The Issue of International Values and Beliefs: The Debate for a Global HRD Code of Ethics

Abstract

The problem and the solution. Professional codes of ethics are the foundation for responsible human resource development (HRD) research and practice and can help to define the field of HRD. Such codes institutionalize values, beliefs, and norms of a profession. As commerce and HRD in turn become more global, normative values and beliefs supported by a monocultural professional code of ethics may become problematic and may fail to represent the values, beliefs, and norms of international HRD. This article discusses ethical dilemmas resulting from globalization, offers a rationale for global ethics, debates the pros and cons of establishing an international HRD code of ethics, and suggests a scenario for the future of ethics and integrity in HRD.