Ethical and Professional Conduct

Whether you are a graduate student, an employee, or self-employed, ethical and professional norms govern your decision making. [1] At an organizational level, ethical behaviour improves the working environment and reassures all stakeholders of proper management of all operations. [2] 

Ethics and moral principles go beyond the professional setting to influence the three pillars of sustainability: society, economy, and environment.[3] Conforming to ethical practices is key in shaping our social behaviours, economic decisions, and environmental awareness, thus affecting the sustainable development of Canadian and global communities. [4][5] 

Associations and organizations often include penalties and/or sanctions in the case of violation. [6] Read the code of conduct at your organization and discuss with your new colleagues or supervisor when unsure about how to proceed in a given situation. At McGill, you can consult the Code of Student Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures.  
 

Quick Guide

  1. Know and comply with codes, rules, policies, and legal guidelines relevant to you/your position (e.g. intellectual property rules: copyrights and patents) [7] 
  2. Recognize and respect the role and contributions of others (e.g. authorship, data ownership) [8] 
  3. Implement sustainability practices: ensure environmental integrity, social equity, and economic efficiency through innovative approaches [9] 
  4. Sets expectations of and ensure adherence to ethical codes [10] 
  5. Be proactive and socially responsible and advise colleagues and take initiatives in shaping new or existing policies [11] 
  6. Exercise self-criticism, make situational ethical judgements, and challenge unethical behaviours of others [12] 

 

Resources to help you grow this skill:

Webinars and Workshops

McGill CREATE – Professional Skills Webinars:
  • A series of research ethics webinars and recommended readings concerning ethical aspect of the research process.
My Academic Integrity
  • Online academic integrity course with eight learning modules

Websites

Ethics and Compliance Initiative: Knowledge Center
  • Includes blogs by experts, glossary terms, list of events and others.
Santa Clara University - Ethical Decision Making Resources:
  • This website offers articles, approaches to ethical decision making, and good practical guidelines.
McGill Research and Innovation:
  • Ethics and Compliance: Guidelines for researchers working with animals and human participants.
Integrity and Ethical Practice:
  • GPS Guided Research Practice.
McGill Research Integrity:
  • Guidelines on the conduct of research activities at McGill University.
McGill Office of Sustainability:
  • Sustainability strategy, goals and activities at McGill.
McGill Keeping it Honest:
  • Provides resources to help students avoid dishonest work.

Groups & Associations 

Books, Articles & Reports

 

References

[1] Making “sense” of ethical design making. Zeni, T.A. (2016) 

[2] Behavioural Ethics in Organizations: A Review. Trevino, L.K. et al. (2006).  

[3] Sustainability: Ethical Foundations. Thompson, P.B. (2012).  

[4] Federal Sustainable Development Strategy for Canada. Environment and Climate Change Canada (2017).  

[5] Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. UN General Assembly (2015).  

[6] Un(Ethical) Behavior in Organizations. Trevino, L.K. et al. (2014). 

[7], [8] Targeted Competencies in Graduate Programs. ADESAQ. (2015).  

[9] About Sustainable Development. Quebec Government. (2018).  

[10], [11] [12] Vitae Researcher Development Framework. Vitae. (2011).  

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