Because hundreds of thousands of business communicators worldwide engage in activities that affect the lives of millions of people, and because this power carries with it significant social responsibilities, the International Association of Business Communicators developed the Code of Ethics for Professional Communicators.
The Code is based on three different yet interrelated principles of professional communication that apply throughout the world.
These principles assume that just societies are governed by a profound respect for human rights and the rule of law; that ethics, the criteria for determining what is right and wrong, can be agreed upon by members of an organisation; and, that understanding matters of taste requires sensitivity to cultural norms.
These principles are essential:
- Professional communication is legal.
- Professional communication is ethical.
- Professional communication is in good taste.
Recognising these principles, members of IABC will:
- Engage in communication that is not only legal but also ethical and sensitive to cultural values and beliefs.
- Engage in truthful, accurate and fair communication that facilitates respect and mutual understanding; and,
- Adhere to the following articles of the IABC Code of Ethics for Professional Communicators.
- Because conditions in the world are constantly changing, members of IABC will work to improve their individual competence and to increase the body of knowledge in the field with research and education.
