Distinguish between ethical principles and rules of conduct, and apply the fundamental ethical
principles of integrity, objectivity, professional competence and due care, confidentiality and
professional behaviour when rendering services
Ethical principles are broad guidelines that establish the fundamental values that should guide a person's behavior, while rules of conduct are specific guidelines or regulations that prescribe how a person should act in certain situations.
1. Integrity: This principle requires professionals to be honest and straightforward in all their professional and business relationships. They should not engage in any deceitful or fraudulent behavior and must always act in a trustworthy manner.
2. Objectivity: Professionals must remain impartial and free from conflicts of interest while providing services. They should not let bias, prejudice, or personal interests influence their decision-making processes.
3. Professional competence and due care: Professionals are expected to maintain a high level of expertise and knowledge in their field of work. They must also exercise due care in performing their duties, ensuring that their work is completed with diligence and accuracy.
4. Confidentiality: Professionals must respect the confidentiality of information they receive as part of their work. They should not disclose any sensitive or confidential information without proper authorization, and must take appropriate measures to safeguard the privacy of their clients.
5. Professional behavior: Professionals are expected to uphold the reputation of their profession by behaving ethically and responsibly. This includes treating clients, colleagues, and other stakeholders with respect, fairness, and courtesy.
By adhering to these fundamental ethical principles, professionals can ensure that they are providing high-quality services while maintaining trust and integrity in their relationships with clients and stakeholders.