IFMA Code of Ethics
All IFMA members are expected to comply with the IFMA Code of Ethics. When in doubt, members have the responsibility to seek clarification from IFMA.
- IFMA members shall treat each other with respect when dealing with matters that could affect their professional reputations. All members shall recognize that the profession will be judged by the conduct of individual members.
- IFMA members shall maintain the highest professional standards and ethical behavior in their Association relationships. This includes, but is not limited to, the use of mail lists, membership information and membership resources, or any calls, contacts or working relationships outside of IFMA.
- IFMA members shall use IFMA membership as a means of professional development for themselves and not personal aggrandizement.
- IFMA members shall be responsible for providing educational and professional development information to the membership.
- IFMA members shall not buy or sell products or services at IFMA functions, except at trade shows or displays established for that purpose.
- IFMA members shall not discriminate because of race, sex, creed, age, disability or national origin as it relates to their Association relationships.
- IFMA members shall abide by the Constitution and Bylaws of the Association and shall support the objectives of its strategic plan and the interests of the Association stakeholders (members’ business entity and leadership, government regulatory agencies and IFMA staff).
- IFMA members are responsible to report the actions of individuals or companies considered contrary to the Code of Ethics to IFMA. These actions may include, but are not limited to, cases of professional malfeasance, discrimination or incompetence.
The IFMA Ethics Committee shall investigate complaints received and may issue sanctions for code violations. This document is a guideline and does not represent the entire breadth of what constitutes good conduct and ethical behavior.
Code of Ethics Issue Resolution Procedure
- Individuals applying for and being accepted for membership in IFMA implicitly agree to abide by the rules and regulations that govern the Association. This includes adherence to the Association’s Code of Ethics as last amended September 1995.
- By extension all chapters, councils and other constituent groups that operate under a charter granted by IFMA, or which otherwise function at the behest of the Association, shall abide by the same rules and regulations and shall enforce them vigorously and fairly in all matters.
- In the event of an ethical conflict between two or more members of the same chapter, council or constituent group, the elected or appointed leadership of that group shall serve as the primary mediator of such issues. It is assumed that most ethical questions will be resolved at this level.
- Should the chapter, council or other constituent group fail to resolve the issue at hand to the satisfaction of all concerned, or if the issue directly involves an officer or officers of that group, it shall be brought before the member of the IFMA Board of Directors having oversight over that group for mediation.
- Should any issue not be resolved to the satisfaction of all stakeholders at the Director level, it shall be brought before the Association’s Ethics Committee which will serve as a "court of last resort." Written statements of the facts and opinions surrounding the issue shall be solicited from all those directly involved. The committee may also seek input from leadership, administrative and legal resources of the Association as it deems necessary and appropriate.
- Ethical issues brought by individual members and/or constituent groups which directly involve the Association and/or a member of its Board of Directors or staff shall be referred directly to the Association’s Ethics Committee.
- The Immediate Past Chairperson of the Association shall chair the Ethics Committee, which also shall include the three previous chairs of the Association and its Vice President of Administration and Membership Services.
- After due consultation with all stakeholders in an issue, and not later than six months after the issue has been formally brought before it, the Ethics Committee shall render a judgment which shall be accepted by all as final.
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