Code of ethics forms a fundamental part in any profession as it establishes the standards upon which members belonging to a specific body observe while dispensing their duties. In essence, the code of ethics defines how members of a particular organization relate to one another and the world outside. Therefore, establishing standards of ethics bring order, professionalism, and accountability. Psychologists work to develop a reliable and valid body of scientific knowledge hinged on research ( American Psychological Association, 2016). The knowledge obtained from research is applied to human behavior in different contexts. This synthesis outlines the ethical ideas and concepts and is very crucial to me as a member of the professional community of psychologists.
The principle of competence, as contained in the APA code of ethics, indicates that psychologists must always strive to uphold high standards of proficiency in their duties. In addition, psychologists must recognize the limitations of their particular competencies as well as the constraints that come with their expertise. In this regard, they should provide services and make use of techniques for which they have qualifications by training, education, or experience. Psychologists also maintain relevant knowledge of scientific and professional information associated with the services they offer and at the same time, recognize the need for continuous education ( Kerkhoff and Hanson, 2015). This concept is essential to me at a personal level. Indeed, I always keep the boundaries of my profession and acknowledge the fact that I cannot be proficient in everything.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Moreover, I know upholding the concept will enable me to remain professional and provide the best of services to the clients I will be dealing with in the course of my duty. I will be attending training and conferences on matters related to psychology to ensure that I remain updated with the latest scientific knowledge on the field. Most importantly, I will subscribe to the psychology journals to ensure I keep with the trend in the field.
Notably, the principle of integrity stands out for me among those listed in the APA code of ethics. In this regard, psychologists strive to promote integrity in teaching, science, and the practice of psychology. All human beings deserve to be treated with the utmost dignity irrespective of one’s social class, political affiliation, religious inclination, or any other factor ( Kroll and Pouncey, 2016). Upholding human dignity thus helps to promote human welfare. While implementing the above activities, psychologists are expected to be honest, respectful, and fair to others. Additionally, in reporting or describing their services, products, qualifications, research, teaching, and fees, they should not give false, deceptive, or misleading statements.
Most importantly, the principle calls on the psychologist to be cognizant of their belief systems, limitations, needs and the effects that they have on their work. I find that principle important to me because it spells out exactly how I am supposed to behave while interacting with my clients. It is observed that upholding the principle of integrity enables one to establish cordial relationships with clients who, in most cases, have expressed satisfaction with the services offered ( O’Donohue, 2016). To uphold the principle of integrity, I will stick to my moral beliefs on what I believe is right and wrong as a guide. Since my childhood, I have been raised knowing certain actions are wrong while others are good. Most of the actions I consider wrong or immoral also fall out of the principle of integrity as contained in the APA code of ethics. Therefore, it becomes easy for me to uphold the concept by sticking to morality. I believe that in upholding my moral values, I will avoid many problems that come with violating the APA code of ethics. Ultimately, I will strive to lead by example to motivate other staff to do the same.
References
American Psychological Association. (2016). Revision of Ethical Standard 3.04 of the" Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct"(2002, as amended 2010). The American Psychologist , 71 (9), 900.
Kerkhoff, T. R., & Hanson, S. L. (2015). Applied ethics: Have we lost a crucial opportunity?.
Kroll, J., & Pouncey, C. (2016). The ethics of APA’s Goldwater rule. J Am Acad Psychiatry Law , 44 (2), 226-235.
O’Donohue, W. T. (2016). Oppression, privilege, bias, prejudice, and stereotyping: Problems in the APA code of ethics. Ethics & Behavior , 26 (7), 527-544.
