Statement of Ethical Business Principles
Legality
Observe the laws and regulations governing the profession.
Meet the terms of contracts undertaken. Ensure that all terms
are consistent with laws and regulations locally and globally.
Honesty
Seek to promote the public good in all professional activities.
To the extent possible, provide truthful and accurate
communications. Be dedicated to conciseness, clarity,
coherence, and creativity, striving to meet the needs of those
who use products and services. Alert clients and employers
when material is ambiguous. Before using another person's
work, obtain permission. Attribute authorship of material and
ideas only to those who make an original and substantive
contribution. Do not perform work outside job scope during
hours compensated by clients or employers, except with their
permission; nor use their facilities, equipment, or supplies
without their approval. Advertise services truthfully.
Confidentiality
Respect the confidentiality of clients, employers, and
professional organizations. Disclose business-sensitive
information only with their consent or when legally required to
do so. Obtain releases from clients and employers before
including any business-sensitive materials in portfolios or
commercial demonstrations or before using such materials for
another client or employer.
Quality
Endeavor to produce excellence in all communication products.
Negotiate realistic agreements with clients and employers on
schedules, budgets, and deliverables during project planning.
Strive to fulfill obligations in a timely, responsible manner.
Fairness
Respect cultural variety and other aspects of diversity in
clients, employers, development teams, and audiences. Serve
the business interests of clients and employers as long as they
are consistent with the public good. Whenever possible, avoid
conflicts of interest in fulfilling professional responsibilities and
activities. If a conflict of interest is discerned, disclose it to
those concerned and obtain their approval before proceeding.
Professionalism
Evaluate communication products and services constructively
and tactfully, and seek definitive assessments of professional
performance. Advance the interests of communication through
integrity and excellence in performing each task undertaken.
Additionally, assist other persons in the profession through
mentoring, networking, and instruction. Pursue professional
self-improvement.
Adapted from Ethical Principles, Society for Technical Communication
© 2009 David A. Baldwin, Dave Baldwin Consulting. All rights reserved.
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