Code of Ethics

CODE OF PROFESSIONAL ETHICS AND CONDUCT

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The Government of the Republic of Zambia recognizes the important role played by the Zambia Institute of Human Resource Management (ZIHRM) in developing Human Resource Management (HRM) in the country as a means of enhancing national performance and productivity. The Code of Professional Ethics and Conduct has been developed by the Institute to guide the professional behavior and conduct of persons that are engaged in People Management in the country.

2.0 MANDATE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE INSTITUTE

2.1. Mandate:

The Zambia Institute of Human Resource Management is a professional organisation established under an Act of Parliament Cap. 11 of 1997. The ZIHRM was established to promote and develop the science and practice of Human Resource Management in Zambia. Specifically, ZIHRM is mandated to perform the following key functions: -

(a) Carry out training of persons involved in Human Resource Management;

(b) Raise the standard of Human Resource Management as a means of increasing productivity and efficiency;

(c) Carry out research related to Human Resource Management in order to develop human resource management in Zambia;

(d) Publish a Journal of the Institute, and collect, collate and publish other information of service and interest to the Institute;

(e) Encourage, uphold and improve the standards of training and professional ability of persons engaged in Human Resource Management and Industrial relations;

(f) Maintain close contacts with technical colleges, universities, government departments, professional and commercial institutions, and similar international institutions so as to improve the quality of Human Resource Management;

(g) Take proper action on all matters affecting the duties and responsibilities of its members.

2.2. Objectives

The objectives of the Zambia Institute of Human Resource Management are:-

(i) To promote the profession of Human Resource Management and Development in Zambia and gain international recognition.

(ii) To promote the professional interests of members.

(iii) To enforce the ZIHRM Act and uphold the highest standards of performance and conduct in the practice of Human Resource Management.

(iv) To carry out training and development of persons involved in rendering professional advice on Human Resource policies, practices and procedures.

(v) To become the most sought after and respected professional Institute.

(vi) To develop a network for information exchange and professional interactions.

(vii) To establish a journal of the Institute and collect, collate and publish other information of service and interest to members and the public at large.

(viii) To maintain close contacts with local technical colleges, universities and similar international Institutions so as to improve Human Resources Management training in Zambia.

(ix) To promote a culture of continual learning and development among members.

3. VISION, MISSION, AND CORE VALUES OF ZIHRM

4.1. Vision Statement:

A premier professional institute promoting excellence in HR practice and standards”.

4.2. Mission Statement:

“We continuously develop, regulate and standardize the Human Resource Management profession through international best practice, in order to exceed stakeholder expectations, maximize productivity and contribute to national development” .

4.3. CORE VALUES

The Core Values of ZIHRM are as follows:

(a) Professionalism: which will be underpinned by confidentiality and diligence and which will require ZIHRM membership to be trustworthy and meticulous in the performance of duty;

(b) Fairness: requiring ZIHRM membership to conduct themselves in a just and equitable manner, reflecting the Institute’s commitment to equality and diversity;

(c) Integrity: requiring ZIHRM membership to put the obligations of the Institute above one’s personal interests and conducting oneself in a manner that is beyond reproach;

(d) Innovation: requiring ZIHRM to be creative in their endeavours to promote the science and practice of human resource management,

(e) Transparency: requiring ZIHRM membership to carry out their duties in an open and efficient manner.

4. STANDARD OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

In pursuant to the ZIHRM Act No. 11 of 1997 and the above Core Value Statement, all HR Practitioners shall abide by the following:

(i) Uphold the good name of the Institute and the HRM profession;

(ii) Respect the constitution and the laws of Zambia in their performance;

(iii) Promote and uphold employment practices that guard against any form of discrimination based on gender, age, ethnic group, political affiliation, creed, religion or disability;

(iv) Accept full responsibility of one’s office and that of his or her subordinates and not misuse the authority of one’s office for any personal gain to the detriment of the company or the Institute;

(v) Comply with labour laws of Zambia relating to the Management of the organization with which one is employed and do one’s best to operate within the spirit of such laws;

(vi) Serve the employer effectively, honestly with integrity and undertake to achieve and maintain a high standard of professionalism in one’s work;

(vii) Refrain from using one’s membership to the Zambia Institute of Human Resources Management to promote the products of one’s personal company;

(viii) Demonstrate personal integrity, honesty, diligence and acceptable conduct in business, professional and personal dealings.

(ix) Serve and observe strict impartiality when giving independent advice and observe confidentiality and respect and protect all privileged information.

(x) Promote training and development of Human Resource Practitioners and upgrade one’s Human Resource Management skills and encourage Continuous Professional Development among members and potential members in and outside their organizations;

(xi) Participate whenever possible, in the Institute’s activities, promote and protect the Institute’s interests;

(xii) Adhere to this code of professional ethics and conduct and any other rules and regulations made by the Institute from time to time.

5. ENFORCEMENT OF THE CODE OF PROFESSIONAL ETHICS AND CONDUCT.

The enforcement of this Code shall be the responsibility of the Institute’s Disciplinary Committee and shall be made in accordance with the provisions of Part V of the Zambia Institute of Human Resources Management Act, of 1997.

6. OPERATIONALIZING THE CODE OF PROFESSIONAL ETHICS AND CONDUCT.

All registered members of the Zambia Institute of Human Resource Management shall receive a copy of the Code of Ethics issued by the Registrar of the Institute and this shall be acknowledged by signing a form Click link below to download.

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