The Association of Chief Business Officials (ACBO) for the California Community Colleges believes that it is the responsibility of each member to practice their profession in accordance with the highest ethical standards of behavior.
Ethical behavior is often defined as “right” or “good” as measured against commonly accepted rules of conduct. The ethical person must be conspicuously consistent in the exercise of integrity to sustain the credibility that is expected. If integrity contributes to credibility, adherence to the principles of ethical behavior is a singular prerequisite to successful performance.
ACBO recognizes the importance of the daily practice of integrity, credibility, objectivity, trustworthiness, collegiality, confidentiality, and devotion to excellence. As part of their commitment to the higher education business profession and to the ACBO organization, members will adhere to the following guiding principles:
- The member shall serve their respective district and the organization as a whole rather than any special group or constituency.
- The member shall not use coercion or promises of special treatment in order to influence decisions.
- The member shall not influence or make decisions based on private gain or advantage.
- The member shall not misrepresent his or her own professional qualifications.
- The member shall accord just and equitable treatment in the exercise of their roles and responsibilities.
- The member shall foster a climate of professional courtesy and respect in all activities.
- The member shall develop a climate of trust and mutual support through the governance process, characterized by focusing on objectives rather than personalities; valuing and respecting the opinion of others; encouraging freedom of expression; and valuing the right to dissent.
- The member has an obligation to support the higher education business profession and the ACBO organization.
- The member has a right to critique the organization in public, but has an obligation not to distort or misrepresent the facts and to take adequate precautions to distinguish private views from the official position of the organization.
- The member shall not disclose personal information acquired in the performance of their responsibilities or as a result of professional and business relationships without express approval or unless there is a legal or professional right or duty to disclose.
- The member shall foster a climate which support and encourages diversity and equal opportunity in all ACBO activities and programs.
- Members of ACBO shall be afforded an environment free from sexual harassment. Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, visual, or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment and will not be condoned.
- The code of ethics is not an exhaustive enumeration of acts which constitute professional conduct. This code of ethics is a set of ideals to clarify organizational standards and members are expected to honor and follow normal professional standards of conduct in all areas of ACBO activities.