Psychology

There are ethical principles that psychologists engage in that serves as a guide and code in resolving ethical dilemmas where specific definitions of behavior reflect the professions ethical principles and values.  This underlying code of ethics guides the psychologists in their work, with no force of law, and cross-referenced to reflect the four ethical principles that are the following (1) respect for the dignity of persons (2) responsible caring (3) integrity in relationships and (4) responsibility to society. 

The first principle, the respect for the dignity of persons, demonstrates respect to one another, with the valuing of innate worth persons and not using them entirely as means to an end.  It enhances an essential characteristic in the relationship while demonstrating courtesy, understanding, and the sharing of goals and role expectations.  It also addresses professional and interpersonal differences, considering third party consultation, and defining the parameters of confidentiality of personal information. 

The second principle, the responsible caring principle, demonstrates the need for care, especially concerning the wellbeing and interests of other persons.  It requires meeting the expected standards of performance, with self-awareness and self-exploration being the center of the principle.  There is also knowledge regarding as well as sharing in terms of their respective roles in the performance in psychology.  Current levels of competence are the basis in defining supervision goals, procedures, and conditions.

The third principle, integrity in relationships, demonstrates the need for openness, objectivity, honesty, straightforwardness, and avoidance of conflict of interest in keeping with respect and caring for others (Canadian Psychological Association, 2009, p.7).  It explores personal values and respects each ones substantive contributions, while giving credit as earned, and avoiding the distortion of results due to personal, public, or political reasons.  It avoids exploitation and strives for the highest level of competence applicable to the state of environment, and avoids multiple relationships, which could be harmful.     

The final principle, the responsibility to society, demonstrates the need to promote collective wellbeing of the society.  This relates to the foundation of teaching, research, practice, and administration that supervisors and supervisees can contribute to the welfare of society (Canadian Psychological Association, 2009, p.8).  It also addresses discipline, contributing to the greater good of the society, and promoting social justice for the welfare of the many.  It also ensures the issues of ethics and standards, while striving to achieve highest quality of learning in which the combined competence would serve the public exceedingly.

These four principles provide an effective and mutually respectful working alliance in the working environment, with cooperation and positive relationship that enhances learning and a higher standard of performance and alliance.