Ethics: Professionalism and Core Connection

Breanna Grimm
bg199915@ohio.edu

Via: www.makemysoul.com/journals/MMS_-_Article_30.jpg

Defining Ethics

Ethics is more than just a decision making process; it defines a person based on their values of what they consider to be right and wrong behavior. Ethics is a make or break factor that heavily targets journalists on their accuracy, transparency, and accountability. But, that doesn't mean that ethical decision making isn't just as important when it comes to personal, everyday life. There are however differentiations between ethical behavior in the workplace, that are set to the highest professional standards, as compared to our own personal code of ethics. However, that is not saying that the two cannot intertwine with each other. Seeing how this can be a little confusing, let's break it down.

Professionalism and Ethics 

Now, we've all heard the phrase, "professionalism in the workplace", but as every job changes from the next, each conduct code is individualized around that company and or specific position. A journalist's purpose is to write not for themselves, but for the community. That is why it is crucial, compared to any other profession, that journalists live by the Code of Ethics. The Code of Ethics is a guideline of what is expected of you in the workplace that are based on the company's set values. The four main values of being a journalist are; accuracy, independence, accountability, and respect.

Accuracy, Independence, Accountability, and Respect -- What Makes Them Important?

Accuracy in a journalistic term refers to releasing unbiased facts in writing; keeping in mind that anything and everything that is released to the public can make an impact. Whether it be a small article on a local supermarket to a political scandal, nothing in the world of media is easily overlooked and in that case, forgiven. Independence refers to endorsements, such as; accepting favors. If accepting gifts, favoritism is suspected and trust in a journalist's work can take a major hit. Accountability is to being responsible when it comes to the release of information to the public and allowing the public to be open to the information in which is being released. Respect is what every journalist must truly feel toward each and every viewer, or even non-viewer that they have. If you don't give respect, why would you get respect in return? These four areas are pivotal to a journalist and their connection to the workplace.

Personal Code of Ethics

It is inevitable to go through a day, yet alone a few hours, without making a decision. Decision making is such an important part of our everyday life as well as our human nature. Not saying whether you decide to go with whipped cream or no whipped cream on your coffee is crucial when defining your character. However, it is important to think of how you want to be perceived. Think carefully about your values, set a list of what you believe is right and wrong and follow your personal code of ethics in tough situations. Ethics is something that cannot be avoided and adding ethical thinking into your daily life could only be viewed as positive, self-improvement.