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 hiring, governance, and the handling of complaints, and breaches can lead to disciplinary action, loss of credentials, civil liability, or reputational damage. They are not usually enforceable as criminal law, but can intersect with statutory duties and professional oversight.

Development and implementation: drafted by professional associations, employer bodies, or regulatory agencies; subject to consultation; revised to reflect new technologies, social expectations, and cultural contexts. Effective siðareglna rely on leadership, training, accessible reporting channels, and consistent enforcement.

Criticism and challenges: potential vagueness, cultural variation, and uneven enforcement; risk of box-ticking compliance rather than meaningful change; ensuring inclusivity and practicality across diverse workplaces. For them to be effective, they should be integrated with education, risk management, and governance structures.

Domains and examples: medical ethics codes addressing autonomy, beneficence, confidentiality; journalism codes emphasizing truth and minimizing harm; engineering ethics focusing on safety and sustainability; corporate codes covering anti-corruption, data protection, and stakeholder responsibility.