Understanding Ethics: How Do Professional and Corporate Ethics Differ in the Workplace?

Hi all,

What is the difference between professional ethics and corporate ethics? What is general ethics?

Dear Philanthropist,

Professional ethics are related to the moral issues that arise due to the specialized know-how which professionals attain, and how the use of this knowledge should be governed when providing a service to the public. It is more along the lines of a code of conduct. For example, lawyers are supposed or obliged to maintain confidentiality in clients' cases, even if they may be aware of other facts personally. However, their professional ethics guide them to diligently follow their code of professional ethics and seek justice.

Business ethics or Corporate Ethics is a form of applied ethics that examines ethical principles and moral or ethical problems that arise in a business environment, such as international business ethics and ethics of production.

On the other hand, General Ethics are a set of moral codes or conduct, such as righteousness, etc. The above-mentioned points of differentiation are according to my knowledge. Hope this piece of information helps you :)

Best Wishes,

Hi Amruta,

Please check the link below. I hope the information here would be of some use to you.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Business_ethics

Hi Philanthropist,

I do agree with S Shalu's post. Corporate ethics deal with the things that pertain to the industry or the organization as a whole (things accepted). Every institution has its way of going about the style, business operations, negotiations, personal relations, etc.

Professional ethics also deal with the person's professional associations or qualifications ethics. At times, they tend to clash. For example, as an Accountant, it is expected that they pay all the company's tax responsibilities and employee entitlements, but this can clash with a company that wants to avoid taxes.

I hope this will make sense. Thanks

I have a doubt - according to the explanation given by you all; business ethics refers to ethics or the code of conduct one needs to follow during the course of his business.

Professional ethics (lawyer's case) refers to those code of conduct to be followed in your profession.

Isn't it that both the things are coinciding? The only difference being... Professional ethics also deals with the person's professional associations or qualifications ethics.

One more thing, the recent example of "China’s scandal over tainted milk"; will this come under Business or professional ethics?