The Definition Debate

Several organizations have made an attempt to develop the defining description of the difference between codes of ethics and codes of conduct. The debate concerning ethics regimes, codes of conduct and codes of ethics is characterized by tremendous terminological confusion.   

The National Democratic Institute & Ethics versus Conduct

According to the National Democratic Institute (NDI), the major difference between the two is represented by the fact that the content of the codes of conduct is fairly general, while the content of ethics rules is fairly specific.  They posit that codes of conduct aim to outline the overall principles of proper conduct and include detailed and specific ethics rules that provide the details necessary to fulfill the goals set forth.  The NDI argument states that unlike ethics rules that dictate expected behavior in great detail, codes of conduct are basic documents written in easy-to-understand language that sets forth broad goals and objectives that legislators seek to achieve. In sum, the content of a code of conduct is general and its nature is descriptive, while the content of ethics rules is specific and their nature is prescriptive. 

Andrew Brien & Ethics versus Conduct

The counter argument is made by Andrew Brien of the Australian Parliament, who provides quite a different characterization of a code of conduct.   According to Brien codes of ethics and codes of conduct are often used interchangeably. However, an important distinction must be made between a code of ethics, which he says identifies the ethical principles and values at the foundation of an organization, and codes of conduct, which specify certain behavioral rules or standards to which a person’s behavior must comply. Codes of conduct are more specific and leave less to discretion than codes of ethics (Brien 1989).