CODE OF CONDUCT IN PUBLIC RELATIONS

Definition of Terms:

Code is a statement developed for and reflects shared principles about practice, conduct and ethics to be applied to promote the highest standards of professional practice.

-it enables to reflect ethical decisions.

-inspire the quality of behavior that reflects the expectations of the profession and the community.

-provide a clear statement to the community about these expectations.

Code of Ethics is referred to as a Value Statement; it behaves like the Constitution with general principles to guide behavior; outlining a set of principles that affect decision-making.

Code of Conduct is a set of rules outlining the social norms and rules and responsibilities of, or proper practices for, an individual, party or organization. Related concepts include ethical, honor, moral codes and religious laws.

Public relations are a strategic communication process that builds mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their publics.

- is the deliberate, planned and sustained effort to establish and maintain mutual understanding between an organization (or individual) and its (or their) publics.

What’s the difference between a Code of Ethics and Conduct?

          The terms “Code of Ethics” and “Code of Conduct” are often mistakenly used interchangeably. They are, in fact, two unique documents. 

Codes of ethics, which govern decision-making, and codes of conduct, which govern actions, represent two common ways that companies self-regulate.

Similarities

             Both a Code of Ethics and a Code of Conduct are similar as they are used in an attempt to encourage specific forms of behavior by employees. Ethics guidelines attempt to provide guidance about values and choices to influence decision making. Conduct regulations assert that some specific actions are appropriate, others inappropriate. In both cases, the organization’s desire is to obtain a narrow range of acceptable behaviors from employees.

Differences

             Ethical standards generally are wide-ranging and non-specific, designed to provide a set of values or decision-making approaches that enable employees to make independent judgments about the most appropriate course of action. Conduct standards generally require little judgment; you obey or incur a penalty, and the code provides a fairly clear set of expectations about which actions are required, acceptable or prohibited.

Importance of Code of Conduct in Public Relations

1. The Code of Conduct clarifies the standards of behavior that are expected to a person in the performance of their duties. It gives guidance in areas where a person needs to make personal and ethical decisions.

2. Promotes moral behavior, acts as a guideline for ethical decision making, enhances the reputation of an organization, prevents negative legal effects, encourages positive relationships, acts as a reference for solving ethical dilemmas.

Important elements of an effective code of conduct in Public Relations
1. Specific descriptions of common but unacceptable behavior

2. Reporting instructions with contact information

3. Information about how it may be enforced

Putting the Codes into Practice
1. The Codes are not intended to be used as a rigid set of rules; they are designed to help a person to navigate and resolve difficult professional and ethical dilemmas.

2. While there may be no single correct solution, it should be able to account for ones’ actions by referring to the Codes.

3. Use the Codes along with any other codes and/or policies to guide professional practice.

Inspiring Good Practice

1. The Codes are intended to be inspirational.

2. It may also be used to challenge the ethical and professional behavior of a person that could provide grounds for complaint if a person’s practice falls short of the expected standard.

3. The Codes should be treated as an educational tool to help the profession, to define and redefine its values, assist individual to be vigilant about ethical tensions and help them develop principled ways to resolve issues.

Importance of Employee Code of Conduct
1. Employee code of conduct guides individuals as to how they should behave at the workplace.

2. There has to be a proper dress code for employees.

3. Employee code of conduct ensures career growth and also benefits the organization in the long run.

4. Employee ethics ensures employees attend office on time and genuinely respect their superiors.

5. Most essentially, employee ethics is important as it goes a long way in making the value system of employees strong.