Question

How to write a personal code of ethics

Answer 1

First let’s understand the meaning of ethics. Ethics are the feeling, ideas, notions, etc that controls how a person reacts to a given situation or how the action, decisions, conduct and words of that person is defined. These feelings and ideas are developed from our parents and surroundings through learning perspectives, the experiences in life, some religious beliefs, and cultural values and sometimes through formally studying the ethics.

The most important thing a person can do for himself is to setting a code of ethics. These ideas and philosophies that are core to your life, will contribute to the code of ethics. The draft of code of ethics can be developed by following the steps given below:

1. Purpose of personal codes of ethics— firstly, you have to identify the main purpose behind formulating your code of ethics. Are you writing it for regulating your conduct or behaviours, or to know yourself better or to improvise yourself? This will determine the way you draft you codes
2. Identify key values and ethics—This can be done by listing your personal values by asking yourself, how would I like to treat others?, what do I believe in? Looking into the past to find the answers how you have treated the situation and others will do a lot. Sometimes, looking at the code of ethics of other person will help you in deriving your code of ethics.
3. Draft the code of ethics—Give a meaningful title to your draft that is specific to you and memorable. List all the traits that someone has ever pointed to you and that has impacted your decision making process. You should also think about the importance of these ideas or ethics to your life and what positions they hold for you.
4. Implement the code of ethics—once your beliefs and values are listed down, try to analyse why they are important to you and why you follow those beliefs. It includes what you expect of yourself while dealings with others now you have written down your code of ethics. You must always revisit and refine your code of ethics as everything changes with time and experience.