Associations, like other professional organizations, are made up of individuals with unique sets of values. Association ethics should embody and support the values held by members, staff, and other integral parties; positive alignment of values for the good of an association can be managed when there is commitment by organizational leaders.

When the leader and organizational decision-maker takes on the role of Chief Ethics Officer, and models ethical leadership, it sends a strong message that ethics and integrity are top priorities for the entire organization.

Leading With Ethics

The CEO is always expected to do the right thing in the right way, even when the path is difficult. Part of the role is to mitigate risk, as ethical lapses can lead to significant legal, financial, and reputational damage.

Overseeing the association with an ethical lens allows the organization to proactively identify and address potential ethical issues. Members, partners, and the public are more likely to trust associations that demonstrate a commitment to ethical behavior. Part of this commitment is evidenced by having a foundation for ethical governance, decision-making, and communication of values often referred to as a code of conduct or code of professional ethics.

A Chief Ethics Officer oversees and promotes ethical behavior within an association. Because ethical violations may result in disciplinary measures or corrective actions, the top executive should be involved in providing oversight. Some organizations may have a separate Chief Ethics Officer position to ensure a more robust system of checks and balances. However, regardless of the organizational structure, the CEO should be committed to ethical leadership.

By actively promoting and demonstrating ethical behavior, the CEO can encourage employees, members, and stakeholders to prioritize ethical considerations in their decision-making.

A Framework for Ethical Culture

A code of conduct is a set of principles that define the expected behavior and standards of conduct for association members. It serves as a framework for ethical decision-making and helps maintain integrity, trust, and professionalism. A code of conduct can assist in fostering and maintaining an ethical culture in several ways:

• Establishing Clear Expectations. The code provides a foundation for employees and members to understand and adhere to the organization’s values and principles. This clarity helps align individual and organizational goals.
  
  
• Guiding Decision-Making. When faced with ethical dilemmas, the code serves as a guide for decision-making by providing a reference point to evaluate actions and decisions. Members may look to the code for guidance regarding ethical issues within the industry the association represents.
  
  
• Promoting Accountability. A well-defined code holds individuals accountable for their actions. CEOs can use it to emphasize the importance of personal responsibility and accountability for ethical conduct, creating a culture where everyone understands the consequences of their actions.
  
  
• Encouraging Transparency. A CEO can use the code to promote transparency and honesty in communication, creating an environment where information is shared openly, and issues are addressed in a timely and proactive manner.

Active Chief Ethics Officers

Ethical standards within organizations are often championed by association leaders. According to Larry Smith, principal and executive director of IIB Association Group, adopting core values allows membership and staff to become integral to the success of the organizational culture. Smith added that a code of professional conduct has served him as a guide for steering ethical behavior as well as for addressing lapses by members and external partners.

Ethical considerations can be integrated into an association’s overall strategy. Melanie Gottlieb, executive director of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO), indicated that her members adopted a set of principles of ethical and professional practice that is routinely reviewed and reaffirmed by the board. Smith proceeds to say, "The CEO and other chief staff officers are in position to model ethical behavior for the staff, the leadership, and the members."

 

“These member-driven principles have become central to our education programs,” said Gottlieb. She added that the initial document “evolved into our Core Competencies and Professional Proficiencies, each of which have an ethical component to them.”

 

As the highest-ranking executive, the CEO sets the tone for the organization. By directly overseeing the ethical framework, they can foster a culture of integrity and accountability throughout the association.

 

By integrating the role of Chief Ethics Officer, the CEO can incorporate ethical considerations seamlessly into strategic planning and daily operations, upholding ethical guidelines and making sure they are deeply ingrained in the association’s DNA. The convergence of these roles positions the CEO as an industry leader and a guardian of the association’s moral compass.