B. Professional values of individual members
AAIR has adopted, as a fundamental premise, the professionalism and integrity of its members as individuals. This professional integrity will be reflected in the nature of their involvement in the activities of the association, and in the practice of their institutional research. The following code of ethics seeks to articulate the values which underpin this professionalism.
In recommending this statement of professional values to its members, AAIR acknowledges the debt owed to its American-based colleague organisation, the Association for Institutional Research (AIR); their AIR Code of Ethics has served as the model and inspiration for our own endeavours.
1. Professional development
Members should accept a primary responsibility for their continuing professional development, and actively seek out activities which contribute to this.
Members are similarly encouraged to support the professional development of their colleagues and associates.
2. Competence
Members should take care to meet accepted standards of competence in the conduct of institutional research. This will involve a concern to ensure:
- accuracy and quality of data
- selection of appropriate techniques and methods
- clarity and usefulness of documentation
- care in distinguishing between assumptions, findings, speculation and judgment
Members should also show concern for the quality of the work undertaken by their associates, and, in particular, accept responsibility for the quality of work done by those whom they supervise.
3. Honesty
Members should ensure that they are honest in their claims of competence in undertaking particular projects or work. In addition, members should be honest in advising clients openly of the feasibility and worth of particular projects and work being requested. Members should also honestly acknowledge the contributions of their associates, including those whom they supervise.
4. Confidentiality
Members should strive to ensure the confidentiality of all data and findings associated with the practice of their institutional research. This will embrace:
- respecting the privacy of all personal data (including staff and student records, questionnaire responses, interview records, etc.)
- taking care to prevent the unauthorised release of both personal data and institutional data
- respecting institutional policies with regard to confidentiality
5. Relationships with both institutional and wider communities
Members should:
- promote collaborative teamwork and the appropriate sharing of information
- demonstrate support for equal opportunity and equity in all aspects of their work and other professional activities
- strive to obtain feedback on the value of their work, with particular regard for meeting the needs of those requesting it
- strive to promote and demonstrate both openness and fairness in all debate and discussion associated with their work and other professional activities
- both promote and demonstrate respect for the concerns of all stakeholders in relation to institutional research
- discourage, prevent and, where possible, correct unethical conduct by colleagues and associates
- strive to prevent misinterpretation and misuse of institutional research findings and reports