Effective Date:
Preamble
This Code of Professional Ethics provides clear guidance for the professional conduct of all members and certified professionals of the Global Feng Shui Association (GFSA). Its core purpose is to uphold the professionalism, integrity, and credibility of our field, to protect the interests of clients and the public, and to promote the healthy development of I Ching and Feng Shui culture. All members, upon joining the Association or receiving certification, pledge to adhere to this Code.
Article I: Core Ethical Principles
Members shall adhere to the following core principles in all professional activities:
- Professionalism: Provide services with diligence and responsibility, maintaining a high level of professional competence. Commit to continuous learning, integrating traditional wisdom with modern knowledge to offer optimal solutions for clients.
- Integrity: Maintain honesty, fairness, and transparency in all dealings with clients, colleagues, the public, and the Association. Refrain from any form of fraud, misrepresentation, or false statements.
- Objectivity: Provide advice based on professional knowledge and objective analysis, clearly distinguishing between the traditional principles of Feng Shui and personal interpretations. Avoid allowing personal bias or conflicts of interest to influence professional judgment.
- Confidentiality: Strictly protect clients' personal information and privacy. Do not disclose any confidential information to third parties without the client's explicit consent. This duty continues even after the professional relationship has ended.
- Social Responsibility: Act with a sense of responsibility to promote the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature, and respect and advance the principles of sustainable development. Provide advice that is beneficial to public welfare and avoid any actions that could cause harm to individuals, society, or the environment.
Article II: Responsibility to Clients
- Define Scope of Service: Before providing services, clearly define the scope of work, procedures, expected outcomes, and fee structure with the client, and secure a written agreement where applicable.
- Provide Competent Service: Only offer services that fall within one's area of professional competence. If a client's needs exceed one's expertise, one should be honest about this limitation and may recommend other qualified professionals.
- Disclose Conflicts of Interest: Proactively disclose to the client any potential or actual conflicts of interest that could reasonably be seen to compromise professional judgment.
- Prohibit Improper Gain: Do not use one's professional position to solicit or accept improper benefits from clients.
Article III: Responsibility to the Profession and Colleagues
- Uphold Professional Reputation: Conduct oneself in a manner that enhances the professional image and public standing of the Feng Shui profession.
- Respect for Colleagues: Respect the knowledge and work of other professionals. Refrain from malicious criticism or unfair competition.
- Knowledge Sharing and Mentorship: Encourage knowledge sharing and academic exchange where appropriate. Support the cultivation and guidance of young practitioners to foster the advancement of the profession.
- Respect for Intellectual Property: Respect and protect the intellectual property of the Association and others. Do not engage in plagiarism or the unauthorized use of others' work.
Article IV: Enforcement and Supervision
Section 4.1: Supervisory Body
The Association's Ethics Committee is fully responsible for the interpretation, promotion, and enforcement of this Code. The Ethics Committee will periodically review this Code to ensure it remains relevant and effective.
Section 4.2: Handling of Violations
Any alleged violation of this Code, upon being reported or discovered, will be investigated by the Ethics Committee. If a violation is confirmed, the Committee has the authority to take disciplinary action commensurate with the severity of the offense, including but not limited to issuing a warning, suspending membership, or revoking professional certification.
Article V: Pledge
As a member of the Global Feng Shui Association, I pledge to understand and voluntarily abide by all articles of this Code of Professional Ethics and to uphold it as a fundamental guide for my professional practice.