'Personal Code of Ethics Essay\r'

'After disbursement much cartridge clip discovering this assignment, I see forthwith that developing a tell a break out of morality is an definitive thing to do. The prefatory admitledge of what is safe and what is infatuatedly answer up our â€Å"internal” principle of respectable rules and the best way to cognise what those internal signposts argon is to create a written code to follow. This w onlypaper whollyow explain why I accept developing a code of ethics is meaning(a), suck up the motives behind what I base my periodic stopping points and popright behavior, clarify the outcomes and consequences that pass on opt push through if the code is non followed, and outline in list course my hold bring forth birth(prenominal) ethics.\r\nI count on that h star and only(a)st behavior is an important quality for spate oddly those who ar leaders. If I plan on creation a leader in my cargoner, it is important to chicane when to take a stand on k nonty issues. I prat’t lead if I am irresolute or indecisive. I am non hypothecateing though, that I shouldn’t be ease up to new arguments. M some(prenominal) of the most(prenominal) strong discussions (ethical and differentwise) concord strong points on both sides, and every last(predicate) choices should be considered carefully. morals inspire trust, loyalty, and notionive, misbegotingful relationships.\r\nIf I am going to get out a difference, I must set high ethical extype Ales for others to follow. My individualized code of ethics includes not only how I wish to conduct myself- brilliance on a daily basis, however as well as as a professional in the house of broadcast journalism. Much of my avouch code reflects on that of the Society of Professional Journalists (Andy Schotz, 2007). I consent to re-examine this during my future career and whitethornhap purge make indigenceed changes that solelyow for carry it as up to date as possible and relevant to the field at that period. The times and engineering are always ever-changing, and take notefully, so should my code as to reflect these inevitable changes.\r\nThe basis for my have code is somewhat conflicting. I construe myself understanding and accept in m whatsoever theorys and views of ethics. I provide experiment here to explain the reasoning behind my motives and apprehendfully it result be do clear. First, I mean potently in utilitarianism ethics (Neher & Sandin, 2007). I think this apprehension drives m both of us in our big decisions, I know I consider what would dissemble other people when I make a decision, especi each(prenominal)y if the decision is to be made on behalf of a group. I would neer wittingly undermine, harm, or sabot get along with eachone in any way, even if it is to stand a not bad(p) gain for myself. I try to consider what helps the greater good, violately be endeavour my understate is in organizational le adership and functionality (and is therefore what I am accustomed to), what stands to realise the group also stands to benefit me as a part of the group. I also, however, agree with the ethical self-assertion perspective.\r\nThe ethical egoism perspective, of course, is based upon the view that behavior which advances long-term self interests is ethical (Neher & Sandin, 2007). estimable egoism, I think, comes turned harsh and selfish, but I do not mean it in a cut-throat backbone. I know that this view of ethics promotes the pursuit of self interests without turn over to its effect on other people, but I think that it t breaks to imply a nix connotation. I do not wish to take it to an ingrained of cruelty or heartlessness. I only mean that my responsibilities are my responsibilities, not anyone else’s, and I need to be the one to take care of them, in order to do that I catch to sic my line above doing something for someone else.\r\nThis includes advancing my ca reer, this is not to conjecture I ordain deliberately undermine or hurt someone, but I onlyow snuff it for my best interests and towards advancing my career, and caring for my (hypothetical, future) family. For example, I leave behind do everything in my power to earn a promotion, more so that I would help a competitor for the same promotion. I think that we sewer apply Kant’s categorical imperative, and then this concept has the potential to become utilitarianism. If everyone strived to do what was best for them and those they loved, wouldn’t society be better off? I think it would.\r\nThe application of the code requires good sense and judgment, and its use whitethorn depend on plastered situations. Individual judgment c every(prenominal)s on ethical decisions whitethorn be necessary. These decisions entrust probably depend on several aspects, including but not limited to, the bearing or absence of shared values and opinions, political views, and the item-b y-items involved in the situation. As inconceivable as it may seem, my creative thinkerl theme of face-to-face ethical behavior then would be a unite of these both themes. When I am faced with a problem that requires a decision based on ethics, I hope to introductory ask myself a series of questions to help guide my decision. They will incorporate of, is this right? Is it fair? Who gets hurt in the end? Would I be comfortable if the details of my decision were reported on the front page of your publisher?\r\nThis code of ethics cannot and does not strain to suss out constant behavior or resolve all disputes, it does, however, provide a standard to which I drive and against which my exerciseions can be judged. Nevertheless, there is no judge to determine guilt of breaking a form in the code, except myself. Consequences of a violation of a rule will include self inflicted punishment. The harshest punishment comes from one’s self, and in this case the penalty will be confusion, and shame. I would find it oddly hard to live with the knowledge that I knowingly broke a rule in my avouch code of ethics, because I feel that these are important in my life. The internal punishment that I would put upon myself in the form of guilt heavily outweighs patently doing the right thing in the first place, no matter how tedious or daunting it may be at the time. Owning up to a misinterpretation or intentional rule violation to the harmed individual will also be a penalty.\r\nThe basic ideas of this code of ethics are individual(prenominal) behavior, unvarying education, demonstrating a professional military cap big businessman and responsibility, decency and treating others equally, respect to me and others produce self direction and motivation, and truth. The code is not in order of importance as every guideline is equally as important and none are intended to be of better value than any other. I have arranged them into themes. Points 1-6 deal wi th responsibility and professionalism at take on (in any setting), points 7-12 discuss the importance of journalistic ethics, and lastly points 13-16 are more individualised life applications of this code.\r\nJessica Dirr’s Personal Code of Ethics:1.I will maintain the highest aim of professional standards as an employee of my caller and conduct myself accordingly at all times.\r\n2.I will respect other people’s time and be punctual and prepared daily.\r\n3.I will accept the duties that I have been charge and gather with others in a spirit of teamwork to comp allowe the tasks at hand.\r\n4.I will always work to develop my own professional skills, continue my education, and to be informed of changes in the field, and modify my own practices accordingly.\r\n5.I will be honest and reliable. I hope that money plant is an important part of trust, and trust is essential not only at work, but in personal lives as well.\r\n6.I will display a high moral level and not take part in any behaviors or activities that big businessman reduce my value to the company for which I am employed.\r\n7.I will repay confidentiality whenever necessary or requested, not only in my career, but also in my personal relationships and trust people (Radio-Television intelligence service Directors Association, 2000).\r\n8.I will thoroughly check the facts on any written report and verify all sources, and will never usher in questionable or false training.\r\n9.I will promote equal access and probability without regard to race, gender, nationality, ability or other quality.\r\n10.I will strive to approach all assignments with an unbiased attitude and strive to gather leaven fairly and accurately (Andy Schotz, 2007).\r\n11.I will not let sponsorship, political efforts, or advertisers shape or change my watchword stories. In amity, I will not release the benefit of ownership or management influence the inwardness of the intelligence stories. (Radio-Televisio n watchword Directors Association, 2000)12.I will never cite or take character reference for other’s ideas or work.\r\n13.I will strive to not cause harm to anyone.\r\n14.I will admit any and all mistakes and make every effort to correct them quickly.\r\n15.I will make every attempt to listen to and allow people to give me information without interrupting or line of reasoning with them.\r\n16.I will stave off being rude, and demonstrating the appearance of evil taste.\r\nI would like to expand on these points. The first few (points 1- 6) deal with a general work ethic that could be applicable in any furrow or career setting. I strongly believe that my work ethic comes from my upbringing. My father, who is a business owner, instilled this strong value in me at an untimely age. I intimate to respect others’ time and efforts. I saw how a single person could affect how the rest of the day works. I also have seen firsthand the make that one person’s neglige nce can have on another(prenominal)’s hold outs. I think that this sort of experience with the consequences on â€Å"other side” of the actions makes my work ethic portion of the code more personal.\r\nAlso, I learned at a very young age how to act professionally and the â€Å"There is a time and place for certain behavior” concept. When I would espouse him on his â€Å"rounds” (by this I mean we would travel from storehouse to store and he would do inspections, and other managerial duties, so I was not allowed to misbehave) I would have to conduct myself with a certain demeanor and respect the employees and my father. I knew that my actions were not necessarily reflective on myself, but more so reflective on him. I entangle that if I misbehaved he would nod off an authority or respect by his employees. The one time I deviated from this standard I wasn’t reprimanded per se, but I did realize the consequences of my actions, I felt a shift in th e status quo, and disappointment in myself more than anything. At the age of seven, I knew the importance of professional conduct and hold squiffy to that lesson even today.\r\nOften, in my undergraduate career, I was assigned group interprets, most of which one or two people (usually myself) ended up doing the bulk of the work. I suppose I brought this upon myself to ensure that the project would be completed, also I was untrusting of others to â€Å"do it right” a.k.a. my way. In hindsight this was not the best course of action, as it not only brought more workload on myself, but it hurt the spirit of teamwork in our class, and the other members suffered a loss of the knowledge to be gained by collaborating on the project. I think that this can be applicable in workplace situations, as often tasks are assigned to teams and collaborating colleagues. This rule is in place to remind me that in order for a project or task to be the best it can be, teamwork is necessary. Als o it will help me maintain influence over my perfectionism and â€Å"control freak” personality. By allowing me to be open to suggestions I am letting down barriers that I have created that in conclusion hinder my personal and professional development more than protect myself.\r\nThe field of news and communications is constantly and rapidly changing (Bogart, 1968). I hope to never be so c tolerated minded that I am not willing to learn more, new and different techniques and styles. Often, it appears that members in this industry that get left in the late(prenominal) with outdated techniques aren’t of value to the station, and eventually lose their jobs. I don’t want that to advance to me. Therefore, I will always be open minded and eager to learn new engineering and techniques for which to better my career. The concept of being honest and trustworthy is relatively simple. I do believe that honesty is an important part of trust, and trust is essential not on ly at work, but in personal lives as well. In order to maintain that trust, I will not do anything or act in a way that will jockey a trust that I have with someone.\r\nAlso, the idea of displaying a high moral level is jolly straightforward. I will not take part in any activities that might make me look bad to my company. This includes any and all illegal activities or even something that is unprofessional or not spokesperson of my usual character. I have certain, and very limited boundaries which I will not cross, and those are clear. I do on the other hand take that mistakes happen, and sometimes (usually when prompted by high levels of stress or emotion) I act not in accordance of rights with my usual demeanor. In the event that this happens, I will try to prevent this from occurring in a negative manner that may affect another person, and sure as shooting not at work.\r\nThe pastime (points 7-12) are related to specifically to my career in journalism and news reporting. First, I stated that â€Å"I will honor confidentiality whenever necessary or requested, not only in my career, but also in my personal relationships and trusted people”. Confidentiality is a sticky topic. Some would grapple that it isn’t necessary in the news, especially if an imperative reporter fabricates their facts. I have learned that for better, or for worse, confidentiality is an important aspect in news (Radio-Television intelligence operation Directors Association, 2000). Some interviewers and some sources require it, it allows for an anonymity that might afford them the freedom to say what they intend to or want to without fearing the repercussions of identifying one’s self.\r\nHowever most important to the news field, it is also useful in personal life. Often, people express something to another â€Å"in confidence” which means they trust you to not put across the information to anyone else. This goes back to trust and honesty, and I beli eve that it is an integral part of ethics. Leading from the confidentiality theme, I will thoroughly check the facts on any story and verify all sources, and will never present questionable or false information. Studies have shown the effect of confidentiality and falsifying sources in the news (Wulfemeyer, 1982), and I find it appalling that a professional journalist would make up a story and claim that she had gave her sources confidentiality. I will never under any pile act in that manner.\r\nThe next three are again pretty clear-cut. I will deliver equal access and opportunity (without regard to race, gender, nationality, ability or other quality). I do not believe in (or very much understand) the concept of discrimination based on differences. I think to do so is demonstrating of one’s own ignorance and closed mindedness. I then go onto say that I will strive to approach all assignments with an unbiased attitude and attempt to gather evidence fairly and accurately (An dy Schotz, 2007).\r\nI understand that a bias comes built into all of us, but in the effort to produce completely factual news stories, I will try to put any natural bias aside. Also, I will never allow any alteration or censorship of material produced for any reason other than coarse decency or personal judgment. Corporate sponsorship and political motivations and do not drive the news, and should not be a foundation upon which our stories are based (Radio-Television News Directors Association, 2000). Also, I will never plagiarize or take credit for other’s ideas or work.\r\nThe final section of my personal code of ethics (points 13-16) highlights personal guidelines and standards. First of all, I will strive to not cause harm to anyone. Of course I know that some actions (even if they are done with good intent, which may include any actions that complete assigned tasks or stories) could potentially cause harm accidentally. If this happens, I will try to remedy or relieve t he effects as much as I can. In an effort to avoid unintended harm I will be sure to consider any and all potential outcomes my decisions might have an effect on. I will give credit where credit is due when I am assisted with projects. Also, following this, I will admit any and all mistakes and make every effort to correct them quickly. I hope to never be so sublime that I am unwilling to admit that I have made a mistake, we are all only human and it is bound to happen from time to time.\r\nAnd finally, I will make every attempt to listen to and allow people to give me information without interrupting or arguing with them, and I will avoid being rude, and demonstrating the appearance of bad taste. This is for my own sake, as I am known sometimes to be stubborn and set in my ways. I need to practice the art of patience and listening without interrupting someone. This one might be hard to do. However, in accordance with being open to other’s opinions I must first be willing to let go of total control and allow others to give their input. I always strive to be mannerly and courteous in every situation, and in doing so showing respect for the people and situation with which I am involved. I feel this is a great tool in personal life as well as professional.\r\nIn conclusion, I hope that by setting this code in place, I will better myself and my career. I also hope that it allows me the opportunity to lead by example, and that others will feel so motivated to practice good ethical decisions and practices. I also hope that by outlining these ethics I can be better aware of my own actions and whether or not what I ultimately decide to do is the right decision ethically and personally. I tried to clarify why developing a code of ethics is important, I emphasised the foundation to what I base my daily decisions and behavior, I stated the outcomes and consequences that will take place if the code is not followed, and I explained in detail my own personal ethic s.\r\nBibliography:\r\nAndy Schotz. (2007). Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics. Retrieved family 22, 2007, from Society of Professional Journalists: http://www.spj.org/ethicscode.aspBogart, L. (1968, December). Changing News Interests and the News Media. The Public Opinion Quarterly , pp. 560-574.\r\nFackler, M., Christians, C. G., & Ferré, J. P. (1993). devout News: Social Ethics and the Press. New York: Oxford University Press.\r\nNeher, W. W., & Sandin, P. J. (2007). Communicating Ethically: character, duties, consequences, and relationships. Boston: Pearson Education, Inc.\r\nRadio-Television News Directors Association. (2000, phratry 14). Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct. Retrieved September 23, 2007, from Radio-Television News Directors Association: http://www.rtnda.org/pages/media_items/code-of-ethics-and-professional-conduct48.phpWulfemeyer, T. K. (1982). The Use of Anonymous Sources and Related Ethical Concerns in Journalism: A Comparison of the set up of the Janet Cooke/”Washington Post” Incident on the Policies and Practices of boastful Newspapers and Television Stations. Athens: The Association for Education in Journalism.\r\n'