Professional Code of Ethics Analysis

Introduction

From the onset, it would be prudent to note that the relevance of a code of ethics cannot be overstated when it comes to highlighting not only best practices, but also standards of ethics that would be expected of practitioners in an industry or enterprise. This write-up seeks to identify and analyze a published code of ethics. More specifically, it will amongst other things summarize the codes key points and highlight the relevance of the said code in guiding decision making.

Discussion

By virtue of being in the marketing profession, I subscribe and stand guided by the ideals of the American Marketing Association Code of Ethics. This particular code of ethics identifies the role that we as marketers play in the facilitation and execution of commercial transactions. Further, it identifies our responsibility as sources of key information on various products and/or services. For this reason, it restates the need for ethical guidelines to guide our conduct and practice in the course of interactions with stakeholders including but not limited to clients/customers, the community, regulators, peers, investors, employers, etc. Towards this end, the key ethical values that have been highlighted in this particular statement of ethics are: honesty, responsibility, fairness, respect, transparency, and citizenship (American Marketing Association, 2013). In essence, whereas the value of honesty calls upon us to ensure that our interactions with stakeholders are truthful and forthright, the ethical value of responsibility is categorical of the need to always be aware of the consequences of the strategies we deploy and decisions we make in the course of executing our roles. Next, when it comes to fairness, we are called upon to ensure that the expectations of sellers and buyers are balanced in a just manner. With regard to the ethical value of respect, we as marketers must be aware stakeholders dignity and actively seek to uphold it. Next, the value of transparency underlines the need to ensure that all...…professionals safeguard not only their reputation, but also of those organizations and professions they serve in. This is because they often highlight and underline the professions various compliance requirements. Next, codes of ethics ensure that the interests of all stakeholders are protected and/or secured. This could, amongst other things, be in relation to encouraging fair conduct and responsibility.

Conclusion

In the final analysis, it should be noted that the American Marketing Association Code of Ethics succeeds in setting certain standards for professionalism and integrity in the profession of marketing. Further, it clearly highlights the best practices that those of us in this profession ought to follow. It is also clear from the write-up above that the said code of ethics does prove to be a key decision-making tool. Its concise and straight-forward format enhances readability and makes it easy for us in this particular profession to grasp and comprehend key ethical norms and values. For this reason, it could be considered a Constitution of sorts…