Personal Code of Ethics Statement
As a person and a professional, my code of ethics plays a significant role in outlining the principles, which govern my decision-making process, as well as how I behave. Integrity, trustworthiness, objectivity, and social responsibility are the bottom-line principles that I adhere to at all times.
My Experience of Creating My Personal Code of Ethics, tools, and changes
The process of creating my codes of ethics was not simple. I had to contend with three major issues as discussed hereafter. The three issues became a rule or logic to help me fashion my personal code of ethics.
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Ethical, Prudential and Legal
The Prudential and legal aspects of judging actions refer to rules established in the society. A deviation from such rules makes an action unethical (Howard, Korver, & Birchard, 2008). Prudential actions cover specifically cover actions that involve balancing of two issues and choosing which one is the best to go by. I needed personal ethics that will enable me to be reasonable and firm in decision making such as objectivity, integrity, and trustworthiness. In addition, I had to set aside principles that would cause me to lose moral strength in arriving at decisions such as fairness. Being fair is good, but it is too light to be chosen as a rule that is to be used in determining what action should or should not be pursued.
Positive versus Negative Ethics
Ethics can be grouped based on the command they provide. Negative ethics generally state, “You shall not” while positive ethics state the “you shall” (Howard, Korver & Birchard, 2008). It is easier to note and follow negative ethics as compared to positive ethics. In other words, positive ethics requires one to go out of their ways to do an action. I chose positive ethics to engage myself and move out of my comfort zone.
Actions and Consequences
I had to choose between considering my actions independently or taking into consideration their consequences. Kant’s ethical theory empowers actions and downplays the consequences the actions will bring while consequentialist regard the consequences to determine if an action is or is not ethical (Howard, Korver & Birchard, 2008; Findler, 2012). That is if killing is wrong and one requests to be killed to relieve them from suffering then one ought not to kill even if the patient will endure excruciating pain his entire life. I preferred Kant's deontology since it provides me with stamina in decision-making.
Psychologists Understanding and Practicing Strong Ethics
Work ethics and personal ethics are two distinct concepts denoting how one ought to conduct themselves at work and in daily life respectively (Neill, 2016). From this definition, work ethics can be perceived as commandments or rules of engagement such as the rules of driving. This concept belittles work ethics making it appear useless outside the work environment just like one does not require the driving rules while seated in their couches. However, a personal code of ethics is essential and can work as enforcers of work ethics. For example, if one is a sadist and enjoys such a habit while in private life, in case the work environment does not allow such behaviors the person will conflict and constant danger of trespassing. Therefore, it is imperative that everyone practicing or intending to enter the field of psychology should have a personal code of ethics. These will be a guiding principle allowing them to blend in with the work environment and their clients.
My Personal Statement of Ethics’ Role in Shaping My Profession in Psychology
My code of ethics is a universal standard. They embrace my relation with fellow workers, with clients and me. The virtues of integrity, trustworthiness, objectivity, and social responsibility create an atmosphere that is in agreement with other standards thereby enabling me to remain committed in my line of work.
References
Findler, R. (2012). Dostoevsky and Kant: Dialogues on Ethics. By Evgenia Cherkasova.
Howard, R. A., Korver, C. D., & Birchard, B. (2008). Ethics for the real world: Creating a personal code to guide decisions in work and life. Harvard Business Press.
Neill, C. (2016). Ethics and psychology: Beyond codes of practice . Routledge.
