As described by Longstaff in the study guide, a Code of Ethics expresses fundamental principle that provides guidance in cases where no specific rule is in place or where matters are genuinely unclear. They govern the activities of each profession such as codes of behaviors and practice beyond the personal moral obligations of an individual. Furthermore, the ‘Ethics and Your Employability’ located also in the study guide describe a code of ethics as an expression of the fundamental principles and values that can be written or unwritten which govern the actions and decisions that occur within an organisation. The ethics provide assistance in judgment when there are no specific rules set such as ‘act with integrity in all business dealings’. The document also describes the differences between a code of eths and code of conduct by explaining that a code of conduct is much more specific such as ‘never accept bribes while conducting business.
During my time as a personal trainer within the fitness industry, I have witnessed many occurrences where I would describe a trainer breaching a code of ethics. Whether it be through inappropriate spotting techniques where the body or hands are placed in certain precarious locations or by simple body language and gestures, many trainers seem to be oblivious to their actions. What they don’t seem to realise is that the health and fitness industry receives a bad rapport due to their actions. Many personal trainers also find it appropriate to engage in sexual encounters with their clients or openly discuss private information about clients with trainers, other clients and even gym members. This itself is not an appropriate form of abiding to a code of ethics and should not be apart of any decent workplace environment
