Ethical principles
As a business owner and operator you may wish to formulate your own ethical principles to map out the
key values you and your employees will be governed by. The ethical principles together are often referred
to as a
Code of Ethics
. While these in themselves will not be enforceable by common law or legislation,
it is important to recognise that legislation prohibits or limits certain acts. Ethical principles cannot be
enforced if they contravene Queensland legislation.
A Code of Ethics is intended to assist you and your employees in identifying and resolving ethical
issues that might arise. It is designed to guide you in your dealings with other people, whether they
are customers, co-workers, suppliers or anyone else you deal with. The Code of Ethics puts forward
a set of general principles rather than detailed prescriptions. It stands beside, but does not exclude or
replace, rights and obligations under common law or legislation.
Codes of Practice
provide more specific
information about policies, rules and expectations based on these principles.
Ethical principles may include statements referring to:
•
Respect for people
•
Equality and justice
•
integrity and impartiality
•
accountability and transparency
•
Personal and professional responsibility