Siðareglna
Siðareglna, or ethical codes, are normative documents that guide behavior and decision-making within professions, organizations, and communities. They articulate core values such as integrity, accountability, and public welfare, and set out standards for professional conduct. A siðaregla typically describes its scope, the roles it applies to, and preferred practices, and it addresses conflicts of interest, confidentiality, informed consent, competence, and reporting of violations. It may also specify mechanisms for interpretation, revision, and sanctions.
These codes are often voluntary, but may be tied to licensing, employment, or regulatory regimes. They influence
Development and implementation: drafted by professional associations, employer bodies, or regulatory agencies; subject to consultation; revised
Criticism and challenges: potential vagueness, cultural variation, and uneven enforcement; risk of box-ticking compliance rather than
Domains and examples: medical ethics codes addressing autonomy, beneficence, confidentiality; journalism codes emphasizing truth and minimizing