Final answer:
A professional code of ethics is a set of guiding principles that outlines appropriate professional behavior, often adopted by organizations to ensure their members act ethically within their professions.
Step-by-step explanation:
A professional code of ethics is a set of principles that guides members of a professional organization in determining the right conduct when performing their job duties. It serves as a framework for the professional behavior expected from members in specific situations, particularly when faced with ethical dilemmas. These codes often include commitments to quality, safety, and respect for the rights of others, and they are applicable to various fields, including healthcare, education, and science and technology.
For example, the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers Computer Society (IEEE-CS) adopted the Software Engineering Code of Ethics and Professional Practice in 2000 to outline the ethical obligations of software engineers. These obligations promote public well-being and ensure that the software developed does not harm life quality, privacy or the environment. With these codified ethics, professionals are better equipped to navigate the moral and political discussions that pertain to their work and the impact it has on society.