Ethics is a touchy subject. Consultants like to have them because it positions them as professionals, and because it deals with real client fears. Clients often like one-way ethics-- they want protection, but don't like (or think of) being simultaneously bound. The following is similar to that of other management and consulting associations.

The Client and Consultant both agree that:

• Partnership. The consulting arrangement is like a partnership involving consultant effort and expertise together with client cooperation.
• Objectivity. Objective evidence and independence of mind for the consultant is the best basis for improvement and change.
• Client's Interests. The ultimate goal is to benefit the Client.
• Deliverables. The Consultant will complete the tasks as promised, when promised; and the Client will provide all necessary disclosures and information.
• Competence. The consultant will remain current with industry practice and knowledge. The consultant will use professional standards of care.
• Confidentiality. Proprietary client information and trade secrets will remain private.
• Competing Clients. Competing companies will not be represented by the consultant at the same time, unless fully disclosed as a part of the consulting arrangement.
• Conflict of Interests. The consultant will not have conflicting interests to the client's interests, unless fully disclosed as a part of the consulting arrangement.
• Ethical Objectives. The consultant and client will not engage in projects or acts that are illegal, or that may be viewed as possibly illegal, or unethical.
• The client will be informed of the progress of consultation.
• The consultant will have access and cooperation to make the desired outcomes possible.
• The consultant will tell the client about negative findings.
• The consultant will help the client with uncomfortable but necessary changes.
• The consultant and client will write a letter of expectations to clarify expected results, and reduce possible misunderstandings.

This free download page is from the Organizational Change, Training and Development web site of Norm Gustafson. You may print or store it for personal use. Copyright 1998, reserved for all commercial uses.