Ethics Consulting and Speaking
Includes Business Ethics Classes and Seminars
Business ethics gained notoriety in early 2001, when corporate scandals hit the media. It soon became a buzz-word for large corporations looking to ward off such expensive and disastrous outcomes. As with larger corporations, small and medium-sized companies have taken the high road and are beginning to develop plans to solidify their business ethics practices with programs designed to communicate this important focus on both the client and employee/employer relationships.
Jeannine Clontz kindly prepared the IVAA EthicsCheck Study Guide and did a wonderful job. This guide outlines the basics of how Ethics are measured, gives examples of typical ethical challenges that a virtual assistant might face, offers sample test questions, answers typical questions that virtual assistants may have, and offers other resources to study the subject further. Since IVAA started using it in September 2006, it has helped many come to the examination with an improved sense of what is expected of them. As a result we had much better feedback from our members and have been able to add a valuable tool to the resources that we offer them. Thank you, Jeannine!
Debbie Tester, President International Virtual Assistants Association |
Ethics consulting, seminars, and professionals with keen insights and information are in high demand. After extensive ethics research, CEO of Accurate Business Services, Jeannine Clontz, began writing articles and developing presentations that help businesses achieve important goals in setting up and implementing ethics plans that work.
Part of this program includes periodic "refresher" seminars to reach employees and management personnel and encourage them, in a fun way, to keep their focus on the ethics programs already in place, and to consider any areas that need improvement or update.
From these consulting/seminar programs, Clontz developed free-standing one-hour presentations and seminars for organizations and businesses that would like to introduce a stronger business ethics knowledge base within their companies, and/or specific departments, e.g., sales, customer service, to help educate and focus on the positive aspects that having a good business ethics program can do to strengthen your business and maintain strong standards that can grow with your business to communicate your ethical standards and policies to current and potential clients.
As ethical standards continue to rise to the top of the corporate mindset, Clontz has found another niche that can benefit from increased ethics awareness and knowledge, the home-based entrepreneur. Still fighting to find ways to compete with the corporate world, home-based entrepreneurs can gain a competitive edge by implementing business ethics programs and manuals to communicate their commitment to reaching and achieving higher standards to bring more confidence and loyalty to their clientele.
Business ethics consulting and speaking are provided to clients on a one-on-one basis. Programs and seminars are designed to achieve the client's specific goals and needs. Contact Jeannine to schedule a free one-hour ethics review of your organization. You'll be glad you did!
Do you consider ethics a historical word that has little meaning in today's corporate merry-go-round? Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines ethics this way:
a : a set of moral principles or values
b : a theory or system of moral values
c : the principles of conduct governing an individual or a group
d : a guiding philosophy
Most, if not all, professions have guiding principles set forth as standards for all practitioners to follow. Virtual Assistance is no exception. The EthicsCheck™ Examination for Virtual Assistants assesses the Virtual Assistant's business ethics competence in key areas, including:
- Billing issues
- Conflicts of interest
- Privacy and confidentiality
- Ability to perform the work
At Accurate Business Services, we are passionate about following the IVAA ethical guiding principles. Below is additional information from the IVAA website about the EthicsCheck process, what it means for the VA community, and for you, the potential client.
Accurate Business Services holds the following certifications:
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| IVAA CVA - Certified Virtual Assistant |
EthicsCheckedTM |
MVA - Master VA |
How are Business Ethics different for Virtual Assistants (VAs)?
The ethics themselves (the principles) are not different, but their application differs markedly. In the "traditional" work environment, an individual is generally working alongside or under the direct supervision of others, who provide a reference or context for ethical conduct. A VA, by contrast, usually works alone and must self-monitor continually, often without easy access to guidance or advice.
Why has the EthicsCheck™ examination and trustmark seal process been developed?
With the "products phase" of e-commerce in the leading economies firmly in place, the Internet is now moving into its "services phase". A rising number of independent contractors internationally are "hanging out their shingles" online, hoping to provide knowledge-based services remotely. However, the mistrust inherent in the anonymous online environment prevents the majority of independents from finding work, and the problem only worsens as e-services industries attempt to bridge widely-disparate cultures.
The EthicsCheck examination and Code of Ethics were designed to mitigate this mistrust and serve to enable e-services internationally. They do so by bringing a single ethical benchmark to the diverse e-marketplace, setting a standard for cross-border business practices, helping ethical VAs set themselves apart from others, and helping prospective contractors to find e-service providers with a confirmed ethical foundation.
Can you "measure" business ethics?
Business ethics have been taught, and measured, for thousands of years. Universities around the world teach (and test their students in) business ethics and the subject has become a significant component of business school curricula in particular.
Once earned, can the EthicsCheck "EthicsChecked Virtual Assistant" seal be revoked?
Yes. Our management is empowered to revoke any seal where the facts warrant.
What does the EthicsChecked seal guarantee?
The EthicsChecked seal certifies that the holder has demonstrated a specific understanding of core business ethics principles as applied in the provision of e-services.
How do I know that a Virtual Assistant is EthicsChecked?
Only EthicsChecked Virtual Assistants are authorized to display our seal 'with approval'. Approval to use our Trustmark seal is only granted after the Virtual Assistant has passed the EthicsCheck Examination. Every valid seal should be accompanied by a unique Verification Number and a link to the EthicsChecked Directory where the user can double-check the authenticity of the Seal.
How can I file a complaint about an EthicsChecked Virtual Assistant?
Complaints about any EthicsChecked Virtual Assistant can be filed via email to President@ivaa.org. All complaints are investigated by the IVAA Special Review Committee.
Ready to talk with Jeannine Clontz about business ethics consulting for your organization? Click here!
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