Code of ethics for career guidance practitioners : comparisons, reflections & reactions

Abstract

With the increase in educational opportunities and the rapid changes in the world of work, the importance of career guidance has risen. The Malta Career Guidance Association (MCGA) has developed a draft code of ethics for its members. Consequently, the aim of this study is to provide MCGA with information and reactions from career guidance practitioners, in order to assist in the finalisation of the draft code of ethics. This study also compares this draft code of ethics to other codes of ethics; the Institute of Career Guidance UK, the International Association for Educational and Vocational Guidance, the Canadian Standards and Guidelines for Career Development Practitioners, the Career Development Association of Australia Inc., the Malta Association for the Counselling Profession, and the Maltese Association of Social Workers. This study is a qualitative research, with semi-structured one-to-one interviews and a group interview. Both types of interviews consist of open-ended questions. For the semi structured interviews, fifteen career guidance practitioners were chosen from different sectors. Participants for the group interview were part of a national conference "Professionalisation and Career Guidance in Malta & EU" (2012). Even though all participants work as career guidance practitioners, different opinions emerged. However, there are also similarities and identification with literature. Participants explain why they believe that a code of ethics is important for their profession, what should be included, and aspects such as minors, legal recognition and professional status. This study concludes that the MCGA draft code of ethics is a very positive one, covering most aspects mentioned by participants. The following aspects were recommended; persons with special needs, personal relations with clients, use of ICT, supervision, how to report misconduct, and legal recognition and professional status.