What is the meaning of professional ethics?

Professional ethics is a term that encompasses the organizational and personal standards of behavior a professional individual is expected to possess. Most organizations have their own internal code of practice that defines the professional ethics of a certain profession.

Professional ethics is an ancient concept, with one of the earliest examples in history being the Hippocratic Oath for medical professionals. Some of the most common components of professional ethics codes refer to knowledge, honesty, accountability, integrity, loyalty, compliance with the law and more. Individual responsibility is a main component encompassed in professional ethics. Besides codes, organizations may use other measures to implement professional ethics, such as continuing education and various support mechanisms for professionals.