Center for the Study of Ethics in the Professions at IIT

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.