that affect the job of an HPT practitioner and the status of the field in general?
A practitioner must consider their responsibilities to their clients, which would include the overall well being of the clients business and the clients well being as members of society. Confidentiality, ROI, social responsibility should be on the top of the list for HPT practitioners when considering their responsibilities to their clients and themselves.
Helpful deffinitions regarding ethics from: Standards and Ethics in Human Performance Technology by Ingrid J. Guerra
- "Ethics: The rules or standards that govern the conduct of the members of a group
- Morals: Personal judgments, standards, and rules of conduct based on fundemental duties of promoting human welfare, acknowledging human equality or justice, and honoring individual freedom or respect of persons
- Values: The core beliefs or desires that guide or motivate the individual's attitude and actions, such as honesty, integrity, and fairness
- Business ethics: Moral principles or standards that guide behavior in the world of busines"
Responsibilities an HPT practioner has to his/her client/organization, from: Personal Ethics (A Matter of Duty) by Jim Hill
- "Add Value
- Make use and promote validated practices
- Work collaboratively
- Continuously improve proficiency
- Exhibit integrity
- Uphold confidentiality"
When in doubt always refer to the Golden Rule or this variation of said rule: Do onto others as they would have you do onto them. One may have to balance them to consider the liberties of others as well as one's own. Practice empathy as strongly as possible. We have differneces and similarities, our duty as moral agents is to be empethetic regarding other's similarities to our own and respect others differences.
ISPI Code of Ethics
" The Code of Ethics is intended to promote ethical practice in the profession. For both grand-parenting and regular certification, you must sign a statement that you agree to conduct yourself in ways that are in keeping with the principles on which the Code is based. The Code of Ethics that is based on six principles:
- Add Value Principle. Strive to conduct yourself, and manage your projects and their results, in ways that add value for your clients, their customers and the global environment.
- Validated Practice Principle. Make use of and promote validated practices in performance technology strategies and standards.
- Collaboration Principle. Work collaboratively with clients and users, functioning as a trustworthy strategic partner.
- Continuous Improvement Principle. Continually improve your proficiency in the field of performance technology.
- Integrity Principle. Be honest and truthful in your representations to clients, colleagues and others with whom you may come in contact while practicing performance technology.
- Uphold Confidentiality Principle. Maintain client confidentiality, not allowing for any conflict of interest that would benefit yourself or others."
from: http://ispi.org/
ASTD Code of Ethics
"The Code of Ethics provides guidance to individuals to be self-managed workplace learning and performance professionals. Clients and employers should expect the highest possible standards of personal integrity, professional competence, sound judgment and discretion. Developed by the profession for the profession, the Code of Ethics is the public declaration of workplace learning and performance professionals’ obligations to themselves, their profession, and society.
I strive torecognize the rights and dignities of each individual. develop human potential.
provide my employer, clients, and learners with the highest level quality education, training, and development.
comply with all copyright laws and the laws and regulations governing my position.
keep informed of pertinent knowledge and competence in the workplace learning and performance field.
maintain confidentiality and integrity in the practice of my profession.
support my peers and to avoid conduct which impedes their practicing their profession.
conduct myself in an ethical and honest manner.
improve the public understanding of workplace learning and performance.
fairly and accurately represent my workplace learning and performance credentials.
qualifications, experience, and ability.
contribute to the continuing growth of the profession.”
From http://astd.org