Final answer:
When you do not receive a response from an Ethics Officer within 21 days, it is advisable to contact the AICP Board for guidance and document your attempts to seek advice. Do not proceed with the proposed conduct. Seeking advice from colleagues is not a substitute for formal guidance.
Step-by-step explanation:
If you have asked an Ethics Officer for informal advice and have not received a response within 21 calendar days of your request, the recommended course of action is not to proceed with the proposed conduct. The absence of a response does not imply approval, and proceeding without proper guidance could result in ethical violations. Instead, you should take a proactive approach to resolve the issue.
One of the steps you should consider is contacting the AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners) Board, as they may be able to provide guidance or expedite the response from the Ethics Officer. However, it is important to formally document your attempts to seek advice and the lack of response to maintain a record of your attempt to seek ethical guidance.
Seeking advice from a knowledgeable colleague is an option, but it is not a substitute for formal ethical guidance from an appointed Ethics Officer. When dealing with ethical matters, formal advice is critical for ensuring that your actions are in compliance with the relevant ethical guidelines.
Remember, in any research involving human subjects, such as an informal case study of a classmate, friend, or family member, it is important to obtain the participants' written permission to be included in your study. Ethical research practices are essential, and your instructor can be a valuable resource for advice on adhering to ethical standards in your research.
If contacting the AICP Board does not resolve the issue, it might be necessary to seek out alternative channels within the organization or consult the ethical guidelines provided by the institution or professional body. Patience and persistence in seeking formal guidance are important.