Institute
of Management Consultants USA
Code of
Ethics
As the professional association and certifying body for management
consultants in the United States, IMC USA requires adherence to this Code of
Ethics as a condition of membership and certification. The standards of conduct
set forth in this Code provide basic principles in the ethical practice of
management consulting. The purpose of this Code is to help IMC USA members
maintain their professionalism and adhere to high ethical standards in the
conduct of providing services to clients and in their dealings with their
colleagues and the public. The individual judgment of members is required to
apply these principles. Members are liable to disciplinary action under the IMC
USA Rules of Procedure for Enforcement of this Code if their conduct is found by
the IMC USA Ethics Committee to be in violation of the Code or to bring
discredit to the profession or to IMC USA.
My Commitment to My Clients
1.0 I will serve my clients with integrity, competence, independence,
objectivity, and professionalism.
2.0 I will mutually establish with my clients realistic expectations of the
benefits and results of my services.
3.0 I will only accept assignments for which I possess the requisite
experience and competence to perform and will only assign staff or engage
colleagues with the knowledge and expertise needed to serve my clients
effectively.
4.0 Before accepting any engagement, I will ensure that I have worked with
my clients to establish a mutual understanding of the objectives, scope, work
plan, and fee arrangements.
5.0 I will treat appropriately all confidential client information that is
not public knowledge, take reasonable steps to prevent it from access by
unauthorized people, and will not take advantage of proprietary or privileged
information, either for use by myself, the client's firm, or another client,
without the client's permission.
6.0 I will avoid conflicts of interest or the appearance of such and will
immediately disclose to the client circumstances or interests that I believe
may influence my judgment or objectivity.
7.0 I will offer to withdraw from a consulting assignment when I believe my
objectivity or integrity may be impaired.
8.0 I will refrain from inviting an employee of an active or inactive
client to consider alternative employment without prior discussion with the
client.
My Commitment to Fiscal Integrity
9.0 I will agree in advance with a client on the basis for fees and
expenses and will charge fees that are reasonable and commensurate with the
services delivered and the responsibility accepted.
10.0 I will not accept commissions, remuneration, or other benefits from a
third party in connection with the recommendations to a client without that
client's prior knowledge and consent, and I will disclose in advance any
financial interests in goods or services that form part of such
recommendations.
My Commitment to the Public and the Profession
11.0 If within the scope of my engagement, I will report to appropriate
authorities within or external to the client organization any occurrences of
malfeasance, dangerous behavior, or illegal activities.
12.0 I will respect the rights of consulting colleagues and consulting
firms and will not use their proprietary information or methodologies without
permission.
13.0 I will represent the profession with integrity and professionalism in
my relations with my clients, colleagues, and the general public.
14.0 I will not advertise my services in a deceptive manner nor
misrepresent or denigrate individual consulting practitioners, consulting
firms, or the consulting profession.
15.0 If I perceive a violation of the Code, I will report it to the
Institute of Management Consultants USA and will promote adherence to the Code
by other member consultants working on my behalf.
