Code of Ethical and Professional Standards in Human Resource Management

Core Principles

Professional Responsibility
As HR professionals, we are responsible for adding value to the organizations we serve and contributing to the ethical success of those organizations. We accept professional responsibility for our individual decisions and actions. We are also advocates for the profession by engaging in activities that enhance its credibility and value.

Professional Development
As professionals we must strive to meet the highest standards of competence and commit to strengthen our competencies on a continuous basis.

Ethical Leadership
HR Professionals are expected to exhibit individual leadership as a role model for maintaining the highest standards of ethical conduct.

Fairness and Justice
As human resource professionals, we are ethically responsible for promoting and fostering fairness and justice for all employees and their organizations.

Conflicts of Interest
As HR Professionals, we must maintain a high level of trust with our stakeholders. We must protect the interests of our stakeholders, as well as our professional integrity, and should not engage in activities that create actual, apparent, or potential conflicts of interest.

Use of Information
HR Professionals consider and protect the rights of individuals, especially in the acquisition and dissemination of information while ensuring truthful communications and facilitating informed decision-making.

For further information, please visit SHRM online at www.shrm.org/ethics.