Ethics and professionalism

Question 1

Examples of ethical and unethical behaviour

Answer 1

The following examples of ethical and unethical behaviour will illustrate the
difference between them.

Question 2

Examples of ethical behaviour

Answer 2

• The business is telling the truth during a public relations crisis to overcome the
  issue they are facing.
• Businesses keep promises to their employees, partners, and customers.
• The business shows loyalty when they make decisions that will also benefit
  their staff, partners, investors, and customers.
• The business shows fairness when it exercises its power justly to all its
  stakeholders.

Question 3

Examples of unethical behaviour

Answer 3

• Dumping pollutants into the water supply rather than using environmentally
  friendly solutions for cleaning up the pollutants.
• Releasing toxins into the air at levels that are above the permitted level of the
  Environmental Protection Agency.
• Deliberately falsifying information on tax returns.
• Classifying an employee as a contractor to reduce payroll taxes and avoiding
  other compulsory deductions.

Question 4

The meaning of professional behaviour

Answer 4

Although professionalism is closely linked to ethics, it is a broader concept than
ethics. It includes issues such as appearance, communication, responsibility,
knowledge, skills, etc.

Question 5

Examples of Professional behaviour

Answer 5

Respecting yourself and others, for example, being on time for work
and appointments.
* Using polite language with colleagues and clients.
* Good use of work time and setting high standards in all areas of your job.
* Keeping clients’ details confi dential/Not using clients’ information for
personal gain.
* Treating all colleagues and clients the same.

Question 6

Examples of unprofessional behaviour

Answer 6

• Using rude/impolite language with colleagues and clients.
• Abusing work time, for example, coming late, making or receiving personal
  phone calls, and sending unnecessary emails.
• Discussing clients’ information/Using clients’ information for personal gain.
• Giving some people special favours.
• Overstating the number of hours worked.
• Being unprepared for assignments or tasks.