Module 04: Professional Ethics

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During the last decade, extension and rural advisory services have been increasingly recognised as professions. This module will briefly discuss the concept of ethics and the importance of professional ethics and codes of behaviour in the workplace. This module will look at the meaning of a profession and professionalism and what it means to be a professional. You will learn what qualities and characteristics define a profession and a professional and the importance of professional development. The final part of this module will look at what competencies you will need as a professional extensionist to perform your duties effectively.

Overview

Module outcomes

After completing this module, you will be able to:

  1. Discuss the term ethics and apply a code of ethics and a code of conduct;
  2. Explain what a profession is and what is expected from a professional extensionist;
  3. Describe what professionalism means in the workplace; and
  4. Discuss the fundamental skills needed by professional extensionists.

What to expect

Study units
Name Total videos Total assessments
Study unit 1: Ethics 6 3
Study unit 2: Professions and Professionals 3 3
Study unit 3: Professionalism in the workplace 3 3
Study unit 4: Competencies required by professional extensionists 0 3

Click on the button below to start Module 4:

Introduction

Study unit 1: Ethics

Study unit outcomes

After completing this study unit, you should be able to:

  • Explain what is meant by the term ethics;
  • Discuss the importance of ethics; and
  • Discuss the importance of a code of ethics and a code of conduct.

Study unit overview

Ethics is broadly defined as the moral rules or principles of behaviour that help us to decide what is right or wrong. This unit will give you a brief introduction to the field of ethics by discussing the basic concepts of ethics. In this unit you will also learn the importance of ethics in the workplace. All organisations are governed by codes of behaviour. In this unit you will learn to distinguish between a code of ethics and a code of conduct and discuss the importance of both.

This study unit is divided into the following sections:

  • Introduction
  • Session 1.1: What are ethics?
  • Session 1.2: Codes of ethics and conduct
  • Conclusion

Click on the button below to start the lesson for Study Unit 1:

Study Unit 1

Study unit 2: Professions and Professionals

Study unit outcomes

After completing this study unit, you should be able to:

  • Describe what a profession is;
  • Discuss the characteristics of a profession; and
  • Explain what a professional is and discuss the qualities of a professional.

Study unit overview

Simply put, a professional is a person who is qualified to follow a certain profession. This unit will discuss what features define a profession and why it is different from a job or trade. In this unit you will also learn what it means to be a professional. Finally, this unit will help you improve as a professional extensionist by looking at the qualities and characteristics shared by successful professionals.

This study unit is divided into the following sections:

  • Introduction
  • Session 2.1: What is a profession?
  • Session 2.2: What is a professional?
  • Conclusion

Click on the button below to start the lesson for Study Unit 2:

Study Unit 2

Study unit 3: Professionalism in the workplace

Study unit outcomes

After completing this study unit, you should be able to:

  • Define professionalism;
  • Discuss the importance of professionalism in the workplace;
  • Explain professional development; and
  • Discuss the benefits of professional development.

Study unit overview

Professionalism is defined by some as the conduct and qualities that distinguish a professional person. This module will look at the common features of professionalism. You will also learn how professionalism is judged and why professionalism is so important in the workplace. An important part of professionalism is professional development and continuous education. This module will discuss the features and benefits of professional development and look at some examples of professional development activities.

This study unit is divided into the following sections:

  • Introduction
  • Session 3.1: What is a professionalism?
  • Session 3.2: Professionalism and professional development
  • Conclusion

Click on the button below to start the lesson for Study Unit 3:

Study Unit 3

Study unit 4: Competencies required by professional extensionists

Study unit outcomes

After completing this study unit, you should be able to:

  • Discuss the core competencies required by professional extensionists; and
  • Discuss the bylaws that are important for professionalism.

Study unit overview

Professional extension agents need certain characteristics and skills to provide effective extension services. In this unit, you will learn what fundamental skills are required by extensionists to provide professional extension services. This unit will also discuss the concept of continuous professional development and why it is an important part of providing professional extension services.

This study unit is divided into the following sections:

  • Introduction
  • Session 4.1: Core competencies required by extensionists
  • Session 4.2: Important bylaws for professionalism
  • Conclusion

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Study Unit 4