Ethics

What is the difference? “Unprofessional,” “unethical,” & “illegal”

Karen Kitchener’s 5 fundamental ethical principles

1)Respect autonomy – individuals have the right to decide how to live their own lives (as long as that right does not interfere with the rights of others)

2)Do no harm – Avoid actions that may inflict physical or psychological injury

3.Benefit others – Motivation by altruism rather than self- interest.

4. Be just – Fair & equitable treatment of all individuals -- – sometimes “special” treatment is needed in order to be just, and sometimes treating everyone the same is not being just.

5.Be faithful – Tell the truth, keep promises, be loyal, and maintain basic respect and civility. Kitchener (1985) says that the ethical obligation to be faithful “can be thought of as an implicit contract or agreement between professionals and those with whom they work not the exploit, lie to, or otherwise deceive those in their professional care”

What if you suspect an ethical violation? “Confronting” the presumed offender – Goal: change behavior to ensure more ethical behavior in the future. Try to resolve at the lowest level possible, rather than going straight to blowing the whistle. You’d want to be confronted personally. You’d want to be dealt with in a civil and respectful way. “Confronting” the presumed offender – Goal: change behavior to ensure more ethical behavior in the future. Try to resolve at the lowest level possible, rather than going straight to blowing the whistle. You’d want to be confronted personally. You’d want to be dealt with in a civil and respectful way.

Canon, H. J., & Brown, R. D. (1985). How to think about professional ethics. In H. J. Canon & R. D. Brown (Eds.), Applied ethics in student services (pp ). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. Kitchener, K. S. (1985). Ethical principles and ethical decisions in student affairs. In H. J. Canon & R. D. Brown (Eds.), Applied ethics in student services (pp ). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. Canon, H. J., & Brown, R. D. (1985). How to think about professional ethics. In H. J. Canon & R. D. Brown (Eds.), Applied ethics in student services (pp ). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. Kitchener, K. S. (1985). Ethical principles and ethical decisions in student affairs. In H. J. Canon & R. D. Brown (Eds.), Applied ethics in student services (pp ). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.