WOMMA Ethics Code: Integrity

WOMMA's Ethics Code and Standards of Conduct is a comprehensive compilation of the core principles that govern the association. After reading through the entire document, I cannot necessarily say that one section was more important than the others. However, there was one section that seemed particularly well-written, encompassing several core fundamental values.

Integrity.

What is it? In a general sense, integrity means being honest and possessing steadfast moral standards. WOMMA takes this simple definition further by incorporating several primary aspects into its core value statement:

• Compliance with relevant laws and regulations, regarding unfair or misleading advertising/marketing practices (i.e. possessing moral standards: following the law is the right or acceptable thing to do)
• Honesty and transparency
• Avoidance of consumer deception
• Assisting consumers in making well-informed buying decisions

I believe integrity is an absolutely necessary ingredient for success; whether it be individual, group, organizational, etc. I like that WOMMA's definition of integrity includes the obvious honesty and transparency and compliance with laws, but also includes things like avoiding consumer deception and helping buyers make rational, educated decisions. It is very apparent that WOMMA is aware of the repercussions that can occur as a result of lack of integrity and it has carefully outlined the importance of this core value.