Introduction
Ethical behaviors form part of the many philosophical theories touching on morality and conduct. Many definitions have been put forward to explain ethics and such diversity underscores the broad nature of the term. However, ethics can be defined as “a set of concepts and principles that guide us in determining what behavior helps or harms sentient creatures” (Fagothey, 2000, p.46).
In interior design, ethical behaviors play a key role in defining how designers associate with their clients coupled with how they conduct themselves within the profession. Therefore, this assignment topic is an important area of study as it affects all spheres of an interior designer. This paper lists and describes ten ethical behaviors coupled with exploring the importance of ethics and ethical issues in interior design.
Ethical Behaviors
In life, human beings have to relate with each other and this aspect highlights the need to observe and exercise ethical behaviors in all areas of one’s life. In business, individuals have to observe ethical behaviors in a bid to achieve the set objectives. Honesty tops the list of ethical behaviors as it forms the core of human relations. One has to be honest in deed and word as it breeds trust, which is essential in any form of human relationship.
Integrity comes second and it underscores the holistic nature of an individual’s character. In the third place is loyalty and individuals should be dedicated towards their workplace. In the fourth place is keeping the law as laws govern business operations and breaking them might herald the closure of an organization. Accountability comes in fifth position and individuals should be answerable for their actions in the workplace.
An answerable person will learn from mistakes, as s/he takes responsibility of his/her actions, which then opens doors for learning. In the sixth place is fairness. The principle of fairness calls individuals to be considerate in their actions and decision-making in a bid to avoid harming others or oneself. Fairness also controls selfishness. In the seventh place is respect for others.
This cardinal rule calls for individuals to treat others just as they would want to be treated and with this mutuality in respect, everyone feels appreciated and valued, which fosters relationships and productivity in the workplace.
Commitment to excellence underscores the eighth ethical principle and individuals should be committed to giving their best in all what they do as excellence separates individuals from the crowd. Caring lies in the ninth place as individuals should be concerned with the well-being of other people for better associations. Lastly is the principle of keeping promises. A person who keeps his/her word becomes trustworthy, which is a key factor in the workplace.
Importance of Ethics in my Major
Interior design, like any other business, calls for ethical behaviors in the workplace. Conventionally, interior designers deal with individual clients or corporations, and this aspect calls people to be ethical in all aspects. Clients love to work with trustworthy people who can deliver on their promises. Therefore, if one does not keep ethics, most probably s/he will cause a company to lose its clients.
The morale of workmates also depends on ethics in the workplace. For instance, if team members are loyal, fair, honest, caring, and they respect each other, then the work environment becomes conducive for everyone to deliver optimally on his or her duties. Therefore, ethics in interior design plays a crucial role as it affects the clients and work mates, thus the well-being of a business.
Ethical Issues in my Major
In interior design, one might face the issue of disclosing information to the clients. On this aspect, an interior designer should give all the appropriate information so that the client may be prepared for the project to be executed. In addition, an interior designer may be faced with the issue of choosing environment-friendly options in executing a project (Anderson, Honey, Dudek, 2007). One should always keep the best interests of the client and go for the best options in terms of cost, safety, and health among others.
Moreover, an interior designer faces the issue of quality, but s/he should never compromise on it. Fourthly is the issue of keeping clients’ privacy. One should never disclose clients’ confidential information under any circumstances. Lastly, is the issue of honesty and an interior designer should always be honest as this principle forms the core of customer relations in any business.
Conclusion
Ethics underscores how people relate with on another with fairness and care. Ethical behaviors are broad, but this paper focused on accountability, commitment to excellence, respect for others, fairness, honesty, loyalty, integrity, caring about others, keeping promises, and keeping laws. In interior design, observing ethics is the mainstay of success.
Clients treasure ethical relations, and thus by becoming unethical amounts to dismissing customers. The major ethical issues in interior design include disclosing all appropriate information, choosing environment-friendly options, and keeping the clients’ privacy among others. In a recap, ethics plays a key role in interior designing as explored in this paper.
References
Anderson, B., Honey, P., & Dudek, M. (2007). Interior Design’s Social Compact: Key to the Quest for Professional Status. Journal of Interior Design, 33(2), 1-13.
Fagothey, A. (2000). Right and Reason. Rockford, IL: Tan Books & Publishers.