how to write an essay on code of ethics

How to Create a Code of Ethics (With Examples)

A code of ethics outlines the ethical principles that govern employee behavior in the workplace. It often includes the company’s values , as well as the policies meant to guide employees in how they make decisions and conduct themselves at work.

What Is a Code of Ethics?

A code of ethics is a set of principles designed to shape employees’ behavior and decision-making processes. It aims to prevent unethical behavior that could damage the company and its reputation. 

The purpose of a code of ethics is to have “a comprehensive and formal way of telling employees and stakeholders what their expectations are around how people will behave in the workplace,” Pat Harned, CEO at Ethics & Compliance Initiative (ECI) , told Built In.

A strong code of ethics will be memorable and inspire employees to live by its espoused values in their daily lives. This will hopefully prevent unethical behaviors that could hurt customer relations, scare away ethical employees and ultimately tarnish the reputation of your company .

How to Write a Code of Ethics

A code of ethics often begins with the company’s CEO stating the company’s values and emphasizing the importance of maintaining quality standards, ethical principles and a healthy workplace . The rest of the code elaborates on these themes in more detail, along with more specific policies about conflicts of interest, accepting gifts, workplace harassment and the mechanisms for reporting unethical behavior.

Here are a few best practices to keep in mind when writing a code of ethics:  

1. Don’t Copy Another Organization’s Code of Ethics

If your company is in the beginning stages of adopting a code of ethics, it’s OK to look at the codes of ethics of similar-sized companies in your industry to decide which topics you might address in your code of ethics. When doing so, though, think about your own company’s values and culture to create a unique ethics policy that resonates with your specific employee population.

2. Reflect on Your Company’s Values

Begin your code of ethics with a statement about the company’s values, such as treating people with respect, acting with integrity and being accountable for one’s actions. These values will serve as the ethical foundation for the code of ethics, and all of the policies referenced in the document should tie back to these values.

“People want to align their expectations of conduct in the workplace with the company’s direction and objectives and believe that it’s contributing to the overall culture and performance of the organization,” Asha Palmer, senior vice president of compliance solutions at Skillsoft , told Built In.

3. Think About the Risks Your Organization Faces

Take into account the ethical and legal risks your organization is likely to encounter. The code of ethics may be a place for you to educate employees about potential risks and conflicts, like accepting gifts or mishandling customer information, and advise them on what they should do to mitigate and manage those risks. 

To keep the code from being too long, don’t feel like you have to address every potential ethics issue. Those topics might be better addressed through additional employee training. In fact, companies should make ethics training a routine practice, even if their code is fairly comprehensive.

4. Spell out Consequences for Noncompliance

When creating a code of ethics, make it clear that employees will be held accountable for not complying with it. Disciplinary actions should be tiered, depending on the severity and scope of infractions. An employee might receive a written warning after the first violation, for example, and face termination on the second or third violation. This information could also be included in a supporting piece of compliance documentation, like an investigation protocol. 

Either way, it’s important to stick to the disciplinary actions outlined in the ethics code to prevent employees from thinking that some people, especially those in leadership positions, are above the law.

“If there are similar breaches to the code of ethics that are being handled dramatically differently, you’re going to see huge problems within your workforce,” said Allison Mairena, vice president of people at NewGlobe . “Following true to what you have written down and being consistent and constant about talking about it and how you implement it is very important.”

5. Keep It Short and Accessible

The first draft of a company’s code of ethics will often start out long and overly inclusive, but Palmer said the real work of an effective ethics policy is the ability to make it accessible and relevant to a company’s workforce. Otherwise, they are just words on a piece of paper.

“The reality is you want people to live those words,” Palmer said, “and see how those words apply to the jobs they perform.”

While some codes of ethics can exceed 40 or 50 pages, others are more engaging and interactive, incorporating videos , visual aids and colorful text boxes . Some companies have created chatbots to answer employees’ ethical questions , which reduces the hassle of looking through a long legal document.

6. Solicit Input and Feedback From Stakeholders

Don’t write a code of ethics in a silo. Let it be informed by input from leaders, employees and other stakeholders. Once a first draft has been written, have department leaders from across the organization review it and advise whether it will resonate with their team.

7. Encourage Whistleblowers to Speak Out

A code of ethics should also inform employees how to report wrongdoing when they see it. Many companies set up an ethics and compliance hotline, which offer employees anonymity and the opportunity to bypass managers who may be involved in unethical behavior. Harned said companies should also tell employees what to expect when they report an ethics breach. 

“That is one of the leading reasons why people don’t report,” she added. “It’s because they don’t have any clue what’s going to happen and they’re afraid.”

Related Reading What Is Ethical Leadership?

Code of Ethics Examples 

There is no one right way to create a code of ethics. For instance, Costco, which has been hailed as a “ testimony to ethical capitalism ,” has a short code of ethics:

Here at Costco, we have a very straightforward, but important mission: to continually provide our members with quality goods and services at the lowest possible prices. In order to achieve our mission, we will conduct our business with the following Code of Ethics in mind:   •  Obey the law. •  Take care of our members. •  Take care of our employees. •  Respect our suppliers.   If we do these four things throughout our organization, then we will achieve our ultimate goal, which is to reward our shareholders.

Many companies have a longer code of ethics or code of conduct, typically ranging from 30 to 50 pages long. Some companies, like Starbucks , have their code of conduct broken up into multiple webpages to make it more digestible.

To get a sense of a more comprehensive code of conduct, here’s the table of contents of Mastercard’s code of conduct :

• Who does the code of conduct apply to?
• Culture of accountability
• When should you speak up?
• Responsibilities of managers
• We respect each other
• We avoid conflicts of interest
• Anti-corruption
• Business hospitality, meals and gifts
• Related party transactions
• Anti-money laundering, sanctions and export controls
• We succeed honestly
• Financial books and records
• Political activities
• Protecting company assets
• Protecting information assets
• Insider trading
• We Communicate with a single voice
• Conclusion 

If you want to take a look at other comprehensive codes of ethics, you can check out the policies in place at Microsoft , Google , Apple , BP and Goldman Sachs .

Toxic Work Culture: 18 Examples and How to Improve It

Code of Ethics vs. Code of Conduct

Traditionally, a code of conduct is more specific than a code of ethics. While a code of ethics may talk about company values and ethical principles, a code of conduct will be more prescriptive, posing hypothetical situations and specifying which behaviors are allowed and not allowed.

That said, the two terms are often used interchangeably, and it’s rare for a company to have both. The code of ethics — if it exists at all — is typically folded into the beginning of the code of conduct. Palmer said there has been a trend in the ethics and compliance profession to simplify these codes with the goal of making them more memorable.

“You want a sentiment or an ethical principle or value to resonate with people in a way where they think about whether and how it applies to what they’re doing,” she said.  

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a code of ethics.

A code of ethics is a set of ethical principles that guide employee conduct in the workplace. Employees should refer back to this document to determine if their actions are in alignment with the organization’s values.

Why are codes of ethics important?

A code of ethics will set clear expectations about what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior in the workplace. By aligning employees on a set of shared values and ethical principles, an organization can hopefully prevent unethical behavior that will hurt employees and the organization.

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How to Write a Personal Ethics Statement—And Why Every Professional Should

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What is a Personal Ethics Statement?

Personal ethics are your guidelines for forming relationships, overcoming challenges, and decision- making. A personal ethics statement is a one-page essay that gives a picture of your core values and what potential supervisors, colleagues, or clients can expect from working with you. It can be useful when you’re applying for school , just starting out in your career, looking for a new job, trying to expand your client base, or advancing your career.  

In this article we will discuss personal ethics—which should not be mistaken for professional ethics. Personal ethics relate to the values you hold in personal relationships and daily life, an whereas professional ethics relate to how you conduct yourself in business settings, deals, and professional relationships.  

An important part of your personal ethics statement is identifying your personal beliefs and personal values. Some code of ethics examples include integrity, selflessness, honesty, loyalty, equality, fairness, empathy, respect, and self-respect. This article is a complete resource for forming your personal ethics and transforming them into a compelling personal ethics statement.

Professional Impacts of Personal Ethics

There are many occasions your personal ethics will play a role in your behavior in professional settings. No matter your line of work, it’s important that you maintain unshakable personal ethics in your professional relationships and how you interact in the workplace.

Business Ethics

Business ethics are the practices and policies put into place to ensure people and resources are treated ethically in business dealings. While you’re making decisions in business to benefit a company, you must consider the impact of those decisions on others. Developing your personal code of conduct will help support you in upholding your company policies in the workplace, which will help you maintain personal integrity, as well as avoid potential business scandals . Learn about how to be an ethical leader in a business setting.

With a career in information technology, part of your job involves having access to private or confidential information. Your moral compass plays a significant role in keeping this type of information safe, especially since cyber-attacks—which happen every 39 seconds on average—are so prevalent in modern society. Having a career in IT immerses you in the world of cyber security , where ethical behavior and policy adherence are essential.

Healthcare Ethics

In the healthcare field, you’re responsible for human lives, so it’s no wonder that strong professional competence and integrity are important in how you carry yourself at work. There are plenty of complex issues, regulations, and compliance policies that you’ll encounter in a hospital or care facility, which demands that you seek the guidance of your personal ethics.

Teaching Ethics

Strong moral values are a necessary component of being a teacher. When your job is to sculpt young minds, you have must take responsibility for setting a strong example for them. Part of this is keeping students safe, part of this is treating all students equally and without discrimination. Part of this is creating healthy boundaries between your students and your personal life . If you build a personal ethics statement, you have a north star to look towards in this professional setting as you encounter ethical dilemmas. If you’re planning to become a teacher, you should also consider writing a teaching philosophy statement.

How Do I Write a Personal Ethics Statement?

There are five essential steps to writing—and perfecting—your personal ethics statement: 

1. Know your audience. 

The first step to writing an effective personal ethics statement is knowing and understanding the audience you’re writing for. This one-page piece of writing is supposed to influence the reader, so keeping the motivations and sentiments of your audience in mind while writing is important to completing your goal. Once you know your audience, whether it be an admissions counselor or a potential employer, then you can choose words and reference practices and policies that resonate with them and meet any guidelines in place.  

2. Choose your goals. 

There are two important types of goals to think about when building your personal ethics statement: your short-term and long-term goals. For example, your short-term goal may be getting into college, while your long-term goal is becoming a software engineer. Once you identify these, then you can phrase your personal ethics in terms of how they relate to your desired career path. To build off the previous example, if you aspire to be a software engineer, you can talk about personal ethics that relate to cyber security or the hard work required to get to your desired goal. 

3. Determine your influences. 

What influences the decisions you make? This is an essential step in determining your code of ethics because every choice you make is influenced by internal and external factors. One factor that affects everyone is personal traits. Your personality plays a crucial role in the decisions you make and how you carry yourself with others. Another factor is the people in your life who have helped in shaping who you are today. A third example is momentous events. Everyone experiences wonderful, pivotal moments in their life, as well as tragic and traumatic moments. All these factors play a role in your personal ethics, and they should be included in your personal ethics statement. 

4. Identify your beliefs and practices. 

This step is about writing down examples of how you move through the world and the core beliefs you live by. Compelling stories elicit emotional reactions from your audience and prove that you put your personal ethics into daily practice. Examples are essential to creating a strong personal ethics statement. 

5. Name your “why.”  

Why did you choose the ethical principles that you did? Confidently answering this question and providing details is essential to the authenticity of the statement. Decide why your personal ethics are important to you, how your life experiences brought you to those ethics, and how you’ll continue to keep them at the center of your decisions going forward. This step is important to making sure your audience walks away with a clear understanding of what ethical standards are important to you and why. 

What Should I Include in a Personal Ethics Statement?

Your personal ethics statement should consist of an introduction, a body, and a conclusion.  

Start your personal ethics statement with a one- to two-paragraph introduction. Use the introduction to talk about the life experiences that helped form your ethical background. Maybe you had a major injury in your childhood that resulted in lifelong ability differences, and this made you an advocate for accessibility. Find a personal story that will engage your reader and provide a foundation for your statement.

In the body of your personal ethics statement—about two or three paragraphs—you should list each of the ethical principles that are central in your life. This is your opportunity to make sure the reader knows your core beliefs. If you have a personal mantra, include it here. In this section, true life examples are your friend.

What Should I not Include in a Personal Ethics Statement?

Since a personal ethics statement is a deeply personal piece of writing, it’s important to be honest and authentic. The last thing you want to do is include fake life experiences just to make a point. This also isn’t an opportunity to profess all your life’s mistakes. You are human and your personal ethics statement should reflect that, but in a positive and inspiring light.  

How to Conclude

Every personal ethics statement should have a strong conclusion. Sum it all up in a final paragraph where you explain how your core values make you a great person to have in a professional organization or an excellent candidate for an academic program.

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Your Complete Guide to Writing Perfect Ethical Papers

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Every day, people make ethical decisions, and that is why your college journey will expose you to ethics papers . But how do you write a paper on ethics that garners good grades? If you want to improve your skills in this area of assignment, you landed on the right page.

This post shares insights on how to write an ethics paper to the highest levels. We will show you the essential elements of this paper and how to structure this assignment to give your essay a logical flow. Keep reading to master the art of writing an ethics paper that fetches you excellent grades. 

What is an Ethics Essay? 

Let’s define an ethics essay before proceeding to its deeper details. As its name suggests, an ethics paper is a piece of writing that debates two sides of a moral issue or dilemma. This paper focuses on matters of philosophical concern, like the principles of wrong and right. In this paper, you will elaborate on the standards that regulate human behavior.

Morality includes several practices and rules that people conventionally accept and follow. Your paper considers the moral behavior and principles of being a human in a social setting. For instance, many establishments have codes of conduct that regulate how people should behave. 

So, when composing this paper, you must explain the attitudes people hold towards such moral standards. Your work highlights the importance of a particular moral issue and explains whether society accepts or rejects it. 

As a rule, this paper should focus on debating a matter instead of simply overviewing it. Therefore, an ethics assignment shares many features with an argumentative essay because of its debating nature. 

How to Write an Ethics Essay Step by Step

So far, you have seen what this type of assignment comprises. But how do you write great papers on ethics ? This section sheds insights on how to start an ethics paper . Keep reading to sharpen your writing skills.

Choose a Relevant Topic 

First, you should spot a relevant topic that you can debate. This title should resonate well with your audience. When choosing a title, remember that this essay doesn’t essentially describe your viewpoint on a moral issue. Instead, it’s more about discussing arguments and counterarguments. So, your selected topic should have enough supporting details to make it more debatable. 

Outline Your Essay

After choosing your topic, you need to outline your paper to give it a logically flowing structure. This framework allows you to write everything in its right place. It also makes it easy for your readers to follow and understand your ideas. Generally, your structure will take this shape:

• Prove why your topic is challenging and necessary for consideration.
• Formulate a good thesis you will defend.
• Formulate arguments to support your thesis statement.
• Draft possible counterarguments.
• Address all the counterarguments by elaborating your thesis statement.
• Summarize your elaborated thesis statement and define its importance.

Please note that the above is only a guide. So, you might skip some sections if you deem it necessary. You may also choose not to write in chronological order and start from any section you want. 

Draft a Clear Introduction

You need to write a punchy and brief introduction. First, you should tell the reader what your topic seeks to address and the general opinion you’ll cover. Second, describe your paper’s structure because your readers should know the general points you will debate from the onset. Third, remember to include your main arguments but briefly. 

Write Body Paragraphs

So far, you have presented your intro, and your readers know where you are taking them. Now, you should approach your body paragraphs systematically. If you will give several arguments to support your thesis, don’t mix them in one paragraph. This way, your readers will be better placed to consider your arguments clearly. 

Compose a Conclusion

You will need to rephrase your thesis statement to underscore its importance. Also, rehash your main arguments without introducing new information. Your conclusion should point out why the ethical issue you’re discussing is important. Finish your paper by restating your viewpoint and why you think your position is accurate. 

Polish Your Paper

Lastly, go over your first draft to polish it. Your first stage will check it for grammar and styling correctness. You will also edit it to ensure your ideas are flowing logically for easy reader understanding. Lastly, proofread it to remove all spelling mistakes from the original draft and those you might have made during editing. 

Choosing an Ethics-Related Topic

Your essay will be as good or as bad as the quality of ethics paper ideas that you choose. If you manage to find captivating ethics paper titles , you will likely grab readers’ attention and interest from the onset. While they say that people shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, the truth is that everyone does that all the time. Thus, getting it right from the start makes it easy to impress and attract readers even before reading your opening sentence. 

This section contains ideas on how to select relevant and punchy topics for an ethics paper . You will also benefit from sample topics we selected to jumpstart you. 

• Your selected topic must be relevant to your target audience to attract them. Otherwise, people won’t waste their time reading irrelevant material.
• Since you are handling moral issues that have interpersonal and generational effects, your topic must have a problem-solving approach to the dilemma at hand.
• Your selected topic should be helpful and add value to readers’ lives.
• The topic must be intriguing from the onset to captivate readers’ attention and interest. 
• Your topic must be informative.
• The topic should be easy to debate on both sides of the divide (arguments and counterarguments). 
• Your selected topic must be easy enough to debate and have sufficient materials to support your debate.
• Lastly, choose a topic that intrigues you so that you don’t write on a boring topic that kills your passion. 

Sample Topics

Here are sample topics to jumpstart your next ethics assignment.

• Must desperate moments call for desperate measures?
• Can people overcome envy?
• Can humans master their ego?
• Addressing ethical dilemmas in healthcare.
• The benefits of workplace ethics.
• How does one’s family background shape their ethical principles?
• Should we have universal moral codes?
• Is morality necessary in education?
• Why is lying wrong?
• Why must abortion remain criminalized?

Ethics Paper Structure

Your paper on ethics needs a structure to give it a logical flow. Its structure ensures that readers can transition logically between your arguments and counterarguments. An ethics essay will have a simple structure that revolves around the following:

• Topic’s significance : Discuss a moral issue that challenges society and explain why its better understanding is vital. 
• A thesis statement : It covers your writing’s main focus and guides your readers throughout the entire assignment. Your thesis is your primary argument around which all the successive ideas will revolve. 
• Evidence : You’ll need sufficient evidence to support the arguments for a moral dilemma. 
• Counterarguments : Your counterarguments justify the reasoning behind the thesis statement. 
• Rebuttal examples : These examples prove your position on an ethical issue. 

Ethics Paper Outline

Outlining your ethics papers is necessary to help you work with a firm framework. An outline for ethics paper allows you to know where to place which idea. It also ensures you don’t forget to include any materials your readers need to understand your paper. An outline also helps you to remain organized, boost clarity of thought, and remain focused throughout the writing process. 

Your outline must contain short and numbered sentences to cover the format. An average outline for this type of paper will take the following shape:

Introduction

• Background information
• Thesis statement

Point three

 Conclusion

• Rephrase your thesis statement
• Summarize your main ideas 
• Final thoughts on the topic

Ethics Essay Examples

Nothing boosts your understanding better than a well-done example of an ethics paper . We’ve selected examples from various sections to help you write a better ethics essay .

Introduction 

Can you imagine living in a world where everyone lies, and integrity is fast becoming a foreign luxury that only a small minority can afford? Our generation is definitely in this moral dilemma, where the separating line between lies and truth is erased. This matter is compounded because information technology bombards our minds with excess information, making it hard for people to sift lies from truth.

Body Paragraph 

 Integrity and truth are essential pillars of a good society. In many fields of life, trust and honesty are essential for people to foster meaningful relationships and success. For instance, some doctors who are dishonest about the potential side effects of medications are not only acting unethically but also risking the health and well-being of their patients. Also, dishonest business people could achieve short-term profits by exploiting their customers but eventually lose trust, the very basis that made customers give them business.

 The moral ramifications of dishonesty are far-reaching because they undermine trust and integrity. This erodes societal foundations, damages personal and professional relationships, and produces a cannibal society.  

 The consequences of dishonesty and the benefits of integrity in our daily lives are obvious and undebatable. Integrity fosters solid relationships, candid communication, and improved decision-making. This paper explored how dishonesty negatively affects people and why everyone must value integrity. I hope this paper assists you in assessing your behavior and working towards being a more honest person.

Bottom Line

Writing ethics paper projects allows you to debate the two sides of pressing moral issues affecting society. We’ve tried to shed light on this type of assignment and illustrate our ideas with sample topics and content to inspire you. Use these prompts to make your ethics papers better every time.

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Writing an editorial essay lets you share your viewpoint on or advocate for a particular cause with your audience. A great editorial article creates awareness on a matter and influences people’s positions on it. But how do you compose such an article?  This post shares valuable insights on how to write an editorial that impresses […]

Author: Marina Kean

Every day, people make ethical decisions, and that is why your college journey will expose you to ethics papers. But how do you write a paper on ethics that garners good grades? If you want to improve your skills in this area of assignment, you landed on the right page. This post shares insights on […]

How to Write an Ethics Paper or Essay With Tips and Examples

22 December 2023

last updated

An ethics essay is one type of essays that students write to present their ideas about what is good or bad, right or wrong, white or black, and approved or prohibited in terms of various theories, approaches, techniques, practices, actions, behaviors, responsibilities, morals, results, obligations, virtues, and others, developing essential writing skills. When writing an ethics paper, students should understand that such an essay differs from other assignments in that it focuses on elaborating on issues with ethical or moral implications in philosophy. Basically, this elaboration entails writers arguing for a stand on an ethical or moral issue. Moreover, when writing an ethics essay, students should follow a basic essay structure: introduction-body-conclusion. In each of these sections, learners should capture critical elements, such as a thesis statement in the introduction part, topic sentences in body paragraphs, and a thesis restatement in the conclusion part. Hence, students need to learn how to write a good ethics paper or essay to demonstrate their knowledge of philosophy by using ethical and moral sides of an issue.

General Aspects of Writing an Ethics Paper or Essay

Academic writing is a broad discipline that exposes students to critical skills, including interpretation, explanation, reflection, and analysis of many essay topics . Basically, essay writing is one of the academic exercises that enable students to build these skills. In particular, one of the essay types that students write is a research paper on ethics. When writing ethics essays in philosophy, students address issues related to morality, such as aspects of right and wrong or good and bad. Then, such concepts of ethics and morals underlie the importance of the right behaviors. In various settings, such as workplaces, humans establish codes of ethics and conduct to guide behavior. Therefore, when writing an ethics paper, a student’s focus is on how humans embrace or disregard good morals in society.

1. Defining Features or Characteristics of an Ethics Paper or Essay

Like all other types of essays , an ethics paper has features that define it as an academic text. To some extent, these features influence an essay structure of a paper. For example, the first feature is proof of the importance of a topic. In this case, students show this importance by constructing essay topics as challenging issues facing society, hence talking about it. Then, the second characteristic is a thesis statement that learners in philosophy formulate to shed light on a topic. Further on, the third feature is arguments that support a thesis, and the fourth characteristic is possible counterarguments. Moreover, the fifth feature is a rebuttal, where writers insist on the strengths of their arguments while acknowledging the counterarguments. In turn, the sixth characteristic is a sum-up of an ethics paper. Here, authors emphasize a thesis statement by justifying the arguments in its favor that they provide in a written document.

2. How Does an Ethics Paper Differ From Other Essays

There are many types of essays that students write under a discipline of philosophy. Basically, each essay type has unique characteristics that distinguish it from other papers. For an ethics essay, these characteristics include addressing an ethical issue, using an ethical lens to make arguments regarding a controversial matter, or explaining an ethical dilemma. Ideally, this type of paper focuses on elaborating on ethics and morality. In contrast, a narrative essay focuses on telling the writer’s story, while an informative essay focuses on educating the audience concerning a topic. Moreover, while some papers, like narrative or college application essays, utilize the first-person language, an ethics essay takes a formal approach to a third-person language.

3. How to Know if Students Need to Write an Ethics Paper or Essay

Generally, before students write some types of papers , they first consider the department or tutor’s requirements. Basically, these requirements can provide direct instructions, including a research topic, an essay outline , or a grading rubric. In this case, the latter helps students to understand the basic expectations of educational departments or tutors. Therefore, when students do not get direct instructions about their ethics topics, they can always know what type of essay they need to write by reading grading essay rubric requirements. For ethics papers, such prompts require students to take a stand on an issue of profound ethical or moral implications, such as fraud. In turn, key elements that tell students that they need to write an ethics paper or essay include providing an ethical argument, elaborating on an ethical dilemma, or expounding on ethical and legal implications.

4. How Do Students Know if They Need to Write an Ethics Paper by Looking at an Essay Topic

Students consider the instructions given by departments or tutors when writing essays. Basically, these instructions provide directions on essay topics that students should address when writing their papers. When writing an ethics paper, students can know that they need to write this type of essay by looking at the department or tutor’s topic. Moreover, this ethics topic may require learners to provide ethical arguments concerning a matter, elaborate on an ethical dilemma, or state whether an issue is ethical or legal. Hence, a central message of a topic should require students to address an issue via an ethical or moral lens.

5. The Meaning of an Ethical Argument, Ethical Dilemma, and Ethical v. Legal Implications

Key elements that define an ethics paper include ethical arguments, ethical dilemmas, and ethical and legal implications. For example, the term “ethical arguments” refers to a concept of taking a stand on an issue with ethical and moral implications and defending it. In this case, writers make ethical arguments to support their perspectives on an issue raising ethical or moral questions, such as fraud. Then, the term “ethical dilemma” refers to a situation that individuals find themselves whenever they face an issue raising ethical or moral questions, such as bribery. Also, authors are torn between two options, with one option having severe ethical or moral implications. In turn, the term “ethical versus legal implications” refers to a situation where a writer has to decide whether an issue, such as bribery, needs ethical or legal redress.

20 Examples of Ethics Topics for Writing Essays and Research Papers

• Soaps and Deodorants as Potential Causes of Breast Cancer.
• The Ethics and Legality of Child Adoption.
• The Pros and Cons of Taking Vitamin Supplements.
• Plastic Surgery and the Pursuit of Beauty.
• Human Cloning: Is it Ethical?
• Death Penalty: Key Pros and Cons.
• Abortion as an Intervention Against Teen Pregnancy.
• Is Voting a Moral or Legal Duty.
• Does Driving an Electric Car Indicate Responsible Citizenship?
• Social Media Use and Privacy.
• Should Schools Enact Anti-Bullying Policies?
• Does Social Media Use Enhance or Undermine Socialization?
• Combating Music Piracy: Should Governments Get Involved?
• Organic Foods versus Processed Foods: Which is Healthier?
• Global Warming and the Extinction of Animal and Plant Species
• Should Politics and Church Separate?
• Is It Justified to Bribe to Avoid a Legal Penalty?
• Should Nurses Be Allowed to Assist Terminally Ill Patients to End Their Lives?
• Corporate Fraud: Who Should Take Responsibility?
• Is Corporate Social Responsibility a Humanitarian or Commercial Concept?

Writing Outline and Structure of an Ethics Paper or Essay

Like any other essay, an ethics paper follows a structure that underscores its outline. Basically, this structure comprises three sections: introduction, body, and conclusion. When writing these sections, students must ensure they address all the essential defining features stated previously in their ethics essays or papers. When doing so, writers should confirm that the introduction and conclusion sections take 10 percent of the total word count of an ethics paper or essay, while the body, which is the main text, should be 80 percent. Hence, an essay outline of an ethics paper should look as below:

I. Introduction

A. Hook sentence. B. Background information on an ethical dilemma. C. Writer’s claim – a thesis statement.

II. Body Paragraphs

A. Argument

• state a position of an argument;
• support this position with evidence;
• explain how this evidence is right toward this argument and evidence;
• conclude why this argument is valid.

B. Counterargument

• provide a counterargument to a position in the first body paragraph;
• include evidence that supports this counterargument, being opposite to an argument in the previous section;
• explain how this counterargument and evidence in this paragraph are correct by using an opposite perspective;
• finish why this counterargument is valid for this case.

C. Rebuttal

• define the weaknesses of a counterargument;
• cover credible evidence that supports such weaknesses;
• write how these weaknesses make a counterargument irrelevant;
• end with a statement that explains why a counterargument is not valid compared to an argument.

III. Conclusion

A. Restate a thesis. B. Sum up on the argument, counterargument, and rebuttal. C. State a final claim.

Explaining Each Section for Writing an Ethics Paper or Essay

When writing the introduction section, authors of an ethics paper should be brief and concise. Here, students should inform the audience about the purpose of writing by accurately expounding on an ethical issue that they intend to address. In essence, this aspect means highlighting their stand concerning an issue. Moreover, formulating a thesis statement helps to accomplish this goal. In this case, writers frame their minds and structure their ethics papers via the use of arguments that defend their stand on an issue of profound ethical or moral implications. Notably, when writing the introduction part, which signals the start of an ethical paper or essay, learners should begin with a hook to grab the readers’ attention. In turn, this sentence can be a popular misconception or a question that writers intend to answer when writing an ethics paper or essay.

II. Body Section

When writing the body of an ethics paper or essay, students should use a thesis statement as a reference point. In other words, they should use a thesis statement to come up with several ideas or arguments in defense of their stand on the ethical or moral issue identified in the introduction part. Basically, rules of academic writing dictate that students should begin each body paragraph with a topic sentence, whose purpose is to introduce a claim or idea that they intend to elaborate on in the section. Then, it is advisable that, when writing the body section, learners should use different paragraphs to separate arguments logically. Also, students should follow a sandwich rule when writing every body paragraph of an ethics paper or essay. In turn, such a paragraph structure means providing a claim, supporting it with evidence, explaining its relevance to the paper’s thesis, and ending with a transition sentence to be connected with the next paragraph logically.

The conclusion part is the last section of an ethics paper. In particular, an ethics essay should capture several themes in this section. Firstly, writers should restate a thesis statement. Secondly, they should summarize the main points made in body paragraphs. Also, this aspect means summarizing the writer’s arguments for their stands towards an issue with ethical or moral implications. In turn, authors should reiterate the paper’s topic and state why it was essential to address an ethical or moral issue. Besides, students need to avoid providing new information in this section.

Example of an Ethics Paper

Topic – Euthanasia: Is It Ethical?

I. Introduction Sample of an Ethics Paper

Terminal illness is a condition of profound pain and suffering for those affected, including the patients and their families. Today, some scientists support euthanasia, the aspect of assisting terminally ill patients in ending their lives. While health professionals should do everything to help their patients to avoid suffering, assisting them in ending their lives is unethical and immoral.

II. Examples of Body Paragraphs in an Ethics Paper

Life is a sacred thing, and no human being has any justification for ending it, regardless of whose it is. For example, the premise of a debate about euthanasia, which refers to assisted suicide, is the prevalence of terminal illnesses that subject individuals to a life of pain, suffering, and dependence. Without any hope of recovery, some individuals have opted to end their lives with the help of their loved ones or health professionals. While there is every reason to empathize with these individuals’ fate, there is no basis for supporting their desire to end their lives. In turn, the sanctity of life does not allow human beings to end life, no matter the circumstances.

If there seems to be no hope of recovery, ending life is counterproductive in an age of significant scientific and technological advancements. Basically, scientists are working round the clock to find cures for incurable diseases that have proven to be a threat to humanity. For example, today, smallpox is no longer a threat because a cure is found (Persson, 2010). Therefore, the fact that there may be no cure for a disease today does not mean that there will not be a cure tomorrow. Naturally, human beings rely on hope to overcome moments of darkness, such as a terminal illness diagnosis. Nonetheless, it is the effort of the scientific community that has always brought hope to humanity. In this light, there is no ethical or moral justification for euthanasia.

Euthanasia is not only a solution to terminal illness but also a sign of hopelessness and despair. When patients take the root of assisted suicide, it means that they give up on looking for alternatives in dealing with a problem. In this case, the fact that a terminal illness does not have a cure does not imply that it cannot be managed. Moreover, individuals who love a terminally ill person, such as family members and friends, hope to spend more time with them before an inevitable time happens. As such, terminally ill patients should use their families and health professionals to live longer. In essence, this aspect reflects true humanity – standing firm and determining amid of insurmountable odds. On that truth alone, euthanasia is an idea that deserves no thought or attention.

III. Conclusion Sample of an Ethics Paper

There is nothing more devastating than a terminal illness diagnosis. Basically, such news punctures the hope of many individuals, families, and communities. Nonetheless, patients should not lose hope and despair to the point of wanting to end their lives because of being diagnosed with a terminal illness. Because life is sacred and there is always a higher probability of medical breakthroughs in an age of scientific and technological advancement, euthanasia is an unethical and immoral solution to a terminal illness.

Persson, S. (2010). Smallpox, syphilis, and salvation: Medical breakthroughs that changed the world . East Gosford, New South Wales: Exisle Publishing.

Summing Up How to Write a Good Ethics Paper or Essay

Essay writing is an essential academic exercise that enables students to develop writing skills. When writing an ethics paper or essay, students focus on taking a stand on an issue with ethical or moral implications. In this case, writers create a thesis statement that expresses their perspective on a moral issue, which can be an ethical dilemma. In the main text, authors provide arguments that defend their thesis statements. Hence, when writing an ethics paper or essay, students should master the following tips:

• develop the introduction-body-conclusion outline;
• introduce a topic briefly and concisely in the introduction section;
• develop a thesis statement;
• Use separate body paragraphs to introduce and defend arguments;
• Ensure to provide a counterargument and a rebuttal;
• Restate a thesis statement in the conclusion section, including a summary of the main points (arguments that defend the paper’s thesis).

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15 Code of Ethics Examples (Copy and Paste)

A code of ethics, also known as a code of conduct, is a set of guiding principles that helps a company and its employees maintain a high standard of ethical behavior, integrity, and compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

To write your code of ethics, you need to keep in mind a range of ethical factors including conflicts of interest, confidentiality, transparency, privacy, respect, diversity, and fairness.

Below, I’ll explore some key considerations, then code of ethics examples from 15 different industries.

What to Include in your Code of Ethics

Here are some key elements to include in a code of ethics:

• Vision and mission: Start by outlining the company’s vision and mission, which serve as a foundation for the code of ethics and guide the overall direction of the company.
• Core values: Clearly define the company’s core values, which serve as guiding principles for ethical decision-making and behavior. Examples of core values include integrity , honesty, respect, responsibility, and fairness.
• Compliance with laws and regulations: Emphasize the importance of complying with all applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards, as well as the company’s internal policies and procedures.
• Conflict of interest: Address potential conflicts of interest and provide guidance on how to identify, disclose, and manage them to avoid compromising the company’s interests.
• Confidentiality and privacy: Include provisions for safeguarding confidential and proprietary information, protecting personal data, and respecting privacy rights.
• Fair competition: Encourage ethical business practices and fair competition, including compliance with antitrust and competition laws.
• Anti-bribery and corruption: Establish policies and procedures to prevent bribery, corruption, and other unethical practices in business dealings.
• Respect and diversity: Promote a respectful, inclusive, and diverse work environment, free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.
• Workplace safety and health: Commit to providing a safe and healthy work environment for all employees, in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Environmental stewardship: Encourage sustainable business practices and environmental responsibility, including compliance with relevant environmental laws and regulations.
• Financial integrity and reporting: Maintain accurate financial records and reporting practices in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and accounting standards.
• Intellectual property and copyright: Protect the company’s intellectual property and respect the intellectual property rights of others.
• Reporting and accountability: Establish procedures for reporting ethical concerns or violations, and outline the company’s commitment to investigating and addressing such reports.
• Implementation and enforcement: Describe the roles and responsibilities of management, employees, and stakeholders in implementing and enforcing the code of ethics. Include potential consequences for non-compliance.
• Training and education: Provide ongoing training and education to employees on the company’s code of ethics, policies, and procedures.

A well-crafted code of ethics should be clear, concise, and accessible to all employees. It should be regularly reviewed and updated as needed to ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness.

Code of Ethics Examples

Here are several industries, each with unique considerations when creating a code of ethics:

1. Code of Ethics for Teaching

• Confidentiality: Teachers must protect students’ personal information, as well as respect the confidentiality of their academic performance and progress.
• Professional boundaries: Teachers should maintain appropriate relationships with students, avoiding favoritism and maintaining a clear distinction between personal and professional roles.
• Fair assessment: Teachers must ensure that assessments and grading are transparent, fair, and based on objective criteria.
• Inclusivity: Teachers should create an inclusive learning environment that respects and values diversity, free from discrimination and bias.

See Also: Examples of School Vision and Mission Statements

2. Code of Ethics for Childcare

• Child safety and welfare: Childcare providers must prioritize the safety, health, and well-being of the children in their care, following all applicable laws and regulations related to child protection.
• Positive guidance: Childcare providers should use positive guidance techniques, encouraging appropriate behavior and fostering a supportive and nurturing environment.
• Parent partnerships: Childcare providers should work closely with parents and guardians to address concerns, share information about children’s progress, and support their development.

See Also: Examples of Childcare Vision and Mission Statements

3. Code of Ethics for Nursing

• Patient advocacy: Nurses should advocate for the best interests of their patients, ensuring they receive appropriate care and have access to necessary resources.
• Confidentiality: Nurses must protect patients’ privacy and maintain the confidentiality of their medical information, following applicable laws and regulations.
• Professional competence: Nurses should maintain and develop their professional skills and knowledge, ensuring they provide safe, effective, and evidence-based care .
• Ethical decision-making: Nurses may encounter complex ethical dilemmas in their practice and should follow established ethical guidelines and principles to make informed decisions that prioritize patient well-being.

4. Code of Ethics for Finance

• Transparency : Financial professionals should provide clear, accurate, and timely information to clients, stakeholders, and regulatory authorities.
• Conflict of interest: Financial professionals should disclose and manage any conflicts of interest that could compromise their objectivity or the best interests of their clients.
• Compliance: Financial professionals must adhere to all relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards, including those related to anti-money laundering, fraud prevention, and insider trading.
• Client protection: Financial professionals should prioritize the interests of their clients, acting with integrity and providing suitable financial products and services based on clients’ needs and risk tolerance.

5. Code of Ethics for Engineering

• Public safety: Engineers have a responsibility to ensure that their work prioritizes public safety, health, and welfare, adhering to relevant codes, regulations, and industry standards.
• Environmental stewardship: Engineers should consider the environmental impact of their work, striving to minimize negative effects and promote sustainable practices .
• Competence: Engineers must maintain and develop their professional skills and knowledge, working within the scope of their expertise and seeking assistance when needed.
• Intellectual property: Engineers should respect the intellectual property rights of others and avoid using proprietary information without proper authorization.

6. Code of Ethics for Journalism

• Accuracy: Journalists should strive for accuracy, verifying facts and correcting errors promptly.
• Fairness: Journalists should present news and information objectively, avoiding bias or favoritism.
• Independence: Journalists must maintain their independence , avoiding conflicts of interest that could compromise their objectivity or the integrity of their reporting.
• Protection of sources: Journalists should protect confidential sources and respect their privacy.

7. Code of Ethics for Law Firms

• Client confidentiality: Attorneys must maintain client confidentiality, protecting sensitive information and communications.
• Competence : Attorneys should maintain and develop their professional skills and knowledge, providing competent representation to their clients.
• Conflict of interest: Attorneys must identify, disclose, and manage conflicts of interest to ensure impartial representation.
• Zealous advocacy: Attorneys should represent their clients’ interests zealously within the bounds of the law.

8. Code of Ethics for Doctors

• Patient autonomy : Medical professionals should respect patients’ rights to make informed decisions about their healthcare.
• Beneficence and non-maleficence : Medical professionals should act in the best interest of patients, promoting well-being while minimizing harm.
• Confidentiality: Medical professionals must protect patients’ privacy and maintain the confidentiality of their medical information.
• Professional boundaries: Medical professionals should maintain appropriate relationships with patients, avoiding exploitation or undue influence.

9. Code of Ethics for Real Estate

• Honesty and integrity: Real estate professionals should act with honesty and integrity in all transactions and interactions with clients.
• Disclosure: Real estate professionals must provide accurate and complete information about properties and disclose any relevant material facts.
• Confidentiality: Real estate professionals should protect clients’ confidential information and respect their privacy.
• Fair representation: Real estate professionals must fairly represent all parties involved in a transaction and avoid misleading or deceptive practices.

See Also: Examples of Real Estate Vision and Mission Statements

10. Code of Ethics for Pharmacies

• Patient safety: Pharmaceutical companies should prioritize patient safety and well-being, adhering to rigorous testing, quality control, and regulatory compliance standards.
• Transparency: Pharmaceutical companies should be transparent about their products’ risks, benefits, and potential side effects.
• Ethical marketing: Pharmaceutical companies must ensure that their marketing and promotional activities are accurate, balanced, and not misleading.
• Research integrity: Pharmaceutical companies should promote scientific integrity and transparency in research, including the disclosure of potential conflicts of interest and the reporting of clinical trial results.

11. Code of Ethics for Information Technology

• Data security: IT professionals should prioritize data security and implement appropriate measures to protect sensitive information and systems.
• Privacy: IT professionals must respect users’ privacy and comply with relevant data protection laws and regulations.
• Intellectual property: IT professionals should respect the intellectual property rights of others, including software licenses, copyrights, and patents.
• Ethical development: IT professionals should consider the ethical implications of their work, ensuring that technologies are developed and deployed responsibly and do not harm individuals or society.

12. Code of Ethics for Marketing and advertising

• Truthfulness: Marketers and advertisers should create honest, accurate, and transparent promotional materials that do not mislead or deceive consumers.
• Privacy: Marketers and advertisers must respect consumers’ privacy and comply with data protection laws and regulations.
• Fair competition: Marketers and advertisers should engage in ethical business practices and avoid activities that unfairly harm competitors or manipulate market conditions.
• Social responsibility: Marketers and advertisers should consider the social and environmental impact of their campaigns and promote responsible consumption.

13. Code of Ethics for Construction

• Health and safety: Construction companies should prioritize worker safety and comply with all relevant health and safety regulations.
• Environmental stewardship: Construction companies should minimize their environmental impact by using sustainable materials, reducing waste, and following best practices for environmental management.
• Quality and compliance: Construction companies should adhere to applicable building codes, regulations, and industry standards to ensure the quality and integrity of their projects.
• Fair business practices: Construction companies should engage in ethical procurement, contracting, and employment practices, avoiding bribery, corruption, and collusion.

See Also: Examples of Vision and Mission Statements for Construction Companies

14. Code of Ethics for Hospitality

• Guest experience: Hospitality professionals should prioritize guest satisfaction, delivering exceptional service and addressing concerns promptly.
• Health and safety: Hospitality professionals should maintain a clean and safe environment for guests and employees, adhering to applicable health and safety regulations.
• Privacy: Hospitality professionals must protect guests’ personal information and respect their privacy.
• Inclusivity: Hospitality professionals should create an inclusive environment that welcomes diverse guests and employees, free from discrimination and bias.

15. Code of Ethics for NGOs

• Stewardship of resources: Non-profit organizations should use their resources responsibly and transparently, maximizing the impact of their programs and services.
• Donor relations: Non-profit organizations should maintain open, honest, and respectful relationships with donors, providing accurate information about their activities and impact.
• Conflict of interest: Non-profit organizations must identify, disclose, and manage conflicts of interest that could compromise their mission or reputation.
• Accountability and transparency: Non-profit organizations should be accountable to their stakeholders, including donors, beneficiaries, and the public, and maintain transparent governance and reporting practices.

See Also: Examples of Vision and Mission Statements for NGOs

Each industry has its unique ethical considerations, and a code of ethics should address these specific concerns in addition to general ethical principles.

Complete Code of Ethics Example

Morning Joe Coffee Shop’s Code of Ethics

1. Vision and mission

Our vision is to create a welcoming, vibrant, and sustainable coffee shop that serves high-quality coffee and provides exceptional customer experiences. Our mission is to cultivate strong relationships with our customers, employees, and suppliers while fostering a sense of community and social responsibility.

2. Core values

• Quality: We are dedicated to providing the highest quality coffee and products.
• Customer satisfaction: We strive to exceed customer expectations at all times.
• Integrity: We are honest, transparent, and ethical in all aspects of our business.
• Respect: We treat everyone with kindness, dignity, and respect.
• Sustainability: We are committed to minimizing our environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices.

3. Compliance with laws and regulations

We will adhere to all applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards governing our business, including food safety, labor, and employment regulations.

4. Conflict of interest

We will actively identify, disclose, and manage any conflicts of interest that could compromise the best interests of our coffee shop, customers, or employees.

5. Confidentiality and privacy

We will protect the personal and financial information of our customers and employees, as well as proprietary information relating to our business operations.

6. Fair competition

We will engage in fair and ethical business practices, avoiding any practices that could harm our competitors or compromise the integrity of our industry.

7. Anti-bribery and corruption

We will not engage in bribery, corruption, or other unethical business practices. We will conduct our business with integrity and transparency.

8. Respect and diversity

We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse work environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity, free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.

9. Workplace safety and health

We will maintain a safe, clean, and healthy work environment for our employees and customers, in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

10. Environmental stewardship

We will strive to minimize our environmental impact by implementing sustainable practices, such as reducing waste, using eco-friendly packaging, and sourcing ethically-produced coffee beans.

11. Financial integrity and reporting

We will maintain accurate financial records and reporting practices, ensuring the financial health and stability of our coffee shop.

12. Intellectual property and copyright

We will respect the intellectual property rights of others, including copyrighted materials, trademarks, and patents.

13. Reporting and accountability

We encourage employees and stakeholders to report any ethical concerns or violations. We commit to investigating and addressing such reports in a timely and fair manner.

14. Implementation and enforcement

All employees, managers, and stakeholders share responsibility for implementing and enforcing this code of ethics. We will hold everyone accountable for their actions, and consequences will be applied for non-compliance.

15. Training and education

We will provide ongoing training and education to our employees on our code of ethics, policies, and procedures to ensure a strong ethical culture within our coffee shop.

Your code of ethics depends upon your industry and its unique relationship with shareholders and customers. It needs to be sensitive to the dangers and risks in the industry as well as your responsibilities to your community. You can sum it up in a simple credo , or a complete list of values that you’ll commit to upholding.

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 5 Top Tips for Succeeding at University
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 50 Durable Goods Examples
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 100 Consumer Goods Examples
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 30 Globalization Pros and Cons

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Thank you Dr. Drew for this invaluable information. This will truly be one of the guidelines in our NGO organization journey.

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Writing Ethical Papers: Top Tips to Ace Your Assignment

17 August, 2021

13 minutes read

Author:  Kate Smith

Writing a complex essay paper can be a tough task for any student, especially for those who do not have their skills developed well or do not have enough time for lengthy assignments. At the same time, the majority of college students need to keep their grades high to maintain their right to receive merit-based scholarships and continue their studies the next year. To help you with your ethical papers writing, we created this guide. Below, you will find out what an ethical paper is, how to structure it and write it efficiently. 

What is an Ethical Paper?

An ethics paper is a type of an argumentative assignment that deals with a certain ethical problem that a student has to describe and solve. Also, it can be an essay where a certain controversial event or concept is elaborated through an ethical lens (e.g. moral rules and principles), or a certain ethical dilemma is explained. Since ethics is connected to moral concepts and choices, a student needs to have a fair knowledge of philosophy and get ready to answer questions related to relationships, justice, professional and social duties, the origin of good and evil, etc., to write a quality paper. Also, writing an ethics paper implies that a student should process a great amount of information regarding their topic and analyze it according to paper terms.

General Aspects of Writing an Ethics Paper

Understanding the ethical papers’ features.

Every essay has differences and features that make it unique. Writing ethical papers implies that a student will use their knowledge of morality and philosophy to resolve a certain ethical dilemma or solve a situation. It can also be a paper in which a student needs to provide their reasoning on ethical or legal circumstances that follow a social issue. Finally, it can be an assignment in which an ethical concept and its application are described. On the contrary, a history essay deals with events that took place somewhen earlier, while a narrative essay is a paper where students demonstrate their storytelling skills, etc.

Defining What Type of Essay Should Be Written

Most of the time, ethical paper topics imply that a student will write an argumentative essay; however, ethics essays can also be descriptive and expository. Each of these essay types has different guidelines for writing, so be sure you know them before you start writing your papers on ethics. In case you missed this step in your ethical paper preparation stage, you would end up writing a paper that misses many important points.

Studying the Ethical Paper Guidelines

Once you get your ethical paper assignment, look through the guidelines that your instructor provided to you. If you receive them during the class, don’t hesitate to pose any questions immediately to remove any misunderstanding before writing an ethics paper outline, or ask for references that you need to use. When you are about to write your first draft, don’t rush: read the paper instructions once again to make sure you understand what is needed from you.

Paying Attention to the Paper Topic

The next thing you need to pay attention to is the ethical paper topic: once you are given one, make sure it falls into the scope of your educational course. After that, consider what additional knowledge may be needed to elaborate on your topic and think about what courses of your program could be helpful for it. Once you are done, read through your topic again to recheck whether you understand your assignment right.

Understanding the Notions of Ethical Arguments, Ethical and Legal Implications, and Ethical Dilemma

Last but not least, another important factor is that a student has to understand the basic terms of the assignment to write a high-quality paper. Ethical arguments are a set of moral rules that are used to defend your position on an ethical issue stated in your essay topic. We refer to ethical versus legal implications when we think about the compensation for certain ethical dilemma outcomes and whether it should be a moral punishment or legal judgment. An ethical dilemma itself refers to a problem or situation which makes an individual doubt what position to take: e.g, abortion, bribery, corruption, etc.

Writing Outline and Structure of an Ethics Paper

Every essay has a structure that makes it a solid piece of writing with straight reasoning and argumentation, and an ethics paper is not an exclusion. This paper has an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Below, we will describe how each part of ethical papers should be organized and what information they should contain.

First comes the introduction. It is the opening part of your paper which helps a reader to get familiar with your topic and understand what your paper will be about. Therefore, it should contain some information on your ethics paper topics and a thesis statement, which is a central statement of your paper.

The essay body is the most substantive part of your essay where all the reasoning and arguments should be presented. Each paragraph should contain an argument that supports or contradicts your thesis statement and pieces of evidence to support your position. Pick at least three arguments to make your position clear in your essay, and then your paper will be considered well-structured.

The third part of an ethics paper outline is a conclusion, which is a finishing essay part. Its goal is to wrap up the whole essay and make the author’s position clear for the last time. The thoughtful formulation in this essay part should be especially clear and concise to demonstrate the writer’s ability to make conclusions and persuade readers.

Also, don’t forget to include the works cited page after your writing. It should mention all the reference materials that you used in your paper in the order of appearance or in the alphabetical one. This page should be formatted according to the assigned formatting style. Most often, the most frequently used format for ethical papers is APA.

20 Examples of Ethical Paper Topics

• Are there any issues in the 21st century that we can consider immoral and why?
• What is corporate ethics?
• Why is being selfish no longer an issue in 2023?
• Euthanasia: pros and cons
• Marijuana legalization: should it be allowed all over the world?
• Is abortion an ethical issue nowadays?
• Can we invent a universal religion appropriate for all?
• Is the church necessary to pray to God?
• Can we forgive infidelity and should we do it?
• How to react if you are witnessing high school bullying?
• What are the ways to respond to a family abusing individual?
• How to demand your privacy protection in a digital world?
• The history of the American ethical thought
• Can war be ethical and what should the conflicting sides do to make it possible?
• Ethical issues of keeping a zoo in 2023
• Who is in charge of controlling the world’s population?
• How to achieve equality in the world’s rich and poor gap?
• Is science ethical?
• How ethical is genetic engineering?
• Why many countries refuse to go back to carrying out the death penalty?

Ethical Papers Examples

If you still have no idea about how to write an ethics paper, looking through other students’ successful examples is always a good idea. Below, you can find a relevant ethics paper example that you can skim through and see how to build your reasoning and argumentation in your own paper.

https://www.currentschoolnews.com/education-news/ethics-essay-examples/

https://sites.psu.edu/academy/2014/11/18/essay-2-personal-ethics-and-decision-making/

Ethical Papers Writing Tips

Choose a topic that falls into the ethics course program.

In case you were not given the ethics paper topic, consider choosing it yourself. To do that, brainstorm the ethical issues that fascinate you enough to do research. List all these issues on a paper sheet and then cross out those that are too broad or require expertise that you don’t have. The next step you need to take is to choose three or four ethical topics for papers from the list and try to do a quick search online to find out whether these topics are elaborated enough to find sources and reference materials on them. Last, choose one topic that you like the most and find the most relevant one in terms of available data for reference.

Do your research

Once the topic is chosen and organized, dive deeper into it to find the most credible, reliable, and trusted service. Use your university library, online scientific journals, documentaries, and other sources to get the information from. Remember to take notes while working with every new piece of reference material to not forget the ideas that you will base your argumentation on.

Follow the guidelines for a paper outline

During the preparation for your ethical paper and the process of writing it, remember to follow your professor’s instructions (e.g. font, size, spacing, citation style, etc.). If you neglect them, your grade for the paper will decrease significantly.

Write the essay body first

Do not rush to start writing your ethics papers from the very beginning; to write a good essay, you need to have your outline and thesis statement first. Then, go to writing body paragraphs to demonstrate your expertise on the issue you are writing about. Remember that one supporting idea should be covered in one paragraph and should be followed by the piece of evidence that confirms it.

Make sure your introduction and conclusion translate the same message

After your essay body is done, write a conclusion and an introduction for your paper. The main tip regarding these ethics paper parts is that you should make them interrelated: your conclusion has to restate your introduction but not repeat it. Also, a conclusion should wrap up your writing and make it credible for the audience.

Add citations

Every top-quality paper has the works cited page and citations to demonstrate that the research on the topic has been carried out. Therefore, do not omit this point when formatting your paper: add all the sources to the works cited page and pay attention to citing throughout the text. The latter should be done according to the formatting style indicated in your instructions.

Edit your paper

Last but not least is the editing and proofreading stage that you need to carry out before you submit your paper to your instructor. Consider keeping your first draft away from sight for a day or two to have a rest, and then go back to check it for errors and redundant phrases. Don’t rush to change anything immediately after finishing your writing since you are already tired and less focused, so some mistakes may be missed.

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How to Write an Ethics Paper: Guide & Ethical Essay Examples

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An ethics essay is a type of academic writing that explores ethical issues and dilemmas. Students should evaluates them in terms of moral principles and values. The purpose of an ethics essay is to examine the moral implications of a particular issue, and provide a reasoned argument in support of an ethical perspective.

Writing an essay about ethics is a tough task for most students. The process involves creating an outline to guide your arguments about a topic and planning your ideas to convince the reader of your feelings about a difficult issue. If you still need assistance putting together your thoughts in composing a good paper, you have come to the right place. We have provided a series of steps and tips to show how you can achieve success in writing. This guide will tell you how to write an ethics paper using ethical essay examples to understand every step it takes to be proficient. In case you don’t have time for writing, get in touch with our professional essay writers for hire . Our experts work hard to supply students with excellent essays.

What Is an Ethics Essay?

An ethics essay uses moral theories to build arguments on an issue. You describe a controversial problem and examine it to determine how it affects individuals or society. Ethics papers analyze arguments on both sides of a possible dilemma, focusing on right and wrong. The analysis gained can be used to solve real-life cases. Before embarking on writing an ethical essay, keep in mind that most individuals follow moral principles. From a social context perspective, these rules define how a human behaves or acts towards another. Therefore, your theme essay on ethics needs to demonstrate how a person feels about these moral principles. More specifically, your task is to show how significant that issue is and discuss if you value or discredit it.

Purpose of an Essay on Ethics

The primary purpose of an ethics essay is to initiate an argument on a moral issue using reasoning and critical evidence. Instead of providing general information about a problem, you present solid arguments about how you view the moral concern and how it affects you or society. When writing an ethical paper, you demonstrate philosophical competence, using appropriate moral perspectives and principles.

Things to Write an Essay About Ethics On

Before you start to write ethics essays, consider a topic you can easily address. In most cases, an ethical issues essay analyzes right and wrong. This includes discussing ethics and morals and how they contribute to the right behaviors. You can also talk about work ethic, code of conduct, and how employees promote or disregard the need for change. However, you can explore other areas by asking yourself what ethics mean to you. Think about how a recent game you watched with friends started a controversial argument. Or maybe a newspaper that highlighted a story you felt was misunderstood or blown out of proportion. This way, you can come up with an excellent topic that resonates with your personal ethics and beliefs.

Ethics Paper Outline

Sometimes, you will be asked to submit an outline before writing an ethics paper. Creating an outline for an ethics paper is an essential step in creating a good essay. You can use it to arrange your points and supporting evidence before writing. It also helps organize your thoughts, enabling you to fill any gaps in your ideas. The outline for an essay should contain short and numbered sentences to cover the format and outline. Each section is structured to enable you to plan your work and include all sources in writing an ethics paper. An ethics essay outline is as follows:

• Background information
• Thesis statement
• Restate thesis statement
• Summarize key points
• Final thoughts on the topic

Using this outline will improve clarity and focus throughout your writing process.

Ethical Essay Structure

Ethics essays are similar to other essays based on their format, outline, and structure. An ethical essay should have a well-defined introduction, body, and conclusion section as its structure. When planning your ideas, make sure that the introduction and conclusion are around 20 percent of the paper, leaving the rest to the body. We will take a detailed look at what each part entails and give examples that are going to help you understand them better.  Refer to our essay structure examples to find a fitting way of organizing your writing.

Ethics Paper Introduction

An ethics essay introduction gives a synopsis of your main argument. One step on how to write an introduction for an ethics paper is telling about the topic and describing its background information. This paragraph should be brief and straight to the point. It informs readers what your position is on that issue. Start with an essay hook to generate interest from your audience. It can be a question you will address or a misunderstanding that leads up to your main argument. You can also add more perspectives to be discussed; this will inform readers on what to expect in the paper.

Ethics Essay Introduction Example

You can find many ethics essay introduction examples on the internet. In this guide, we have written an excellent extract to demonstrate how it should be structured. As you read, examine how it begins with a hook and then provides background information on an issue. 

Imagine living in a world where people only lie, and honesty is becoming a scarce commodity. Indeed, modern society is facing this reality as truth and deception can no longer be separated. Technology has facilitated a quick transmission of voluminous information, whereas it's hard separating facts from opinions.

In this example, the first sentence of the introduction makes a claim or uses a question to hook the reader.

Ethics Essay Thesis Statement

An ethics paper must contain a thesis statement in the first paragraph. Learning how to write a thesis statement for an ethics paper is necessary as readers often look at it to gauge whether the essay is worth their time.

When you deviate away from the thesis, your whole paper loses meaning. In ethics essays, your thesis statement is a roadmap in writing, stressing your position on the problem and giving reasons for taking that stance. It should focus on a specific element of the issue being discussed. When writing a thesis statement, ensure that you can easily make arguments for or against its stance.

Ethical Paper Thesis Example

Look at this example of an ethics paper thesis statement and examine how well it has been written to state a position and provide reasons for doing so:

The moral implications of dishonesty are far-reaching as they undermine trust, integrity, and other foundations of society, damaging personal and professional relationships. 

The above thesis statement example is clear and concise, indicating that this paper will highlight the effects of dishonesty in society. Moreover, it focuses on aspects of personal and professional relationships.

Ethics Essay Body

The body section is the heart of an ethics paper as it presents the author's main points. In an ethical essay, each body paragraph has several elements that should explain your main idea. These include:

• A topic sentence that is precise and reiterates your stance on the issue.
• Evidence supporting it.
• Examples that illustrate your argument.
• A thorough analysis showing how the evidence and examples relate to that issue.
• A transition sentence that connects one paragraph to another with the help of essay transitions .

When you write an ethics essay, adding relevant examples strengthens your main point and makes it easy for others to understand and comprehend your argument. 

Body Paragraph for Ethics Paper Example

A good body paragraph must have a well-defined topic sentence that makes a claim and includes evidence and examples to support it. Look at part of an example of ethics essay body paragraph below and see how its idea has been developed:

Honesty is an essential component of professional integrity. In many fields, trust and credibility are crucial for professionals to build relationships and success. For example, a doctor who is dishonest about a potential side effect of a medication is not only acting unethically but also putting the health and well-being of their patients at risk. Similarly, a dishonest businessman could achieve short-term benefits but will lose their client’s trust.

Ethics Essay Conclusion

A concluding paragraph shares the summary and overview of the author's main arguments. Many students need clarification on what should be included in the essay conclusion and how best to get a reader's attention. When writing an ethics paper conclusion, consider the following:

• Restate the thesis statement to emphasize your position.
• Summarize its main points and evidence.
• Final thoughts on the issue and any other considerations.

You can also reflect on the topic or acknowledge any possible challenges or questions that have not been answered. A closing statement should present a call to action on the problem based on your position.

Sample Ethics Paper Conclusion

The conclusion paragraph restates the thesis statement and summarizes the arguments presented in that paper. The sample conclusion for an ethical essay example below demonstrates how you should write a concluding statement.  

In conclusion, the implications of dishonesty and the importance of honesty in our lives cannot be overstated. Honesty builds solid relationships, effective communication, and better decision-making. This essay has explored how dishonesty impacts people and that we should value honesty. We hope this essay will help readers assess their behavior and work towards being more honest in their lives.

In the above extract, the writer gives final thoughts on the topic, urging readers to adopt honest behavior.

How to Write an Ethics Paper?

As you learn how to write an ethics essay, it is not advised to immediately choose a topic and begin writing. When you follow this method, you will get stuck or fail to present concrete ideas. A good writer understands the importance of planning. As a fact, you should organize your work and ensure it captures key elements that shed more light on your arguments. Hence, following the essay structure and creating an outline to guide your writing process is the best approach. In the following segment, we have highlighted step-by-step techniques on how to write a good ethics paper.

1. Pick a Topic

Before writing ethical papers, brainstorm to find ideal topics that can be easily debated. For starters, make a list, then select a title that presents a moral issue that may be explained and addressed from opposing sides. Make sure you choose one that interests you. Here are a few ideas to help you search for topics:

• Review current trends affecting people.
• Think about your personal experiences.
• Study different moral theories and principles.
• Examine classical moral dilemmas.

Once you find a suitable topic and are ready, start to write your ethics essay, conduct preliminary research, and ascertain that there are enough sources to support it.

2. Conduct In-Depth Research

Once you choose a topic for your essay, the next step is gathering sufficient information about it. Conducting in-depth research entails looking through scholarly journals to find credible material. Ensure you note down all sources you found helpful to assist you on how to write your ethics paper. Use the following steps to help you conduct your research:

• Clearly state and define a problem you want to discuss.
• This will guide your research process.
• Develop keywords that match the topic.
• Begin searching from a wide perspective. This will allow you to collect more information, then narrow it down by using the identified words above.

3. Develop an Ethics Essay Outline

An outline will ease up your writing process when developing an ethic essay. As you develop a paper on ethics, jot down factual ideas that will build your paragraphs for each section. Include the following steps in your process:

• Review the topic and information gathered to write a thesis statement.
• Identify the main arguments you want to discuss and include their evidence.
• Group them into sections, each presenting a new idea that supports the thesis.
• Write an outline.
• Review and refine it.

Examples can also be included to support your main arguments. The structure should be sequential, coherent, and with a good flow from beginning to end. When you follow all steps, you can create an engaging and organized outline that will help you write a good essay.

4. Write an Ethics Essay

Once you have selected a topic, conducted research, and outlined your main points, you can begin writing an essay . Ensure you adhere to the ethics paper format you have chosen. Start an ethics paper with an overview of your topic to capture the readers' attention. Build upon your paper by avoiding ambiguous arguments and using the outline to help you write your essay on ethics. Finish the introduction paragraph with a thesis statement that explains your main position.  Expand on your thesis statement in all essay paragraphs. Each paragraph should start with a topic sentence and provide evidence plus an example to solidify your argument, strengthen the main point, and let readers see the reasoning behind your stance. Finally, conclude the essay by restating your thesis statement and summarizing all key ideas. Your conclusion should engage the reader, posing questions or urging them to reflect on the issue and how it will impact them.

5. Proofread Your Ethics Essay

Proofreading your essay is the last step as you countercheck any grammatical or structural errors in your essay. When writing your ethic paper, typical mistakes you could encounter include the following:

• Spelling errors: e.g., there, they’re, their.
• Homophone words: such as new vs. knew.
• Inconsistencies: like mixing British and American words, e.g., color vs. color.
• Formatting issues: e.g., double spacing, different font types.

While proofreading your ethical issue essay, read it aloud to detect lexical errors or ambiguous phrases that distort its meaning. Verify your information and ensure it is relevant and up-to-date. You can ask your fellow student to read the essay and give feedback on its structure and quality.

Ethics Essay Examples

Writing an essay is challenging without the right steps. There are so many ethics paper examples on the internet, however, we have provided a list of free ethics essay examples below that are well-structured and have a solid argument to help you write your paper. Click on them and see how each writing step has been integrated. Ethics essay example 1

Ethics essay example 2

Ethics essay example 3

Ethics essay example 4

College ethics essay example 5

Ethics Essay Writing Tips

When writing papers on ethics, here are several tips to help you complete an excellent essay:

• Choose a narrow topic and avoid broad subjects, as it is easy to cover the topic in detail.
• Ensure you have background information. A good understanding of a topic can make it easy to apply all necessary moral theories and principles in writing your paper.
• State your position clearly. It is important to be sure about your stance as it will allow you to draft your arguments accordingly.
• When writing ethics essays, be mindful of your audience. Provide arguments that they can understand.
• Integrate solid examples into your essay. Morality can be hard to understand; therefore, using them will help a reader grasp these concepts.

Bottom Line on Writing an Ethics Paper

Creating this essay is a common exercise in academics that allows students to build critical skills. When you begin writing, state your stance on an issue and provide arguments to support your position. This guide gives information on how to write an ethics essay as well as examples of ethics papers. Remember to follow these points in your writing:

• Create an outline highlighting your main points.
• Write an effective introduction and provide background information on an issue.
• Include a thesis statement.
• Develop concrete arguments and their counterarguments, and use examples.
• Sum up all your key points in your conclusion and restate your thesis statement.

Contact our academic writing platform and have your challenge solved. Here, you can order essays and papers on any topic and enjoy top quality. 

Daniel Howard is an Essay Writing guru. He helps students create essays that will strike a chord with the readers.

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How to Write an Ethics Paper

Last Updated: May 16, 2023 Approved

This article was co-authored by Emily Listmann, MA . Emily Listmann is a private tutor in San Carlos, California. She has worked as a Social Studies Teacher, Curriculum Coordinator, and an SAT Prep Teacher. She received her MA in Education from the Stanford Graduate School of Education in 2014. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 100% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 251,765 times.

Writing an ethics paper can present some unique challenges. For the most part, the paper will be written like any other essay or research paper, but there are some key differences. An ethics paper will generally require you to argue for a specific position rather than simply present an overview of an issue. Arguing this position will also involve presenting counterarguments and then refuting them. Finally, ensuring that your reasoning is valid and sound and citing the appropriate sources will allow you to write an ethics paper that will satisfy any critic.

Getting Started

• What is the main objective of the assignment?
• What specific things do you need to do in order to get a good grade?
• How much time will you need to complete the assignment?

• For example, you might begin with a topic of "ethical problems of euthanasia." This is very broad, and so forms a good starting point.

• Remember, you may refine your topic even further after you have begun writing your paper. This is perfectly acceptable, and is part of the advantage of writing a paper in multiple drafts.

• For example, you might include issues such as: "describing specifically what is meant by 'extreme, constant pain.' "Other issues might include, "the rights and responsibilities of physicians regarding euthanasia," and "voluntary versus involuntary euthanasia."
• After making this list, group or order them in some way. For example, you might imagine yourself taking the position that euthanasia is acceptable in this circumstance, and you could order the issues based on how you would draw supporting evidence and build your claim.

Developing Your Thesis Statement

• In your thesis, you should take a specific stand on the ethical issue. For example, you might write your thesis as follows: "Euthanasia is an immoral option even when patients are in constant, extreme pain."

• For example, this thesis statement is ambiguous: "Patients should not undergo euthanasia even when suffering constant, extreme pain." With how it's worded, it's unclear whether you mean that euthanasia should be outlawed or that it is morally wrong.
• Clarify your position to create a strong thesis: "Euthanasia is an immoral option even when patients are in constant, extreme pain."

• For example, in the thesis, "It is immoral for patients to choose euthanasia even when suffering constant, extreme pain," the moral burden is on the patient's actions. The author of this thesis would need to make sure to focus on the patient in the essay and not to focus on the moral implications of the doctor's actions.
• If the thesis you have written does not reflect what you want to argue in your paper, start over and draft a new thesis statement.

Conducting Research

• Ask a librarian for help finding sources if you are not sure how to access your library’s databases.
• A simple way to strengthen your argument through citations is by incorporating some relevant statistics. Simple statistics can have a major impact if presented after you've made a bold assertion. For instance, you may claim that the patient's family members would be unduly traumatized if the patient chose euthanasia, and then cite a university study that catalogued a majority of families reporting trauma or stress in this situation.
• Another helpful citation is one in which the broad issue itself is discussed. For instance, you might cite a prominent ethicist's position on your issue to strengthen your position.

• The author and his or her credentials. Does the source provide the author’s first and last name and credentials (M.D., Ph.D, etc.)? Steer clear of sources without an author attached to them or that lack credentials when credentials seem crucial, such as in an article about a medical subject. [3] X Research source
• Type of publication. Is the publication a book, journal, magazine, or website? Is the publisher an academic or educational institution? Does the publisher have a motive other than education? Who is the intended audience? Ask yourself these questions to determine if this source is reliable. For example, a university or government website might be reliable, but a site that sells items may be biased toward what they're selling.
• Citations. How well has the author researched his or her topic? Check the author’s bibliography or works cited page. If the author has not provided any sources, then you may want to look for a different source. [4] X Research source
• Bias. Has the author presented an objective, well-reasoned account of the topic? If the sources seems skewed towards one side of the argument, then it may not be a good choice. [5] X Research source
• Publication date. Does this source present the most up to date information on the subject? If the sources is outdated, then try to find something more recent. [6] X Research source

• To check for comprehension after reading a source, try to summarize the source in your own words and generate a response to the author’s main argument. If you cannot do one or both of these things, then you may need to read the source again.
• Creating notecards for your sources may also help you to organize your ideas. Write the citation for the source on the top of the notecard, then write a brief summary and response to the article in the lined area of the notecard. [7] X Research source

• Remember to indicate when you have quoted a source in your notes by putting it into quotation marks and including information about the source such as the author’s name, article or book title, and page number. [8] X Research source

Writing and Revising Your Ethics Paper

• To expand on your outline, write a couple of sentences describing and/or explaining each of the items in your outline. Include a relevant source for each item as well.

• Check your outline to see if you have covered each of these items in this order. If not, you will need to add a section and use your sources to help inform that section.

• In your first draft, focus on the quality of the argument, rather than the quality of the prose. If the argument is structured well and each conclusion is supported by your reasoning and by cited evidence, you will be able to focus on the writing itself on the second draft.
• Unless major revisions are needed to your argument (for example, if you have decided to change your thesis statement), use the second draft to strengthen your writing. Focus on sentence lengths and structures, vocabulary, and other aspects of the prose itself.

• Try to allow yourself a few days or even a week to revise your paper before it is due. If you do not allow yourself enough time to revise, then you will be more prone to making simple mistakes and your grade may suffer as a result. [10] X Research source

• Does my paper fulfill the requirements of the assignment? How might it score according to the rubric provided by my instructor?
• What is your main point? How might you clarify your main point?
• Who is your audience? Have you considered their needs and expectations?
• What is your purpose? Have you accomplished your purpose with this paper?
• How effective is your evidence? How might your strengthen your evidence?
• Does every part of your paper relate back to your thesis? How might you improve these connections?
• Is anything confusing about your language or organization? How might your clarify your language or organization?
• Have you made any errors with grammar, punctuation, or spelling? How can you correct these errors?
• What might someone who disagrees with you say about your paper? How can you address these opposing arguments in your paper? [11] X Research source

• As you read your paper out loud, highlight or circle any errors and revise as necessary before printing your final copy.

Community Q&A

• If at all possible, have someone else read through your paper before submitting it. They can provide valuable feedback on style as well as catching grammatical errors. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1

Things You'll Need

• Word-processing software
• Access to your library’s databases
• Pencil and highlighter

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• ↑ https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/688/1/
• ↑ https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/553/03/
• ↑ http://guides.jwcc.edu/content.php?pid=65900&sid=538553
• ↑ http://www.writing.utoronto.ca/advice/reading-and-researching/notes-from-research
• ↑ https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/658/05/
• ↑ https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/561/05/

About This Article

To write an ethics paper, start by researching the issue you want to write about and evaluating your sources for potential bias and trustworthiness. Next, develop a thesis statement that takes a specific stand on the issue and create an outline that includes the key arguments. As you write, avoid using words like “could” or “might,” which will seem ambiguous to the reader. Once you’ve finished your paper, take a break for a few days so your mind is clear, then go back and revise what you wrote, focusing on the quality of your argument. For tips from our Education reviewer on how to annotate source material as you research, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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In a world where external codes of ethics often shape our behavior, it’s essential to remember that your personal values are equally significant. While your workplace may provide a code of ethics outlining professional conduct and expectations, crafting your own personal code of ethics empowers you to align your actions with your deeply held beliefs and ideals. 

This blog will delve into the importance of developing a personal code of ethics, offering insights into how it can enrich your life and decision-making process. As you read further, you’ll discover inspiring personal code of ethics examples that will help you envision and craft your unique ethical framework. 

Join us on this enlightening journey as we explore the profound impact of creating a personal code of ethics in the realm of personal development and ethical living.

What is a code of ethics?

To understand the essence of a personal code of ethics, let us first uncover what “code of ethics” means. A code of ethics is usually a set of principles that a company, organization, or business follows. Its primary purpose is to guide the organization members on how to properly conduct business that is in line with the company values. Usually, these values include integrity, honesty, and professionalism. 

Otherwise known as the “ethical code,” an organization’s code of ethics is an umbrella term that covers areas concerning professional conduct. These areas include business ethics, code of conduct for employees, and code of professional practice. Simply put, it ensures that everyone within the organization follows a standard when it comes to ethical behavior in their everyday work.

An organization’s code of ethics may differ greatly from another organization, but in general, they all are similar in the sense that they govern members to do what is right. They are usually under the basis of what is generally accepted by society as right or wrong.

What is the importance of having a personal code of ethics?

If you’re still not convinced that you need a personal code of ethics, below are some key reasons why having one is essential.

It gives you a foundation to help you make big decisions

A lot of people struggle with the decision-making process. If you look towards more successful people and influential leaders in your organization or community, you will find that they have some personal code of ethics that guides them. 

A personal code of ethics is particularly important if you are in a position that requires you to make decisions frequently, such as if you are a leader or manager. It will serve as the foundation upon which all of your decisions can stand. You will feel a lot more determined and stand by your decisions with conviction if you know that they are grounded upon your own belief system.

Read more: Decision-Making Tips for Business

It functions as a standard for good behavior

In connection to making good decisions, having a personal code of ethics allows you to make good choices that align with good behavior. Usually, a personal code of ethics is morally aligned to help a person act not only in his own best interest but also in the community or surroundings around him.

It allows you to lead others effectively

A good leader has to be concise, quick to think, empathetic, and have a good moral compass. A personal code of ethics helps you become the most effective leader you could possibly be for the people around you. You don’t necessarily need to be a manager to practice leadership skills . Inspiring the people around you and even self-governance are equally just as important.

It instills a sense of trust in people around you

If you are an effective and moral leader, it will be easier for people around to trust you. Moreover, people usually trust those whom they have similar values with, or whose values they can relate to. If people are aware of your personal code of ethics, they will know exactly how to approach you and what things you may or may not appreciate. This predictability further fosters a sense of trust.

It is a source of self-motivation

Since a personal code of ethics allows you to steward yourself, you will also find that you can motivate yourself. You will find it easier to start projects and finish them on time since you have a sense of accountability towards yourself through your personal code of ethics.

Learn more: What Causes Lack of Self-Awareness

How to write a personal code of ethics

If you agree that having a personal code of ethics is a good idea, here are some pointers to consider when drafting your own code of ethics to serve as your guiding principles:

Why are you writing a personal code of ethics?

The first thing you need to uncover before you even begin is your motivation for writing a personal code of ethics. What do you think is its purpose for you? How do you plan to use it, and why do you think you need one?

Knowing the reason why you are writing a code of ethics for yourself will help you determine where to start as you write it. It will also help you tailor your code of ethics to achieve a specific goal you want to reach or a personal challenge that you want to overcome, similar to that of a personal mission statement.

One way you can determine the purpose of your personal code is through mindfulness. Learn more about how you can use spiritual mindfulness to experience personal growth through this course:

Spiritual Mindfulness: A Powerful Course For Personal Growth

This course helps you build a strong connection with yourself, so you can gain clarity and come to know your true purpose in life. Taught by an experienced spirituality expert, it cuts through the noise of complexity and is delivered in a way that’s easy to understand even if it’s your first time taking a personal development course online.

What are your top personal traits?

How would you describe yourself? While this question may seem like something you would only hear during a job interview , it is important to ask when trying to determine which values are on the top of your list as you write your code of ethics.

To do this, make a list of the traits or characteristics that strongly define who you are. Examples are kindness, honesty, passion for excellence, prudence, hard work, diligence, and respect for others. Apart from introspection, you may also ask people around you to describe you or see if they agree with your own list of characteristics.

Knowing the personal traits you possess will allow you to create a more honest personal code of ethics that you can stick to with ease because it reflects values that are already inherent within you.

Describe your relationship with others

Another thing you have to consider before crafting your code of ethics is the nature, state, and quality of your personal relationships. Make an assessment of how you relate to those around you, at work or at home. 

Coming to terms with the state of your relationships allows you to see areas where you may want to improve. Would you want to communicate better with the people around you? Do you think you should treat others with more kindness? How would you want those closest to you to remember you?

Write a set of statements that you would like to follow

This is the part where you begin to draft your personal code of ethics. Based on the traits that you possess and the relationships you currently have, what characteristics would you like to move forward?

It would help if your statements are to the point and realistic so that you are more likely to follow through.

Set clear guidelines for each statement

A statement alone may not be enough to help you decide whether or not to pursue an activity or behavior. There are a lot of possible grey areas that may surround a specific code. That is why it is important to set clear guidelines that explain each statement in more detail. 

Professional versus personal code of ethics

The main difference between a personal and a professional code of ethics is that the former relates to the person’s values in life, whereas the latter relates to the person’s values in the workplace. 

For example, a personal code of ethics will let you tell the truth because you believe in honesty and integrity. On the other hand, a professional code of ethics demands that you tell the truth because it is specified in the code of conduct that lying is a misdemeanor in the workplace. Another example is respect. While a personal code dictates that you respect older people, people in service, and the authorities, a professional code dictates that you respect your boss and higher management.

That means that a personal code of ethics encompasses a person’s entire personal life and personal choices while a professional code of ethics is purely related to the rules found within your job.

Personal code of ethics examples from thought leaders

My personal code of ethics is based on a few simple values that are important to me. First and foremost, I value honesty and integrity above all else; being honest and having integrity is the cornerstone of living a good life. I also appreciate compassion, kindness, and respect; I believe that we should all treat others with compassion, kindness, and respect, regardless of who they are or what they have done. Finally, I believe in continuous learning and improvement; it is essential never to stop learning and growing as a person. We should always be striving to improve ourselves and the world around us. 

Randy VanderVaate | CEO and Founder, Funeral Funds America

We all have beliefs, and we use those in our personal and career life. As a founder, I have various codes of ethics, but I stick with the influential one, “respect doesn’t require a higher social level.” I always devote myself to this to bring understanding and stop society’s discrimination against those trying to live honorably, even the means of minimum wage income. Let’s be open that money and position are not the reason for getting the courtesy we deserve.

April Maccario | Founder, Ask April

A personal code of ethics refers to our values and beliefs that guide our decisions and actions. As a founder, part of my personal code of ethics is to treat others the way I want to get treated. I believe that we cannot demand from others what we cannot give ourselves. So, if we want other people to show us kindness, respect, or other good things, then this is also how we should treat others.

Sonya Schwartz | Founder, Her Norm

My personal statement is inspired by my favorite poem “Desiderata” by Max Ehrmann: I will always speak my truth clearly and calmly and prioritize listening to others. There is always someone better or worse than me, so I will not compare myself with others. I will be doing my work with my heart, and besides a healthy discipline, I will be gentle with myself. There is only one life, so I should live it the best I can. I will be cheerful. I will strive for happiness.

Rafal Mlodzki | CEO, Passport Photo Online

In our lives having high ethics is essential. I have a personal code of ethics that I consider in both my personal life and career. In every part of my daily existence, I constantly maintain my integrity. I understand that integrity is cliche, but believe me it is something that makes a big difference. I constantly exercise integrity because good deeds are rewarded at the end of the day.

Darryl Higgins | Founder, Athlete Desk

For me, a code of ethics is a foundation for effective communication in both personal and professional life. By adhering to the values and principles outlined in the corporate code of ethics, I can better understand the expectations of the people I work with and foster positive relationships with them. A solid code of ethics serves as a framework for making ethical decisions, and that’s where success comes from!

Greg Larnell | CEO, Custom Writings

Key Takeaways

Writing your personal code of ethics is a journey of self-discovery. It can be a challenging process, but it is also an incredibly rewarding one. By taking the time to reflect on your core values and beliefs, you can create a roadmap for living a more authentic and fulfilling life.

But the journey of personal development doesn’t end here. If you’re eager to further enhance your skills and explore a wide range of personal development resources, subscribe to Skill Success All Access Pass . With this subscription, you gain access to our extensive library of courses, including an array of personal development courses that can empower you to become the best version of yourself.

 Subscribe now and continue your pursuit of personal development excellence!

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Methodology

• Ethical Considerations in Research | Types & Examples

Ethical Considerations in Research | Types & Examples

Published on October 18, 2021 by Pritha Bhandari . Revised on June 22, 2023.

Ethical considerations in research are a set of principles that guide your research designs and practices. Scientists and researchers must always adhere to a certain code of conduct when collecting data from people.

The goals of human research often include understanding real-life phenomena, studying effective treatments, investigating behaviors, and improving lives in other ways. What you decide to research and how you conduct that research involve key ethical considerations.

These considerations work to

• protect the rights of research participants
• enhance research validity
• maintain scientific or academic integrity

Table of contents

Why do research ethics matter, getting ethical approval for your study, types of ethical issues, voluntary participation, informed consent, confidentiality, potential for harm, results communication, examples of ethical failures, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about research ethics.

Research ethics matter for scientific integrity, human rights and dignity, and collaboration between science and society. These principles make sure that participation in studies is voluntary, informed, and safe for research subjects.

You’ll balance pursuing important research objectives with using ethical research methods and procedures. It’s always necessary to prevent permanent or excessive harm to participants, whether inadvertent or not.

Defying research ethics will also lower the credibility of your research because it’s hard for others to trust your data if your methods are morally questionable.

Even if a research idea is valuable to society, it doesn’t justify violating the human rights or dignity of your study participants.

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Before you start any study involving data collection with people, you’ll submit your research proposal to an institutional review board (IRB) .

An IRB is a committee that checks whether your research aims and research design are ethically acceptable and follow your institution’s code of conduct. They check that your research materials and procedures are up to code.

If successful, you’ll receive IRB approval, and you can begin collecting data according to the approved procedures. If you want to make any changes to your procedures or materials, you’ll need to submit a modification application to the IRB for approval.

If unsuccessful, you may be asked to re-submit with modifications or your research proposal may receive a rejection. To get IRB approval, it’s important to explicitly note how you’ll tackle each of the ethical issues that may arise in your study.

There are several ethical issues you should always pay attention to in your research design, and these issues can overlap with each other.

You’ll usually outline ways you’ll deal with each issue in your research proposal if you plan to collect data from participants.

Voluntary participation means that all research subjects are free to choose to participate without any pressure or coercion.

All participants are able to withdraw from, or leave, the study at any point without feeling an obligation to continue. Your participants don’t need to provide a reason for leaving the study.

It’s important to make it clear to participants that there are no negative consequences or repercussions to their refusal to participate. After all, they’re taking the time to help you in the research process , so you should respect their decisions without trying to change their minds.

Voluntary participation is an ethical principle protected by international law and many scientific codes of conduct.

Take special care to ensure there’s no pressure on participants when you’re working with vulnerable groups of people who may find it hard to stop the study even when they want to.

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Informed consent refers to a situation in which all potential participants receive and understand all the information they need to decide whether they want to participate. This includes information about the study’s benefits, risks, funding, and institutional approval.

You make sure to provide all potential participants with all the relevant information about

• what the study is about
• the risks and benefits of taking part
• how long the study will take
• your supervisor’s contact information and the institution’s approval number

Usually, you’ll provide participants with a text for them to read and ask them if they have any questions. If they agree to participate, they can sign or initial the consent form. Note that this may not be sufficient for informed consent when you work with particularly vulnerable groups of people.

If you’re collecting data from people with low literacy, make sure to verbally explain the consent form to them before they agree to participate.

For participants with very limited English proficiency, you should always translate the study materials or work with an interpreter so they have all the information in their first language.

In research with children, you’ll often need informed permission for their participation from their parents or guardians. Although children cannot give informed consent, it’s best to also ask for their assent (agreement) to participate, depending on their age and maturity level.

Anonymity means that you don’t know who the participants are and you can’t link any individual participant to their data.

You can only guarantee anonymity by not collecting any personally identifying information—for example, names, phone numbers, email addresses, IP addresses, physical characteristics, photos, and videos.

In many cases, it may be impossible to truly anonymize data collection . For example, data collected in person or by phone cannot be considered fully anonymous because some personal identifiers (demographic information or phone numbers) are impossible to hide.

You’ll also need to collect some identifying information if you give your participants the option to withdraw their data at a later stage.

Data pseudonymization is an alternative method where you replace identifying information about participants with pseudonymous, or fake, identifiers. The data can still be linked to participants but it’s harder to do so because you separate personal information from the study data.

Confidentiality means that you know who the participants are, but you remove all identifying information from your report.

All participants have a right to privacy, so you should protect their personal data for as long as you store or use it. Even when you can’t collect data anonymously, you should secure confidentiality whenever you can.

Some research designs aren’t conducive to confidentiality, but it’s important to make all attempts and inform participants of the risks involved.

As a researcher, you have to consider all possible sources of harm to participants. Harm can come in many different forms.

• Psychological harm: Sensitive questions or tasks may trigger negative emotions such as shame or anxiety.
• Social harm: Participation can involve social risks, public embarrassment, or stigma.
• Physical harm: Pain or injury can result from the study procedures.
• Legal harm: Reporting sensitive data could lead to legal risks or a breach of privacy.

It’s best to consider every possible source of harm in your study as well as concrete ways to mitigate them. Involve your supervisor to discuss steps for harm reduction.

Make sure to disclose all possible risks of harm to participants before the study to get informed consent. If there is a risk of harm, prepare to provide participants with resources or counseling or medical services if needed.

Some of these questions may bring up negative emotions, so you inform participants about the sensitive nature of the survey and assure them that their responses will be confidential.

The way you communicate your research results can sometimes involve ethical issues. Good science communication is honest, reliable, and credible. It’s best to make your results as transparent as possible.

Take steps to actively avoid plagiarism and research misconduct wherever possible.

Plagiarism means submitting others’ works as your own. Although it can be unintentional, copying someone else’s work without proper credit amounts to stealing. It’s an ethical problem in research communication because you may benefit by harming other researchers.

Self-plagiarism is when you republish or re-submit parts of your own papers or reports without properly citing your original work.

This is problematic because you may benefit from presenting your ideas as new and original even though they’ve already been published elsewhere in the past. You may also be infringing on your previous publisher’s copyright, violating an ethical code, or wasting time and resources by doing so.

In extreme cases of self-plagiarism, entire datasets or papers are sometimes duplicated. These are major ethical violations because they can skew research findings if taken as original data.

You notice that two published studies have similar characteristics even though they are from different years. Their sample sizes, locations, treatments, and results are highly similar, and the studies share one author in common.

Research misconduct

Research misconduct means making up or falsifying data, manipulating data analyses, or misrepresenting results in research reports. It’s a form of academic fraud.

These actions are committed intentionally and can have serious consequences; research misconduct is not a simple mistake or a point of disagreement about data analyses.

Research misconduct is a serious ethical issue because it can undermine academic integrity and institutional credibility. It leads to a waste of funding and resources that could have been used for alternative research.

Later investigations revealed that they fabricated and manipulated their data to show a nonexistent link between vaccines and autism. Wakefield also neglected to disclose important conflicts of interest, and his medical license was taken away.

This fraudulent work sparked vaccine hesitancy among parents and caregivers. The rate of MMR vaccinations in children fell sharply, and measles outbreaks became more common due to a lack of herd immunity.

Research scandals with ethical failures are littered throughout history, but some took place not that long ago.

Some scientists in positions of power have historically mistreated or even abused research participants to investigate research problems at any cost. These participants were prisoners, under their care, or otherwise trusted them to treat them with dignity.

To demonstrate the importance of research ethics, we’ll briefly review two research studies that violated human rights in modern history.

These experiments were inhumane and resulted in trauma, permanent disabilities, or death in many cases.

After some Nazi doctors were put on trial for their crimes, the Nuremberg Code of research ethics for human experimentation was developed in 1947 to establish a new standard for human experimentation in medical research.

In reality, the actual goal was to study the effects of the disease when left untreated, and the researchers never informed participants about their diagnoses or the research aims.

Although participants experienced severe health problems, including blindness and other complications, the researchers only pretended to provide medical care.

When treatment became possible in 1943, 11 years after the study began, none of the participants were offered it, despite their health conditions and high risk of death.

Ethical failures like these resulted in severe harm to participants, wasted resources, and lower trust in science and scientists. This is why all research institutions have strict ethical guidelines for performing research.

If you want to know more about statistics , methodology , or research bias , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

• Normal distribution
• Measures of central tendency
• Chi square tests
• Confidence interval
• Quartiles & Quantiles
• Cluster sampling
• Stratified sampling
• Thematic analysis
• Cohort study
• Peer review
• Ethnography

Research bias

• Implicit bias
• Cognitive bias
• Conformity bias
• Hawthorne effect
• Availability heuristic
• Attrition bias
• Social desirability bias

Ethical considerations in research are a set of principles that guide your research designs and practices. These principles include voluntary participation, informed consent, anonymity, confidentiality, potential for harm, and results communication.

Scientists and researchers must always adhere to a certain code of conduct when collecting data from others .

These considerations protect the rights of research participants, enhance research validity , and maintain scientific integrity.

Research ethics matter for scientific integrity, human rights and dignity, and collaboration between science and society. These principles make sure that participation in studies is voluntary, informed, and safe.

Anonymity means you don’t know who the participants are, while confidentiality means you know who they are but remove identifying information from your research report. Both are important ethical considerations .

You can only guarantee anonymity by not collecting any personally identifying information—for example, names, phone numbers, email addresses, IP addresses, physical characteristics, photos, or videos.

You can keep data confidential by using aggregate information in your research report, so that you only refer to groups of participants rather than individuals.

These actions are committed intentionally and can have serious consequences; research misconduct is not a simple mistake or a point of disagreement but a serious ethical failure.

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Ten Tips for Writing an Effective Code of Conduct

You have been given the task of writing an effective code of conduct for your organization. A blank page sits on your screen and the cursor blinks in anticipation. Ten minutes pass. Twenty minutes slip away.

You’ve held meetings, sought and received input, looked at samples, identified provisions you want in your code of conduct and yet nothing springs out of your mind and onto the page. Why not? You’re a good writer. You were chosen for this project because your reports are fact filled and precise; you are a chap at describing processes in concrete terms. What’s wrong with you?

You are simply faced with the reality of writing about abstract concepts rather than the physical world.

Writing an Effective Conduct Code Tip 1: Think in terms of values, beliefs and expectations rather than facts . People within an organization are inclined to feel that their situation in life is unique and that no other organization is faced with the same challenges, constraints and operational realities that they have to deal with on a daily basis. The sense of individual uniqueness is countered somewhat by a sense of group unity. The group is unified behind a core of shared beliefs that may be informally recognized within the organization or may codified in the form of an organizational values statement.

The organization’s values are the foundation upon which the code of conduct will grow. They express what a group of people drawn together as an organization believes in the words of business ethics consultant Frank Navran, “… to be right, good and fair.” Once you recognize that you are not writing a report and that you may be called on to use language you usually avoid in formal reports because it may imply that you are judgmental or are assigning values to actions, you’ll be able to start writing.

Writing an effective code of conduct tip #2:  “Eschew pomposity and verbosity assiduously.” Your code will benefit from common language usually employed in your organization and understood readily by employees at all levels. This doesn’t mean you should become immersed in jargon. “Keep it simple,” is the best advice for codes.

Tip 3: Choose to be concise… within reason. Conciseness can be a virtue. It can also be boring and choppy. To find a happy medium, avoid long sentences with linked phrases. Instead write sentences that express one thought and vary in length. A mix of short and medium-length sentences tend to hold your readers’ attention better than long, complex sentences.

Tip 4: Use active voice rather than passive. Active voice tends to convey ideas more clearly and with fewer words than passive voice requires. In sentences written in active voice, the subject performs the action expressed in the verb. In passive voice, the subject is acted upon by the verb. Overuse of passive voice tends to make prose flat and uninteresting and passive voice sentences tend to be awkward. For example, “The code is required annual reading.” [PASSIVE] “You are required to read the code annually.” [ACTIVE]

Tip 5: Give examples when it is appropriate to do so. If there is any doubt about the meaning of a code provision, use an example to provide clarity. Relevant, generic examples of what constitutes acceptable and unacceptable conduct make codes easier to understood; connections to actual workplace experiences make the code easier to apply.

Tip 6: Remember to write for your reader. By this point in the process, you have become your organization’s expert on the code of conduct. Don’t lose sight of your readers. Something obvious to you may not be obvious to them. Think about what you are writing in terms of readers who have NOT had your experience with the code.

Tip 7: Don’t attempt to write polished prose when drafting. Draft, review, edit and polish (DREP). Draft the entire code without being overly concerned about grammatical errors, punctuation and word choice. Once you have a draft on paper, review it carefully for clarity, content, conciseness, grammar, spelling and punctuation and clean it up. Edit the cleaned copy paying special attention to word choices and meaning. Finally, polish your final draft with the understanding that the next tip may just bring you back to this tip one more time.

Tip 8: Read your work aloud to yourself. When you read your written work aloud, you will find errors and points of confusion because you have involved another of your senses. After all, you have thought about the code, written at least two drafts, edited a draft, and polished the text. Hearing the words may detect problems that your eyes, which are used to seeing the copy, have missed. If you find errors, repeat tips 7 and 8 until it sounds right as well as looks right.

Tip 9: Make your writing look easy to read . Take a look at your final draft and ask the critical question, “How does this look to me?” You want this final draft to look professional because the reviewers you will pass it to next will judge what you have done based on its appearance as well as what you have written. Avoid using words and phrases written all in capital letters unless they are acronyms or unless they are specialized terms that are always written in fully capitalized form. Avoid presenting material in lengthy stretches of italics. They are hard to read. Avoid odd type fonts, especially those that mimic handwriting.

Tip 10: Ask others, especially your harshest critics, to read what you have written . Once you are satisfied that what you have written makes sense and looks good, obtain the opinion of others. Sure, you can have some of your friends read what you have written. They may give you good feedback or they may sugarcoat their comments to you. But, if you choose the critics who are the harshest judges of your work, you will know that they are being candid. If you secure their approval, you have succeeded.

• Free Ethics & Compliance Toolkit
• Ethics and Compliance Glossary
• Definitions of Values
• Why Have a Code of Conduct?
• Code Construction and Content
• Common Code Provisions
• Ten Style Tips for Writing an Effective Code of Conduct
• The PLUS Ethical Decision Making Model
• Five Keys to Reducing Ethics and Compliance Risk
• Business Ethics & Compliance Timeline

Essay on Code Of Ethics

Students are often asked to write an essay on Code Of Ethics in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Code Of Ethics

What is a code of ethics.

A Code of Ethics is a set of rules that guide how people should behave. It’s like a map that helps people decide what is right and wrong in different situations. Think of it as a list of do’s and don’ts that everyone in a group agrees to follow.

Why is it Important?

Having a Code of Ethics is important because it makes sure everyone knows what is expected of them. It helps people make good choices and stops them from doing things that could hurt others. It’s like a promise to act nicely and treat everyone fairly.

Examples in Everyday Life

You can find Codes of Ethics everywhere. Schools have rules that students must follow, and even games have rules to play by. These rules are there to make sure everyone can learn, play, and work together without problems. They help create a safe and friendly environment for everyone.

Also check:

• Advantages and Disadvantages of Code Of Ethics

250 Words Essay on Code Of Ethics

What is a code of ethics.

A code of ethics is like a set of rules that helps people know what is right and wrong in their work or group. Imagine it as a guidebook that tells you how to behave nicely and make good choices when you are with others.

Why Is It Important?

Having a code of ethics is very important because it makes sure everyone knows what to do and what not to do. It helps people to be fair, honest, and kind to each other. This is very useful in places like schools, where students and teachers need to work together and respect each other.

You can see codes of ethics in many places. For instance, in sports, players follow rules to play fair. In schools, there are rules like not cheating on tests and being respectful to everyone. Even your family might have its own rules, like telling the truth and sharing with your siblings.

Following the Code

Following the code of ethics is important for getting along with others and building trust. When everyone follows the rules, it creates a friendly and safe place for all.

What Happens When It’s Broken?

If someone doesn’t follow the code of ethics, there can be problems. They might lose their friends’ trust, or they might even get into trouble at school or work. That’s why it’s so important to stick to the rules and encourage others to do the same.

Remember, a code of ethics helps everyone to act in the best way possible, making the world a nicer place for all of us.

500 Words Essay on Code Of Ethics

A Code of Ethics is a set of rules that guides how people should behave. It’s like a map that helps people choose the right path when they make decisions. Imagine you’re playing a game; a Code of Ethics is the rule book that tells you how to play fairly and what is not allowed.

Why is a Code of Ethics Important?

Think about a classroom where everyone can do whatever they want. It would be noisy, and no one would learn anything. A Code of Ethics is important because it creates order. It helps people know what is good and bad in their jobs, at school, or in other groups. It makes sure that everyone is treated nicely and fairly. When people follow these rules, they can trust each other more, and everything works better.

Where Do We Find Codes of Ethics?

Codes of Ethics are everywhere. Doctors, lawyers, and teachers all have special rules for their jobs. Companies have them too, so that all the people who work there know how to act. Even schools have rules that are like a Code of Ethics. They tell students how to behave, like not cheating on tests and being kind to each other.

What’s in a Code of Ethics?

A Code of Ethics usually has two parts. The first part talks about values. Values are like the stars that guide ships at sea. They include things like honesty, respect, and responsibility. The second part includes specific rules. These rules tell you what you can and cannot do. For example, a rule might say that you must not take things that aren’t yours or that you must always tell the truth.

Following the Code of Ethics

Following a Code of Ethics is not always easy. Sometimes it means doing the right thing, even when it’s hard or when no one is watching. It’s like choosing to finish your homework instead of watching TV. It can be tough, but it’s important to stick to the rules to keep things fair and just.

What Happens if Someone Breaks the Rules?

When someone does not follow the Code of Ethics, there can be consequences. It’s similar to what happens if you break a rule at school. You might get a warning, or you might have to meet with the principal. In the adult world, breaking the Code of Ethics can lead to more serious consequences like losing a job or going to court.

A Code of Ethics helps keep our world organized and fair. It’s a set of rules that remind us how to act correctly and treat others well. By following these rules, we build a better place for everyone. Just like in sports, following the rules makes the game more fun and fair for all players. Remember, a Code of Ethics is there to help us all do the right thing.

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Personality — Personal Code of Ethics Example

My Personal Code of Ethics

• Categories: Code of Ethics Personal Qualities Personality

About this sample

Words: 1057 |

Published: Mar 28, 2019

Words: 1057 | Pages: 2 | 6 min read

In summary, ethics serves as a moral compass that guides individuals in making responsible decisions, whether in their personal lives or in business. The essay presents a personal set of ethics, which includes six core principles: honesty, integrity, keeping promises, loyalty, caring, and obeying the law.

The essay also discusses how these personal ethics have been shaped by life experiences, upbringing, and self-reflection. It underscores the importance of adhering to these principles, not only for personal growth but also for creating a positive and ethical environment in the workplace and society.

Furthermore, the essay acknowledges that ethical dilemmas may arise but emphasizes the commitment to living ethically in all aspects of life. It reflects on the role of personal ethics in guiding decisions and actions, highlighting the belief in personal responsibility and the ability to shape one's destiny. In conclusion, the essay presents a thoughtful exploration of personal ethics and their significance in shaping character, decision-making, and relationships. It underscores the importance of living by these principles to create a better future for oneself and others.

Table of contents

My set of ethics, my personal code of ethics, works cited, keeping your promises, obeying the law.

• I will only place my focus on what I can control. The things I can control are how I interact with my colleagues in the workplace and people in general, but I cannot focus on how the will respond or perceive me. That will drive someone insane including myself. I cannot control the outcome of me getting a job after spending countless hours preparing for the interview. In life period, you have to focus on the process and not the results.
• I will use my words impeccably. The negative things we state to ourselves just hurt us. The negative things we state about others are doing likewise, we simply think it is harming another person however it is really ourselves that endure.
• I will always strive to do my best. While life is a struggle and getting things right each and every time is unimaginable, the significant thing is to keep on doing your best in each minute. Your best presently won’t be on a par with your best tomorrow or perhaps yesterday. You’re best when you’re drained and not on a par with your best in the wake of a monotonous evenings rest.
• I will not assume. The core of assumptions are from miscommunications. So assuming will cause lots of problems in life that will transfer to the workplace.
• Collins, D. (2019). Business Ethics: How to Design and Manage Ethical Organizations. Cambridge University Press.
• Ferrell, O. C., Fraedrich, J., & Ferrell, L. (2019). Business Ethics: Ethical Decision Making & Cases. Cengage Learning.
• Johnson, C. E. (2019). Organizational Ethics: A Practical Approach. SAGE Publications.
• Laczniak, G. R., & Murphy, P. E. (2019). Ethical Marketing. Routledge.
• Richardson, J., & Stinson, J. (2019). Professional Ethics for Scientists and Engineers. Oxford University Press.
• Shaw, W. H., & Barry, V. (2020). Moral Issues in Business. Cengage Learning.
• Solomon, R. C., & Higgins, K. M. (2019). Business Ethics: A Textbook with Cases. Oxford University Press.
• Treviño, L. K., & Nelson, K. A. (2019). Managing Business Ethics : Straight Talk about How to Do It Right. Wiley.
• Velasquez, M. G. (2020). Business Ethics: Concepts and Cases. Pearson.
• Weiss, J. W. (2019). Business Ethics: A Stakeholder and Issues Management Approach. Berrett-Koehler Publishers.

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