THE IMPORTANCE OF ETHICS IN FUNERAL SERVICE Presented by: Ken Whittaker Whittaker Funeral Support Services

ETHOS Stands for “CHARACTER”

ETHICS That branch of philosophy dealing with values relating to human conduct, with respect to the rightness and wrongness of certain actions and to the goodness and badness of the motives and ends of such action

LAW vs. ETHICS LAW (External) ETHICS (Internal) Concerned with acts and conduct Concerned with the interest of society ETHICS (Internal) Concerned with motives Concerned with the interest of the individual and society

FACTORS TO CONSIDER IN ETHICAL BUSINESS DECISION MAKING Laws Government Regulations Employee Needs Consumer Needs Social Pressure Firm’s Financial Status

ETHICS IN FUNERAL DIRECTING

Ethical Obligations: Family Allied Professions Medical Clergy Confidentiality Knowledgeable and factual representation Professional Service to Everyone Allied Professions Medical Cemetery & Cremation Clergy Legal & Judicial Florists Military News Media

ETHICS IN THE PREPARATION ROOM

Areas of Importance Security and Privacy 2. Respect for the Deceased 3. Work Properly Authorized 4. Maintaining Complete Confidentiality All Work Done Must be Thorough and Complete Complete Documentation Necessary

SELECTED TERMINOLOGY

Ethical decisions can involve: Honesty Fairness Integrity Genuineness Decency Esteem Credibility Kindness Compassion Loyalty Dependability Forthrightness Impartiality Accountability

CODE OF ETHICS A declaration or statement of the professional standards of right and wrong conduct

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” GOLDEN RULE A rule of ethical conduct found in some form in most major religions usually phrased, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

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Beliefs that are held in high esteem VALUES Beliefs that are held in high esteem

Synonymous with ethical. MORAL Synonymous with ethical. Refers to the customs, values and standards of practice of a group, age or theory intended to be timeless.

Having a sense of honor, upright and fair dealing HONESTY Having a sense of honor, upright and fair dealing

Fidelity to moral principles. INTEGRITY Fidelity to moral principles.

Let’s Take A Short Break!

STEPS FOR ETHICAL PROBLEM SOLVING Identify the problem Define the ethical issues of the problem Break down the problem into smaller identifiable elements Identify what options are available in solving the problem Consider the consequences of each option

STEPS FOR ETHICAL PROBLEM SOLVING (Continued) Do you need help with your efforts Select the best solution Implement your solution Follow the situation until you see actual results of your decision

MAKING A CODE OF ETHICS WORK Adherence to the code must be expected of everyone in the company, and a violation of the code must be dealt with fairly for everyone. The code must be reviewed periodically and revised as needed, and there must be a method to measure effectiveness of the code. The wording in the code must be succinct and easily under- stood and an educational training process must be implemented to teach the code.

MAKING A CODE OF ETHICS WORK The involvement and commitment must start with top management. This commitment must be recognized in all management discussions and actions. There must be employee recognition of the company’s commitment to ethical behavior. Employees should have input in the developing, monitoring, and revision of the code. The introduction of the importance of the code of ethics should start with recruiting and hiring.

CONTENT OF A CODE OF ETHICS Confidentiality Conduct with: families, suppliers, allied professionals, stockholders/partners, etc. Commitment to excellence in service and products Commitment to employees Responsibilities to community Commitment to the profession Respect for the deceased

WHEN A QUICK ETHICAL DECISION MUST BE MADE

QUICK TEST 1 Actions are ethical as long as they serve the public interest. They cease to be ethical when they serve only the interests of those who serve, rather than the people being served. Using this standard, is your decision ethical?

QUICK TEST 2 3 QUESTION “ETHICS CHECK” Is it legal? Will I be violating either civil law or company policy? Is it balanced? Is it fair to all concerned in the short term as well as the long term? Does it promote win-win relationships? How will it make me feel about myself? Will it make me proud? Would I feel good if my decision were published in the news paper? Would I feel good if my family knew about it?

QUICK TEST 3 KLICKER’S “HOW WOULD IT” MODEL How would it look on the 50 yard line of a football stadium filled with 80,000 people? How would it make my parents and children feel, proud or ashamed? How would I feel if it happened to me or someone I loved? How would I feel if I had to talk about it on TV of radio? How would it be helpful to others?

Are There Any Questions?

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