Ethical issues and conduct in the professional work place are receiving increased interest. This is true in the geosciences, including the principle areas where geologists work - government, industry and academia, but in other professions as well. Though most of us are ethical in our everyday professional practice, an increased awareness of ethical deportment is beneficial to all professional geologists and to the well being of our profession.

The AAPG has a Code of Ethics, as do other geological associations and a number of other professional organizations. The language and spirit of this Code of Ethics relates to our routine professional workday activities encompassing a number of categories of ethical behavior. Criminal conduct is an easily recognizable ethical issue, and is addressed in the courts as well as through AAPG's Constitution and By-Laws. But, other forms of ethical misconduct and behavior such as dishonesty, bad faith, and even just plain bad manners, are seldom prosecutable and must be dealt with from within the profession. Slander can result in civil litigation, but can also be resolved in the context of professionalism.

In many business relationships we establish means of protection from potential ethical misconduct. These can be in the form of areas of mutual interest and performance, confidentiality and consulting agreements. However, not all relationships are put to writing. Society's expectations from the interaction among human beings is broader than what is covered, or protected, under legal action. Nor are these expectations limited to business dealings. Instead, they extend to all forms of human behavior, including professionalism.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90937©1998 AAPG Annual Convention and Exhibition, Salt Lake City, Utah