Code of Ethics, Meaning, Objectives, Importance, Features

A Code of Ethics is a broad set of guiding principles that define the values, ideals, and standards of behaviour expected from individuals or organizations. It is aspirational in nature and focuses on what is morally right, rather than prescribing specific punishments or detailed rules.

Code of Ethics Objectives

The key objectives of the Code of Ethics are:

• To guide behaviour of individuals in public and professional life.
• To promote integrity, transparency, and accountability.
• To build public trust in institutions.
• To create a shared ethical culture within organizations.

Code of Ethics Key Features

The key features of Code of Ethics are:

• Value-based: Built on core moral values like honesty, integrity, compassion, fairness, and responsibility.
• Broad and general in nature: Provides overall guiding principles rather than detailed rules or procedures.
• Aspirational: Encourages individuals to achieve higher ethical standards and ideal behaviour.
• Self-regulatory: Relies on personal conscience and moral responsibility instead of strict legal enforcement.
• Guides decision-making: Helps individuals choose the right course of action in ethical dilemmas.
• Promotes ethical culture: Creates a shared set of values within an organization or profession.
• Non-punitive in nature: Does not usually prescribe punishments; focuses on guiding behaviour.
• Universal applicability: Applies to all members of an organization or profession equally.
• Foundation for code of conduct: Serves as the moral basis on which specific rules (code of conduct) are framed.

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Code of Ethics Utility 

• Guides moral decision-making: Helps individuals choose the right course of action in ethical dilemmas.
• Promotes integrity and honesty: Encourages ethical behaviour and reduces corruption and misconduct.
• Builds public trust: Enhances credibility and confidence of citizens in institutions and officials.
• Creates a common value framework: Provides shared principles for all members of an organization or profession.
• Improves accountability and professionalism: Encourages responsible conduct and higher standards of service.
  • Example: Doctors following the Medical Council of India’s Code of Ethics ensure professional treatment and patient confidentiality.
• Supports good governance: Leads to transparent, fair, and citizen-centric administration.

Code of Ethics in India

In India, there exists no comprehensive code of ethics for civil servants, which can be found in some other countries. Instead, India relies on a system of conduct rules that specifically prohibit a range of common activities. While these conduct rules serve a particular purpose, they do not constitute a comprehensive code of ethics.

In India, civil servants are governed by two sets of rules: one designed for the All-India Services and the other for the Central Civil Services. The AIS Conduct Rules, established in 1968, and the CCS Conduct Rules of 1964, although separately named, share substantial similarities. The Central Civil Service (Conduct) Rules, 1964, lays down the code of conduct for government servants serving the Union of India. These conduct rules underscore the ethical principles that civil servants are required to adhere to.

Code of Ethics in Public Administration

The Second Administrative Reforms Commission (2nd ARC) recommended a Code of Ethics for civil servants based on core values such as Integrity, Impartiality, Objectivity, Commitment to public service, Transparency, Accountability, Empathy and compassion for weaker section.

Difference Between Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct

Difference between Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics are as follows: