IMR533: Professional Ethics Chapter 2

Study Notes

A profession is an occupation that requires specialized training and education, such as law, medicine, or teaching.
The word "profession" originally meant a vow made by a religious person to follow a certain way of life.
The word "professional" emerged in the 17th century to describe someone who belonged to or practiced a profession, or someone who exhibited a high standard of conduct or skill in their work.
Requirements of a professional include:
- Observing codes of conduct, such as professional, personal, institutional, and community codes.
- Enjoying more autonomy over the client.

Information professions encompass a range of occupations and roles that involve the management, organization, dissemination, and preservation of information in various formats and contexts.
Roles within information professions include:
- Librarians
- Archivists
- Information scientists
- Museum curators
- Records managers
- Knowledge managers
- Information technology specialists
Information professionals are responsible for tasks such as:
- Cataloging and classifying information
- Providing reference and research services
- Managing digital and physical collections
- Preserving cultural heritage
- Designing information systems
- Promoting information literacy and access

Professional and ethical responsibilities are a set of obligations and duties that individuals and organizations have in the context of their specific professions or roles.
Benefits of ethics in a profession include:
- Integrity
- Confidentiality
- Competence
- Accountability
- Non-discrimination
- Fidelity
- Legal Compliance
- Avoiding Conflicts of Interest
- Informed Consent
- Social Responsibility
- Reporting Ethical Violations
- Professional Development
- Service Excellence
- Ethical Leadership
- Corporate Social Responsibility
- Fiduciary Responsibility
Professional and ethical responsibilities vary depending on the specific profession, industry, and local regulations.

Divisions of law in Malaysia:
- Civil Law
- Criminal Law
- Shariah Law
Civil Law:
- Governs matters such as contracts, torts, property, and family law
- Deals with private disputes between individuals or entities
- Remedies sought typically involve monetary compensation, specific performance, or injunctions
Criminal Law:
- Enforced by state authorities to maintain public order and safety
- Deals with acts that are considered harmful or threatening to the public welfare
- Penalties including fines, imprisonment, probation, community service, or the death penalty for severe crimes
Shariah Law:
- Specific to Muslims in Malaysia and applies primarily to matters concerning personal status, family law, and religious observance
- Governs matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and religious observance for Muslims
- Penalties under Shariah law can include fines, imprisonment, and corporal punishment for offenses
Civil and criminal implications of information law violations:
- Civil implications:
  - Monetary compensation
  - Specific performance
  - Injunctions
- Criminal implications:
  - Fines
  - Imprisonment
  - Probation
  - Community service
  - Death penalty for severe crimes