Ethical Practice

In the context of the SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) certification, Ethical Practice is a foundational Behavioral Competency defined in the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge (SHRM BASK). It encompasses the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to integrate core values, integrity, and accountability into all organizational practices and business decisions. At the SHRM-SCP level, Ethical Practice requires more than adhering to laws; it demands that the HR professional acts as the specific guardian of the organization's culture and moral compass. This competency covers three sub-competencies: Personal Integrity, Professional Integrity, and Ethical Agent. An SHRM-SCP holder is expected to model ethical behavior by maintaining consistency between words and actions, admitting mistakes, and handling confidential information with the utmost discretion. Strategically, this competency involves establishing and enforcing broad codes of conduct and ethics policies. Senior HR leaders must recognize and mitigate personal and systemic biases to ensure fairness in hiring, promotion, and compensation. They are responsible for navigating complex conflicts of interest and must possess the courage to challenge other senior executives when proposed strategies violate ethical standards or the organization's values. Furthermore, Ethical Practice dictates that the SHRM-SCP champions Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). This involves driving initiatives that balance organizational financial goals with social and environmental obligations. By ensuring transparency and accountability in decision-making, the SHRM-SCP minimizes organizational risk, strengthens the employer brand, and builds the internal trust necessary for long-term workforce retention and business sustainability. In the context of the SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) certification, Ethical Practice is a foundational Behavioral Competency defined in the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge (SHRM BASK). It encompasses the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to integrate core values, in…