Many companies are investing millions of dollars to broadcast an ethical code of conduct. Many other companies are also hiring "Ethics Officers" to ensure the compliance to this code of ethics. A code of ethics does NOT guarantee ethical behavior. Moreover, a code of ethics cannot resolve all ethical issues or disputes.

Rather, a code of ethics sets forth values, ethical principles, and ethical standards to which professionals aspire and by which their actions can be judged.

Ethical Principle: Drawing on our own knowledge, values, and skills to help people in need. Volunteering some portion of our professional skills with no expectation of significant financial return.

Ethical Principle: The pursuit of social change, particularly with and on behalf of vulnerable and oppressed individuals and groups of people. Some issues to consider are: poverty, unemployment, and discrimination. Promoting a sensitivity to and knowledge about oppression and cultural and ethnic diversity.

Ethical Principle: To treat each person in a caring and respectful fashion, be mindful of individual differences and cultural and ethnic diversity.

Ethical Principle: To act honestly and responsibly and promote ethical practices on the part of the organizations with which we are affiliated.

Ethical Principle: To treat colleagues with respect and represent accurately and fairly the qualifications, views, and obligations of colleagues. To avoid unwarranted negative criticism of others including demeaning comments in regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, political belief, mental or physical disabilities, or any other preference, personal characteristic, or status.

Value: Competence

Ethical Principle: Accept responsibility or employment only on the basis of existing competence—don’t lie about your skills! To become and remain proficient in areas relevant to your job. To pursue and participate in continuing education.

Ethical Principle: To take responsibility and credit only for work that you have actually performed. To honestly acknowledge the work of, and contributions made by others.

Ethical Principle: To not engage in sexual activities or sexual contact with colleagues over whom you may exercise professional authority (supervise) – to not engage in relationships where there is a conflict of interest. Workers who become involved with a colleague, have a duty to transfer professional responsibilities or find new employment.

Ethical Principle: To not practice, condone, facilitate, or collaborate with any form of discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, political belief, or mental or physical disability or any other form of discrimination.

Ethical Principle: To not allow our private conduct to interfere with our ability to fulfill our own professional responsibilities.

Ethical Principle: To not participate in, condone, or be associated with dishonesty, fraud, or deception.

Ethical Principle: To not allow their own personal problems, psychosocial distress, legal problems, substance abuse, or mental health difficulties to interfere with their professional judgment and performance. If an employee feels their personal problems are impacting their performance, they should seek immediate help and make adjustments in their workload, take a leave of absence, or initiate any other steps necessary to protect colleagues, clients, and others.