Professional Ethics at Jordan
Professional ethics in Jordan are governed by a combination of local laws, industry-specific regulations, and adherence to international standards. These ethical frameworks are designed to maintain public trust, ensure fairness, and promote accountability across various sectors, including law, healthcare, finance, and business. Here are key elements of professional ethics in Jordan:
1. Legal Framework and Regulatory Bodies
Jordanian Law: Jordan's legal system is based on Islamic law (Sharia) and civil law, which influences professional ethics in the country. The legal system provides a structure for resolving ethical issues and holding professionals accountable.
Professional Regulatory Bodies: Various professional organizations and regulatory bodies set ethical standards in specific sectors. Some key bodies include:
Jordan Bar Association (for lawyers)
Jordan Engineers Association (for engineers)
Jordan Medical Association (for doctors)
Jordan Securities Commission (for finance and securities)
Jordan Accountants Association (for accountants)
These bodies establish codes of conduct, enforce ethical behavior, and handle disciplinary matters within their respective fields.
2. Core Ethical Principles
Professionals in Jordan are expected to adhere to the following core ethical principles, which are common across most sectors:
Integrity: Professionals are expected to demonstrate honesty and integrity in their actions, ensuring that their work reflects the highest ethical standards.
Confidentiality: Protecting client information and maintaining confidentiality is vital. This is particularly crucial in sectors such as law, healthcare, and finance.
Competence: Professionals must maintain competence in their field through continuous learning and development. This ensures they provide high-quality services and make well-informed decisions.
Accountability: Professionals must be accountable for their actions, decisions, and conduct, ensuring that they are answerable to clients, regulatory bodies, and the public.
Transparency: Ethical behavior requires transparency in business dealings, decision-making processes, and professional conduct. This helps build trust with clients and the general public.
Respect for the Law: Professionals must comply with all relevant laws and regulations governing their practice in Jordan.
3. Sector-Specific Ethical Guidelines
Legal Profession:
Jordan Bar Association has a strict code of conduct for lawyers that emphasizes integrity, confidentiality, and client protection. Lawyers are expected to act impartially and avoid conflicts of interest. They also have to uphold justice, fairness, and respect for the legal system.
Lawyers in Jordan must also avoid making misleading statements or engaging in fraudulent practices.
Medical Profession:
The Jordan Medical Association provides a professional code of ethics for doctors. It focuses on the doctor-patient relationship, emphasizing trust, confidentiality, and the provision of care based on medical need rather than personal or financial gain.
Doctors are required to ensure informed consent, avoid unnecessary treatments, and act with compassion and empathy in their practice.
Accounting and Finance:
The Jordan Accountants Association and Jordan Securities Commission enforce ethical standards in accounting, auditing, and finance. These include transparency in financial reporting, avoiding conflicts of interest, and adhering to anti-money laundering (AML) and combating the financing of terrorism (CFT) regulations.
Accountants are expected to uphold the principles of objectivity and professional skepticism, especially when auditing financial statements.
Engineering Profession:
The Jordan Engineers Association provides a code of ethics for engineers that includes a commitment to public safety, honesty, and accuracy. Engineers are expected to maintain professional conduct, avoid conflicts of interest, and ensure that their work does not endanger public health or safety.
4. Ethical Challenges in Jordan
Corruption: Like many countries, Jordan faces challenges related to corruption, particularly in public sector institutions. Professionals in Jordan, particularly in government, are expected to adhere strictly to ethical guidelines to combat corruption.
Conflicts of Interest: Given the close-knit business environment in Jordan, professionals must be vigilant about potential conflicts of interest, especially in sectors like finance, law, and government. Ethical guidelines stress the importance of transparency and impartiality to avoid such conflicts.
Compliance with International Standards: As Jordan is involved in global trade, professionals are expected to adhere to international ethical standards, especially in finance and law. This includes compliance with international anti-corruption conventions, financial reporting standards, and human rights considerations.
5. Ethical Training and Development
Many professional organizations in Jordan provide ongoing education and training in ethics to help professionals understand new developments, maintain their competence, and address ethical challenges.
Professional ethics are also a part of university curricula in fields like law, medicine, and engineering. This ensures that future professionals are aware of ethical expectations before they enter the workforce.
6. Disciplinary Actions and Enforcement
Professional misconduct in Jordan is addressed by the relevant regulatory bodies. These organizations have established disciplinary procedures that range from warnings and fines to suspension or disbarment, depending on the severity of the violation.
For example, lawyers may face disciplinary action by the Jordan Bar Association if they breach their ethical code, while doctors could face sanctions by the Jordan Medical Association for malpractice or unethical behavior.
Anti-Corruption Measures: Jordan has several measures in place to combat corruption, including the Anti-Corruption Commission. Professionals, particularly in the public sector, are expected to adhere to these regulations to avoid legal repercussions and maintain ethical standards.
7. Public Perception and Trust
Ethical behavior is crucial for maintaining public trust in professionals and institutions in Jordan. The reputation of the country’s professional sectors, especially finance and healthcare, is heavily dependent on the ethical conduct of its practitioners.
Maintaining ethical standards not only ensures compliance with legal regulations but also helps in fostering long-term relationships with clients and the public, thereby contributing to the growth and stability of various industries in Jordan.
Conclusion
Professional ethics in Jordan are governed by both national legal frameworks and international standards, ensuring that professionals maintain integrity, transparency, and accountability in their work. Various professional bodies provide detailed ethical guidelines for specific sectors, including law, healthcare, engineering, and finance. The challenge for professionals in Jordan is to navigate these ethical guidelines while addressing issues such as corruption, conflicts of interest, and compliance with global standards. Ethical training, awareness, and regulatory enforcement are key to maintaining high standards of professionalism in the country.
RELATED Blog
0 comments