About this Project
The idea for the Users Guide to the Principles for Professional Conduct first was conceived in the early 1990s, at the time when the Principles for Professional Conduct document was undergoing a major overhaul. The committee working on this project thought it would be helpful to have a companion piece which explained in more detail the thinking underlying the profession's ethical principles.
Ten years later, we have the User’s Guide which is an evolving document. As new ethical issues arise, or when old problems have a new twist, updates will be provided.
How to Use this Guide
The NACE Principles for Professional Conduct Committee has developed this guide to help NACE members and others in the fields of career services and human resources/staffing determine the right course of action.
- A commentary is provided on the intent/basis of each principle, based on committee discussions and legal principles.
- A scenario illustrates a dilemma and a resolution offered based on the principle.
- Links take you to related NACE articles and position papers. Some links to resources may not be available to non-NACE members.
The guide should be helpful both to new professionals who are beginning to sort out the ethical values of our field, as well as experienced practitioners who need help in solving ethical dilemmas.
Introduction
According to Webster’s Ninth Collegiate Dictionary, ethics is the "discipline dealing with what is good and bad and with moral authority and obligation; the principles of conduct governing an individual or group." "Moral," the dictionary says, is the ability to know the difference between right and wrong behavior—and to act on that knowledge.
The Principles for Professional Conduct for Career Services and Employment Professionals, provides ethical standards for our profession. It is a set of "rules" for career services and human resources/staffing professionals and third-party recruiters. These principles are based on the fundamental moral tenets of fairness, truthfulness, and lawfulness; they include respect for human autonomy, privacy, and dignity; and they disallow abuse, injury, and mistreatment.
These principles provide a general framework for our daily practice.
It is common to be caught in an ethical dilemma. Ethical dilemmas often come about when we find ourselves pulled between competing moral duties, or when organizational expectations or personal needs conflict with accepted ethical practices. There are also occasions when an action we are contemplating "feels" wrong, although we are not certain why. In these instances, a clarification of our professional ethical code can help in solving the dilemma.
- Principles for Career Services Professionals
- Principles for Employer Professionals
- Principles for Third-Party Recruiters
