Final answer:
Most often professional groups operate under a legal regulatory act and develop a professional code of ethics to assist in self-regulation. These codes outline permissible actions and ethical standards in various fields, such as the IEEE's code for software engineers, and are often enforced by professional associations like the American Bar Association for lawyers.
Step-by-step explanation:
Professional groups often operate under a regulatory act and create a professional code of ethics for self-regulation. These codes of ethics are essential for maintaining standards within professional fields, ensuring that members adhere to ethical practices and societal values.
They cover aspects such as permissible and impermissible actions, discrimination, environmental goals, and maintaining trust. For example, the American Sociological Association (ASA) has established a set of guidelines to foster ethical research and professionally responsible scholarship in sociology.
Similarly, in the fields of science and technology, the IEEE Computer Society has adopted the Software Engineering Code of Ethics and Professional Practice, emphasizing the ethical obligations of software engineers.
In the legal field, to practice law, individuals may be required to join associations like the American Bar Association, which also enforce ethical standards.
Professional societies and trade associations, typically non-profit, not only work towards improving working conditions and public perceptions but also ensure their members follow ethical and legal frameworks when conducting their professional activities.