SHRM Code of Ethical and Professional Standards in Human Resource Management
Introduction
As human resource professionals, we face ethical challenges on a daily basis�whether they are our own or we hear about them through employees and management. Our reputations, as individuals and professionals, depend on each of us serving the needs of our various stakeholders in the most morally responsible manner and leading our individual organizations to conduct business in an equally responsible manner.
The new Code elevates our ethics, our values and our commitment to this profession and those we serve.
Why a new Code and Ethics Program for SHRM ?
Our Code was originally developed in 1972 and last modified in 1989 to reflect the Society's new name. Times have changed�so has our profession and the issues that HR professionals must address on a regular basis.
While our guiding principles represent the fundamental beliefs and values of SHRM, the new Code provides useful and practical guidance in ethical decision-making. Aspirations are supported by a series of practices, principles, and guidelines designed to affirmatively illustrate to professionals what is expected of them as they practice human resource management.
In addition, SHRM is committed to providing other components of an effective ethics program to include ongoing communication, training, and further guidance.
To Whom Does This Code Apply?
The Code of Ethical and Professional Standards in Human Resource Management is meant to be a useful tool and applicable to the global HR profession as a whole, setting standards to which we can all aspire. Members of SHRM must abide by the SHRM Code of Ethical and Professional Standards in Human Resource Management. The Code provisions are also designed to help every professional clearly understand the behavior required to be ethical practitioners and leaders in our profession and in our organizations. Unethical behavior by members is addressed through the existing bylaws (Art. 2-Section 5: Membership Discipline).
Who are SHRM stakeholders?
HR professionals who are members of SHRM have a variety of stakeholders to whom they are accountable. For the purposes of this Code of Ethical and Professional Standards stakeholders are defined as the organizations for whom we work, employees, other SHRM members, and fellow members of the profession whether or not they are SHRM members. The provisions in the Code apply specifically to SHRM members.
Professional's obligation to adhere to all provisions of the Code
The Code is meant to assist any HR professional�in its entirety or as it pertains to specific issues. We understand that the Code is primarily U.S. centric, but we hope that it is written in such a way that HR professionals anywhere will find it helpful in their daily professional lives. As a requirement of membership, SHRM members are expected to adhere to the Code.
Code provision format
Code provisions are structured so that the core principle captures the underlying idea or value, followed by the intent, which outlines the goal. The intent is followed by guidelines for behavior. Additional information is available on the SHRM website ( www.shrm.org/ethics).
Code of Ethics