Unit 3: Ethics Flashcards
Ethics definition
the values and beliefs held by an individual which guide their actions. The standards of conduct adopted and practiced within a culture or society.
Morals definition
a set of beliefs held by an individual and founded on fundamental principles of right and wrong.
Professional Standards are…
ethical rules that govern the day-to-day activities of persons who adopt such standards
What are the 3 levels of Moral Development according to Kohlberg?
1) Level 1: Pre-Conventional
2) Level 2: Conventional
3) Level 3: Post-Conventional
Which of the moral levels is based on obedience that is rooted in avoiding punishment / seeking reward?
Level 1 : Pre-Conventional
Which of the moral levels is based on an individual’s reflection and analysis of issues?
Level 3: Post-Convention
Which of the moral levels is based on an individual’s conformance with social convention?
Level 2: Conventional
This form of ethics is about guiding people in making decisions that maximize others’ welfare or happiness while minimizing harm or injury.
Utilitarian Ethics
This form of ethics is about the intention of an individual’s actions towards the resolution of a dilemma as opposed to just its consequences. Doing the right thing because it’s the right thing to do.
Duty-Based Ethics
What are the 4 steps in the Ethical Decision-Making Model?
1) Recognize the dilemma
2) Analyze using the checklist
3) Test your options using the checklist
4) Implement the best option
There are three types of responses to an Ethical Dilemma:
1) Physical Response (e.g. sweating, tension, increased heart rate)
2) Intuitive Response (e.g. sensing something isn’t right)
3) Intellectual Response (e.g. from learned knowledge of standards of practice)
Ethical Dilemma Checklist
- Defined as a dilemma?
- Defined by a stranger seeing it for the first time as a dilemma?
- How did it become a dilemma?
- Caused by an omission or commission? (action not taken vs. taken)
- Is it time-sensitive?
- Was the dilemma caused by timing?
- Does the brokerage owe any party loyalty?
- Who needs to make this decision?
- Does my decision rely on the decision / action of others?
- Can I discuss with affected parties before deciding?
- Do I have a self-interest in the outcome?
- Do I have a conflict of interest?
- What are the options available to me for resolution?
Ethical Checklist for testing solutions:
- Would my decision be in accordance with the law, the Act, Rules, etc.?
- How would I explain my actions in court?
- Does it comply with my brokerage policies?
- Would it negatively impact the brokerage?
- How would my colleagues, friends, and family feel about it?
- How would it look if local media reported on my conduct?
- Does it have the potential to harm anyone?
- Would it be the ‘right thing to do’?
- Would it create unintended issues?
- Would it remain appropriate over time?
The Golden Rule is…
do unto others as you would have them do unto you
Practices related to Brokerage Structure include:
- Abiding by policies of the brokerage
- Trading only in the name of the brokerage
- Displaying brokerage name on ads
- Using agency relationship model of that brokerage
- Provide brokerage with all documents
- Seeking advice from your broker