Ethics for surveyors : what are the problems?
Dabson, Ashley et al.
This paper reviews evidence of ethical concerns within the surveying profession. It is based on both the available literature and on the evidence of an on-line debate from practitioners who are studying for professional qualifications with a distance learning Masters programme. The range and focus of their ethical concerns based on their practical experience is presented, together with their clear unease about some professional practices. In the light of this, the paper discusses ethical behaviour and in particular codes of ethics. It uses the RICSSs nine core values as illustration. It opines that only rule-based codes can be regulated; and that aspirational codes, which rely upon the judgement of individuals either fail to reflect the prevailing professional culture or are interpreted subjectively. In both cases, there is a risk of inconsistency. The paper speculates about the professional culturee of surveyors. It discusses how that professional culture is informed by the inherent ethical experiences of the individual, the influence of corporate governance on individual and corporate behaviour, the market value that can be placed upon the public evidence of good behaviour and the crucial role of professional associations in developing and being seen to ensure only the highest professional standards.
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