What is the primary goal of having a professional code of conduct?

The primary goal of having a professional code of conduct is to establish acceptable behaviors and standards within an organization. A well-defined code of conduct serves as a guiding framework that outlines the ethical principles and expectations for behavior among professionals. It helps to create a clear understanding of what is considered appropriate and acceptable in their roles, fostering a culture of integrity and accountability.

By having these standards in place, it ensures that all members of the organization are aligned with the same ethical values, promoting consistency in decision-making and actions. This uniformity is essential in maintaining the trust of the community and the integrity of the profession.

In contrast, encouraging competition among officers, allowing flexibility in ethical decision-making, and limiting communication between staff do not align with the primary function of a code of conduct, which is to unify and clarify ethical standards rather than encourage divisiveness or restrict collaboration.