a. Ethics covers a set of moral principles and rules of conduct that guide our behaviors.
b. Moral or ethical principles are the beliefs regarding what is good, acceptable, or obligatory behavior and what is bad, unacceptable, or forbidden behavior. These may be individual or shared beliefs regarding standards of behavior that are expected or required.
c. Ethical conduct is the behavior that follows moral principles and balances self-interest with direct-indirect consequences of behaviors on others. For example, honesty, fairness or justice, diligence, respect for the rights of others, etc.
d. Code of ethics is a codified guide that communicates an organization’s or a professional’s expectations regarding its member’s behavior. Thus, these are the shared principles that the organization and its members must follow.
e. Standard of conduct is the established benchmarks for the minimally acceptable behavior that clarify or enhance a group’s code of ethics.
f. Violations of the code of ethics can harm the community’s reputation both internally and externally.
To protect the innocent members and limit the potential harm, violations should be investigated, and the violators may be made to repair any damage, be disciplined, and revoke their membership.