Unit of competency:

PRACTICING CAREER
PROFESSIONALISM

Integrate personal objectives with

organizational goals
MODULE
DESCRIPTOR
This module covers the knowledge, skills, and attitudes in
promoting career growth and advancement
What is Professionalism ?

Everyone wants to become a professional these days or to work in a

professionally managed organization, in fact, some families owned
companies have higher professional standards than our so-called
professionally managed companies. Many people still think that one
can become a professional simply by acquiring a degree. And many
companies have the mistaken belief that they can claim to be
professional.
PROFESSIONALISM
Is an (ATTITUDE) towards work/ responsibilities , rather
than anything else and it has to be acquired over a (Period of
TIME). It is also the only way to survive in today’s world .
Professionalism means acting appropriately and in a manner that is
acceptable and careful. It is completing your task and
responsibilities on time. It is proper attitude and conduct of a
person for organization, it is valued quality that has friendly polite
and business like characteristics, it is a necessary trait for every
employee and business.
Work values and ethics

Work ethic is an attitude of determination and dedication toward

one's job. Those with a strong work ethic place a high value on their
professional success. They exhibit moral principles that make them
outstanding employees in any position
Workplace values and ethics are established at the helm of the organization.
Values and ethics define what the company perceives as important regarding
the behavior of everyone from the top-level executive to the employees
working with consumers. Companies, large and small, find themselves in public
relations nightmares when ethical lines are crossed. The most problematic areas
are fraud, discrimination and sexual misconduct.
Defining an Organization's Values and Ethics
The values and ethics of a business are the moral code by which the business
operates. While no business can control the actions of every employee, it can
define expectations and develop procedures for violations. Many organizations
have similar areas of focus when it comes to values and ethics.
These include but aren't limited to honesty, accountability, respect, caring and
reliability. Values and ethics should be defined in an organization's bylaws,
mission statement, vision statement and policies.
Internal Business Practices
When it comes to internal business practices, values and ethics refer to the
expectations among employees. These practices apply to both
manager/subordinate relationships and co-worker interactions. People who work
together often develop friendships, but co-workers can also develop negative
feelings about others on the team.
Defining Appropriate and Acceptable Behaviour
Internal business practices must define appropriate and acceptable behavior.
Some companies explicitly forbid dating among co-workers. Other companies
have policies that prohibit alcohol at any company party or internal function.
These rules are designed to avert potential problems.
Employee Education and Training
Some employers hold mandatory diversity or sexual harassment training to
educate employees on the most common types of inappropriate behavior.
Education and coaching policies are growing as pre-emptive actions.
Protocol to Deal with Problems
Should problems arise, protocol must be outlined to deal with it. A company's
values might dictate the amount of tolerance regarding inappropriate behavior.
Where one company may have a series of warnings, additional training and
support, another company might set hard lines where disciplinary action is
swift and often severe.
Advertising Values and Ethics
Advertising has one job, which is to get consumers in the door (or to the website)
of a business. There are a lot of tactics advertising can use to achieve this.
Companies that stand by their values and ethics don't allow misleading
advertising. Other ways that businesses draw the line is with content.
Three Levels of Ethical
Standards in a Business
Organization
The ethical standards of a business are a key factor in how that business is
defined. A business's reputation impacts its customers, employees, potential
for growth and overall success. A business organization that exemplifies
integrity in its products, services and actions holds itself up to high ethical
standards on all three levels.
Law
These laws define the difference between right and wrong, and what is
considered acceptable behavior by the majority of people. A business
organization must abide by these laws to uphold its ethical standards. Wage and
hour laws that protect employees are one example, while guidelines overseeing
environmental protection are another. Businesses must adhere to laws instituted
by the federal government, the state and the local municipality. There are
situations where the actions of a business organization are legal, yet they may
not be particularly ethical. This is a fine line and the organization has a
responsibility to self-police if it wants to be held to a high ethical standard.
Policies
The second level of ethical standards for a business organization concerns its
internal policies and procedures. The business creates these as a guideline for its
managers and employees to follow. A set of clearly stated, highly ethical policies
takes the guesswork out of decisions made on a daily basis. These policies
should include hiring practices, termination procedures, sexual harassment
issues, vendor relationships and gift-giving limits. When staff members of an
organization are trained in a company's policies, actions and reactions become
second nature. Ensuring those policies are ethically sound removes the
possibility for improper actions or decisions.
Individuals
Though a business organization may be bound by applicable laws and internal
policies, adherence by individuals determines the true integrity of the company.
When an employee joins a business organization, he comes equipped with his
own moral values based on heritage and upbringing. It is the responsibility of
the business organization to foster a corporate climate that supports ethical
behavior by all employees. This is achieved by continual training in the ethical
policies and guidelines of the company, positive reinforcement of ethical
actions and leadership leading by example.
Consequences
There are notable consequences for a business organization when it ignores or
breaks the ethical standards at each level. If a business does not adhere to the
law, ramifications may include fines, penalties or even jail sentences for
business owners. Infractions might include polluting the environment, breaking
labor laws or fraudulent financial reporting.
 Mission Vision & Value Statement Examples for
Sexual Harassment
Many companies include mission, vision or value statements in their sexual
harassment policies. While a sexual harassment policy can be written to reflect
state and federal laws, descriptions of harassing behaviors, company complaint
channels and investigation procedures, policies can also encourage people to
contribute to a safe and inclusive work environment aligned with the
company’s overall goals.
Why the Policy Exists
Clearly defining the purpose of your sexual harassment policy is the point of
the policy’s mission statement. For example, the Society for Human Resource
Management offers a sample template of a sexual harassment policy that
begins with, “The purpose of this policy is to define sexual harassment and
provide procedures for the investigation of sexual harassment claims.”
The Company’s Stand

Your company’s values define what it believes in and the commitments that drive
it. Many companies reference their values in their sexual harassment policies,
which can help keep core values fresh in employees’ minds.
 Why Do Professional
Organizations Have a Code of
Ethics?
Improve Business Relationships
A code of ethics can help companies improve business relationships. Ethical
values are often designed to provide guidance when working with other
companies and the general public. These values dictate how businesses handle
contract negotiations, customer questions and feedback or negative business
situations.
Prohibit Inappropriate Behavior
Many companies use a code of ethics to prohibit inappropriate employee
behavior. Inappropriate behavior can include lying to managers or clients,
engaging in fraud or embezzlement, failing to meet specific operational
standards or other similar conduct. A code of ethics can help employees
understand why these actions are inappropriate and the reasons companies
expect better behavioral performance. Companies may also limit their legal
liability from poor employee performance by using a code of ethics.
A Code of Ethics in the Work Place
 What Is a Code of Ethics?

A code of ethics is a guide of principles designed to help professionals

conduct business honestly and with integrity. A code of ethics document may
outline the mission and values of the business or organization, how
professionals are supposed to approach problems, the ethical principles
based on the organization's core values, and the standards to which the
professional is held.
A code of ethics, also referred to as an "ethical code," may encompass areas such as business ethics,
a code of professional practice, and an employee code of conduct.
KEY TAKEAWAYS

•A code of ethics sets out an organization's ethical guidelines and best practices
to follow for honesty, integrity, and professionalism.
•For members of an organization, violating the code of ethics can result in
sanctions including termination.
•In some industries, including banking and finance, specific laws govern
business conduct. In others, a code of ethics may be voluntarily adopted.
•The main types of codes of ethics include a compliance-based code of ethics, a
value-based code of ethics, and a code of ethics among professionals.
•A focus on climate change has become an integral part of companies' codes of
ethics, detailing their commitment to sustainability.
Understanding Codes of Ethics
Business ethics refers to how ethical principles guide a business's operations.
Common issues that fall under the umbrella of business ethics include
employer-employee relations, discrimination, environmental issues, bribery,
insider trading, and social responsibility.
Types of Codes of Ethics

A code of ethics can take a variety of forms, but the general goal is to ensure
that a business and its employees are following state and federal laws,
conducting themselves with an ideal that can be exemplary, and ensuring
that the business being conducted is beneficial for all stakeholders. The
following are three types of codes of ethics found in business.
Compliance-Based Code of Ethics

For all businesses, laws regulate issues such as hiring and safety standards.
Compliance-based codes of ethics not only set guidelines for conduct but
also determine penalties for violations.

This type of code of ethics is based on clear-cut rules and well-defined

consequences rather than individual monitoring of personal behavior.
Despite strict adherence to the law, some compliance-based codes of
conduct do not thus promote a climate of moral responsibility within the
company.
Value-Based Code of Ethics

A value-based code of ethics addresses a company's core value system. It

may outline standards of responsible conduct as they relate to the larger
public good and the environment. Value-based ethical codes may require a
greater degree of self-regulation than compliance-based codes.
Code of Ethics Among Professionals

Financial advisers registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission

(SEC) or a state regulator are bound by a code of ethics known as a
fiduciary duty. This is a legal requirement and also a code of loyalty that
requires them to act in the best interest of their clients.
The Philippine work ethic emphasizes the importance of quality and
efficiency. Filipino employees strive to finish tasks assigned to them on
time and with as little errors as possible. ... Employers will have the
peace of mind that the work being done is not subpar and will be
submitted within the designated time
Quality-oriented

The Philippine work ethic emphasizes the importance of quality and efficiency.
Filipino employees strive to finish tasks assigned to them on time and with as
little errors as possible. Also, the desire to learn and improve skills is present in
most Philippine work environments.

The quality-oriented approach to work and the eagerness to learn new trades
make Filipino employees a great fit for any business. Employers will have the
peace of mind that the work being done is not subpar and will be submitted
within the designated time.
 CODE OF ETHICS

RA 6713: Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards...

[REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6713] AN ACT ESTABLISHING A CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICAL
STANDARDS FOR PUBLIC OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES, TO UPHOLD THE TIME-HONORED
PRINCIPLE OF PUBLIC OFFICE BEING A PUBLIC TRUST, GRANTING INCENTIVES AND
REWARDS FOR EXEMPLARY SERVICE, ENUMERATING PROHIBITED ACTS AND
TRANSACTIONS AND PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES