Ethics
While I don't take myself too seriously, I take my work
responsibilities very seriously. Does this mean I am a humorless, geeky nerd who is
unpleasant to be around? Not at all. It means you can trust me to adhere to standards
like those set by the Society for Technical Communication.
STC Ethical Guidelines for Technical Communicators
As technical communicators, we observe the following
guidelines in our professional activities. Their purpose is to help us maintain
ethical practices.
Legality
We observe the laws and regulations governing our
professional activities in the workplace. We meet the terms and obligations of
contracts that we undertake. We ensure that all terms of our contractual
agreements are consistent with the STC Ethical Guidelines.
Honesty
We seek to promote the public good in our activities. To the best of our
ability, we provide truthful and accurate communications. We dedicate ourselves
to conciseness, clarity, coherence, and creativity, striving to address the
needs of those who use our products. We alert our clients and employers when we
believe material is ambiguous. Before using another person's work, we obtain
permission. In cases where individuals are credited, we attribute authorship
only to those who have made an original, substantive contribution. We do not
perform work outside our job scope during hours compensated by clients or
employers, except with their permission; nor do we use their facilities,
equipment, or supplies without their approval. When we advertise our services,
we do so truthfully.
Confidentiality
Respecting the confidentiality of our clients, employers, and professional
organizations, we disclose business-sensitive information only with their
consent or when legally required. We acquire releases from clients and employers
before including their business-sensitive information in our portfolios or
before using such material for a different client or employer or for demo
purposes.
Quality
With the goal of producing high quality work, we negotiate realistic, candid
agreements on the schedule, budget, and deliverables with clients and employers
in the initial project planning stage. When working on the project, we fulfill
our negotiated roles in a timely, responsible manner and meet the stated
expectations.
Fairness
We respect cultural variety and other aspects of diversity in our clients,
employers, development teams, and audiences. We serve the business interests of
our clients and employers, as long as such loyalty does not require us to
violate the public good. We avoid conflicts of interest in the fulfillment of
our professional responsibilities and activities. If we are aware of a conflict
of interest, we disclose it to those concerned and obtain their approval before
proceeding.
Professionalism
We seek candid evaluations of our professional performance from clients and
employers. We also provide candid evaluations of communication products and
services. We advance the technical communication profession through our
integrity, standards, and performance.
STC Code for Communicators
As a technical communicator, I am the bridge between those who
create ideas and those who use them. Because I recognize that the quality of my
services directly affects how well ideas are understood, I am committed to
excellence in performance and the highest standards of ethical behavior.
I value the worth of the ideas I am transmitting and the cost
of developing and communicating those ideas. I also value the time and effort
spent by those who read or see or hear my communications.
I therefore recognize my responsibility to communicate
technical information truthfully, clearly, and economically.
My commitment to professional excellence and ethical behavior
means that I will
