Professional ethics

As business practices have changed, so too have client expectations. As a result, ethical issues have been pushed to the front of political and business thinking. These issues cannot always be resolved by legislation and experience and, therefore, in response to these changes, many professional institutions now provide guidance on ethics for their members. Businesses are also increasingly setting out public statements of their ethical standards and responsible business practices.

By following well-publicised, robust ethical standards, the surveying industry has significantly raised the status and standing of the profession, particularly with individual members of the public. The definition of professional ethics, endorsed by RICS, is the ‘giving of one’s best to ensure that clients’ interests are properly cared for, but in doing so the wider public interest is also recognised and respected’.

Five basic assumptions underpin the understanding of professional ethics:

• Professional ethics is a process Ethics are not a fixed text to be learnt once. They are a way of reviewing behaviour against constantly changing standards. What may be ethical today, or in a particular society, may be viewed differently by others or at another time.
• Human behaviour is caused There is a motive for all human behaviour, for example financial gain, power, compassion.
• Actions have consequences The equivalent of Newton’s Third Law of Physics – ‘Every force has an equal and opposite reaction’.
• What is ethical depends on the individual’s point of view. This is influenced by a variety of factors including published codes and statements.
• Good ethical business practice rests on mutual vulnerability We are each susceptible to the actions of others, and the way we are treated depends on how we treat others. Respect is not a right and must be earned.

The need for professional ethics is based upon the vulnerability of others. Your clients (and where relevant, others affected by your advice) must be protected from exploitation in situations where their lack of relevant knowledge means they are unable to protect themselves. Professionals must, therefore, show high levels of ethical responsibility.

As a branch of philosophy, ethics is concerned with theories of right and wrong and of morality. However, what is accepted as ethical behaviour depends upon people’s individual point of view, within the context of society’s view as a whole. Sometimes this may differ depending upon the world region within which you practise.