Code of Ethics

Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct

The Code of Ethics set out below is issued by the Technical Communicators Association of New Zealand Inc. This code of ethics has been adopted by the Association and is therefore binding on all our members. If you have any comments, you are welcome to contact us.

Preamble

While pursuing the profession of Technical Communicator (the production of paper based or online documentation as a developer, teacher, student or manager), members will:

  • Use their special knowledge and skill for the benefit of the public.
  • Serve employers and clients with integrity and loyalty, subject to an overriding responsibility to the public interest.
  • Strive to enhance the competence and prestige of the profession.

In Relation to the Public

Members will:

  • Have a proper regard for the confidentiality of personal data and will not use professional skills to infringe the rights of others.
  • Express an opinion on a professional subject only when it is based on honest belief and knowledge.
  • Declare any personal financial interest in making any statement, criticism or argument concerning the production of documentation.
  • Not advertise goods or professional services in a misleading manner.

In Relation to Employers and Clients

Members will:

  • Not disclose or use any material or confidential information obtained in the course of professional duties, without the consent of the person or parties concerned, unless required by law to do so.
  • Obtain releases from clients and employers before including any business-sensitive materials in personal portfolios or commercial demonstrations.
  • Declare to clients or employers any business connection, interest or application, which might influence professional judgement or impair the unbiased quality of advice or service offered to such a client or employer.
  • Not recommend or supply goods or services to employer or clients without first disclosing any financial interest in them.
  • Exercise professional skills with competence, care and attention.
  • Not invite or solicit applications for employment from an employee of a client without that client's prior consent (For this purpose a public advertisement is not considered to be an invitation to any particular person).
  • Prior to undertaking to provide services, other than as an employee, state clearly to the client the terms of service and the basis or amount of charges.
  • Not accept professional work for personal benefit without due regard for the interest of any existing client or employer.

In Relation to the Association

The member will not:

  • Bring the Association into disrepute.
  • Without sufficient authority, represent that views expressed constitute the views of the Association.

In Relation to Others

The member will not:

  • Set out to injure the professional reputation or practice of another person, and will conduct professional competition in a manner consistent with this.
  • Infringe the rights of property of others by selling or using any property obtained or developed by the member during engagement or employment or otherwise.