Consultants serve as guides to the information world for their clients. They should uphold the following ethical standards and bear the following responsibilities:
- Conduct their work in an ethical manner so that they merit the confidence of colleagues, clients, and the public.
- Seek to extend public knowledge and appreciation of the consulting profession and its achievements.
- Avoid misrepresenting their skills or experience.
- Abide by all applicable international, federal, state, and local laws with regard to the operation of their businesses.
- Avoid engaging in contracts that are in violation of the law or that might reasonably be used by a client to violate the law.
- Safeguard any confidential information or documents entrusted to them and not divulge any confidential information without the consent of the client.
- Honor intellectual property rights and explain to clients what their obligations may be.
- Only use, install, or support fully licensed software.
- Complete all services for a client in a professional and timely manner.
- Comply with clients' established business practices, including those policies relating to gifts and gratuities to client employees.
- Strive to avoid improprieties, as well as the appearance of improprieties.
- Always show respect for clients, consultants, and competitors.
- Protect the safety, health, and welfare of the public and speak out against abuses in these areas affecting the public interest.
- Offer equal opportunity for all, regardless of race, religion, color, sex, creed, age, marital status, sexual orientation, or national origin.
- Encourage colleagues and co-workers to act in accordance with this code and support them when they do.
- In all circumstances, use good judgment.
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