An overview of the dimensions of professional ethics for supervisors at Williams College.

1. Supervisory Training Series
Professional Ethics
February 8, 2017

2. What are Professional Ethics
A set of standards that are relied upon to:
• Guide all our interactions on the job.
• Reach conclusions in the workplace.
• Make decisions.
Patterns of behavior – norms – that describe what
people ought to do.
Is the foundation of trust in any organization.

3. Principles of Ethical Behavior
Responsible Conduct
• Compliance with laws regulations and policies.
• Principled business transactions
• Acting in good faith
• Accountable for individual actions
• Fulfilling obligations towards others
• Communicating ethical standards by word and deed
• Proactively detect and prevent unethical behavior

4. Principles of Ethical Behavior (Cont.)
Respect for Others
• Be respectful, fair and civil to everyone.
• Strive to be objective in interactions with colleagues
• Avoid all forms of harassment and discrimination.
• Treat colleagues, co-workers and students with
respect, professionalism and dignity.
• Accept your share of responsibility for the
governance of the college.

5. Group Exercise
Break up into pairs and talk to your colleague about a
time when:
• You or someone you know were harmed by the
unethical behavior of a company or organization.
• You or someone you know benefited from the high
integrity of a company or organization.

6. Principles of Ethical Behavior (Cont.)
Managing Conflicts of Interest
• When we or a family member has a relationship that
may impair our independent judgment.
• When our positions or confidential information we
obtain on the job can be used for personal gain.
• When we receive gifts from people doing business
with the college.
• When we have relationships with individuals or
organizations that do business with the college.

7. Principles of Ethical Behavior (Cont.)
Managing Conflicts of Interest
• We must avoid actual and perceived conflicts of
interest related to our positions.
• Actual or perceived conflicts must be disclosed.
• Employees are responsible for identifying conflicts
and reporting them.
• Conflicts should be managed or eliminated.

8. Group Exercise
At your tables, identify three potential conflicts of
interest you have encountered or heard about and
• Explain why it is a conflict.
• Identify strategies for mitigating the conflict.
• Describe an appropriate process for reporting the
conflict.

9. Principles of Ethical Behavior (Cont.)
Protecting Confidentiality and Privacy
• Many of us create and receive confidential
information.
• We are expected to comply with all legal, regulatory
and contractual obligations to ensure confidentiality.
• Examples include document preservation/disposal
and data security.

10. Principles of Ethical Behavior (Cont.)
Stewardship of College Property
• We are committed to the responsible use of college
property, including funds and equipment.
• College resources should only be used to advance
our mission.
• We should follow sound financial practices with
appropriate monitoring.
• Special care should be given to resources restricted
by donor intent.

11. Principles of Ethical Behavior (Cont.)
Commitment to Safe and Healthy Work Environment
• We are dedicated to a building a diverse and
inclusive community free of discrimination.
• We comply with all federal and state laws.
• We avoid actions that would create a hostile
environment.
• We value freedom of expression, but not abusive and
harassing behavior.
• We use appropriate safety equipment and report
injuries and unsafe situations.

12. Principles of Ethical Behavior (Cont.)
Obligation to report Suspected Misconduct
• We are all obligated to report suspected violations of
laws, regulations and policies.
• These reports can come through normal channels or
to a higher level of management or anonymously.
• We have a strict policy against retaliation.

13. Group Exercise
At your table, reflecting on the topics we discussed
today, discuss what are the most important ethical
issues in your profession.
• Responsible Conduct
• Respect for Others
• Managing Conflicts of Interest
• Protecting Confidentiality and Privacy
• Stewardship of College Property
• Commitment to Safe and Healthy Work Environment

14. Related Policies
• Drug and Alcohol
• Scientific Misconduct
• Sexual Harassment
• Non-Discrimination
• Equal Employment Opportunity
• Computing Ethics and Responsibilities
• Privacy
• Employment of Family Members
• Confidentiality