The American STEM Institute (ASI) requires that its members adhere to the principles of the ASI’s Code of Ethics. Membership in ASI depends on individual initiative. Therefore, members follow a Code of Ethics above and beyond the requirements of relevant laws and regulations. The principles of the Code of Ethics express the members’ recognition of their responsibilities to society first and foremost, as well as to peers, colleagues, employers, regulators, clients, and to self. The following principles adopted by ASI are not laws, but standards of conduct which define the essentials of honorable behavior by members. These principles guide members in the performance of their professional responsibilities and express the basic tenets of ethical and professional conduct.
The American STEM Institute (ASI) requires that its members adhere to the principles of the ASI’s Code of Ethics. Membership in ASI depends on individual initiative. Therefore, members follow a Code of Ethics above and beyond the requirements of relevant laws and regulations. The principles of the Code of Ethics express the members’ recognition of their responsibilities to society first and foremost, as well as to peers, colleagues, employers, regulators, clients, and to self. The following principles adopted by ASI are not laws, but standards of conduct which define the essentials of honorable behavior by members. These principles guide members in the performance of their professional responsibilities and express the basic tenets of ethical and professional conduct.
Below are the four principles with key details.
Public interest principle. The public interest is defined as the collective well-being of the community of people and institutions that ASI members serve. Members should accept the obligation to act in a way that will serve the public interest, honor the public trust, and demonstrate a commitment to professionalism. In addition, ASI members agree to conduct their activities in a manner that holds public safety as their first priority. The public for ASI members consists of external parties whom members interact with, including partners, clients,
governments, peers, colleagues, and others who rely on their objectivity and integrity to properly benefit from their professional work. These external parties reliance on ASI members’ professional work imposes a strong public interest responsibility. In addition, increased access to STEM provides excellent benefits to society. Therefore, ASI members shall further the public interest by partaking in activities that increase access to STEM.
Integrity principle. Integrity is an element of character fundamental to professionalism. Integrity requires a member to be honest and candid within the constraints of confidentiality. The principle of integrity imposes an obligation on all ASI members to be straightforward and honest in their professional relationships. To maintain and broaden public confidence in ASI, members should perform all professional responsibilities with the highest sense of integrity. Service and the public trust should not be subordinated to personal gain and advantage.
Confidentiality principle. The principle of confidentiality imposes an obligation on all ASI members to respect the confidentiality of information acquired as a result of professional relationships. Therefore, members must not disclose any such information to third parties without proper and specific authority, unless there is a legal or professional right or duty to disclose, nor use the information for the personal advantage of the ASI member and/or third parties. An ASI member shall respect the rights of stakeholders they interact with and shall safeguard private information within the constraints of the law and regulations.
Professional competence principle. The principle of professional competence imposes the following obligations on all ASI members. ASI members must maintain professional knowledge and skill at the level required of a competent professional. They must ensure that their professional work is in accordance with applicable technical and professional standards. To maintain and further professional competence and due care, an ASI member shall continue to study, apply, and advance scientific, technological, engineering, and/or mathematics knowledge, maintain a commitment to STEM education, make relevant information available to clients, peers, colleagues, employers, regulators, and the public, and use the talents of other ASI members when needed.
Members agree to abide by the principles above of public interest, integrity, confidentiality, and professional competence in their professional work. Members understand that by abiding by the Code of Ethics, they further the reputation of the collective membership of the American STEM Institute. ASI’s reputation of strong ethical principles serves to benefit members in establishing new professional relationships.