CODE OF CONDUCT By Shaquille Paris Morgan

WHAT IS THE CODE OF CONDUCT?  The code of conducts is basically a set of riles which have been provided to outline the many different responsibilities of/or proper practices for many individuals, party or even organizations. This may also be related to the concepts which may include ethical codes and the honor codes.  Back in 2007 there was an international good practice guidance which was defining the developing of an effective code of conduct for an organization. The international federation of accountants which have provided the following working definitions:  Principles  Values  Standards  And many more.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR COMPANIES TO HAVE IT?  The reason why it is important to have a code of conduct because it is intended to be a central guide and reference for the users within a support of day-to-day decision making. This is meant to clarify that an organization’s mission is mainly for the values and the principles, which may be linking them to the standards of professional conducts. A code is an open disclosure which in many ways an organization operates. This may be by it providing visible guidelines for the behavior.

NATIONAL UNION OF JOURNALIST (NUJ)  At all times upholds and defends the principle of media freedom, the right of freedom of expression and the right of the public to be informed.  Strives to ensure that information disseminated is honestly conveyed, accurate and fair.  Does her/his utmost to correct harmful inaccuracies.  Differentiates between fact and opinion.  Obtains material by honest, straight- forward and open means, with the exception of investigations that are both overwhelmingly in the public interest and which involve evidence that cannot be obtained by straightforward means.  Does nothing to intrude into anybody’s private life, grief or distress unless justified by overriding consideration of the public interest.  Protects the identity of sources who supply information in confidence and material gathered in the course of her/his work.  Resists threats or any other inducements to influence, distort or suppress information,  and takes no unfair personal advantage of information gained in the course of her/his duties before the information is public knowledge.  Produces no material likely to lead to hatred or discrimination on the grounds of a person’s age, gender, race, colour, creed, legal status, disability, marital status, or sexual orientation.  Does not by way of statement, voice or appearance endorse by advertisement any commercial product or service save for the promotion of her/his own work or of the medium by which she/he is employed.  A journalist shall normally seek the consent of an appropriate adult when interviewing or photographing a child for a story about her/his welfare.  Avoids plagiarism.  The NUJ believes a journalist has the right to refuse an assignment or be identified as the author of editorial that would break the letter or spirit of the code. The NUJ will fully support any journalist disciplined for asserting her/his right to act according to the code.

HOW THIS COULD EFFECT ME?  One of the main reasons why this could effect me and other is that, you will not be able to copy everything of the internet to help you in your work because that would be classed as stealing other peoples work and sources. You have to make sure that everything I get of the internet to help me with my work will have to be re-written in my own words (100% my words) otherwise I could fail on that course.