“Code of Ethics for Administrative Professionals”

(Preface note: The International Association of Administrative Professionals® defines administrative professionals as "individuals who are responsible for administrative tasks and coordination of information in support of an office related environment and who are dedicated to furthering their personal and professional growth in their chosen profession.")

Recognising that a position of trust imposes ethical obligations upon administrative assistants, office coordinators, executive secretaries and other types of administrative professionals to act for benefit of employers, clients, and the public, members of the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) established and promulgated four standards of professional conduct and resolve to be guided by them as embodying the ethical ideals of their profession.

The development of a Code of Ethics demonstrates that the administrative support profession accepts the obligation to engage in self-discipline and accepts the responsibility and trust earned by administrative professionals throughout past generations.

Each administrative professional has a personal obligation to support and follow the Code, recognising that the greatest penalty possible for its violation is loss of the respect of professional colleagues and the trust of employers, clients, and society.

Ethical behavior is encouraged by both the Code and the profession. An administrative professional's personal ethical behavior may often exceed the requirements of the Code, which do not demand less than the law, and often exceed those of the law. Persons found guilty of violating laws will be considered

in prima facie violation of the Code and may be censured or otherwise penalised by the association or profession.

1. The administrative professional shall act as a trusted agent in professional relations, implementing responsibilities in the most competent manner and exercising knowledge and skill to promote the interests of the immediate and corporate employer.

(…)

2. The administrative professional shall strive to maintain and enhance the dignity, status, competence, and standards of the profession and its practitioners.

(…)

3. The administrative professional shall insist that judgments concerning continued employment, compensation, and promotion be based upon professional knowledge, ability, experience, and performance.

(…)

4. The administrative professional must consider the promotion and preservation of the safety and welfare of the public to be the paramount duty.

(…)

Fonte: http://www.opsa.org.za/ethics.html. Acesso em: 20 fev. 2014.