Professional Ethics Of A Chartered Surveyor
Introduction
Being a member of the Royal institute of chartered surveyors (RICS) holds a great deal of respect all over the world. The professional standards required of its members have proved to be the benchmark for their reputation. As a client, you can expect to receive the best possible advice, support and performance from a chartered surveyor (CS). RICS instils a deep resonance in its members to uphold the society’s ethical standards.
The meaning of ‘professionalism’
One would associate professionalism with dressing smartly for work or being competent in their work. Others may consider achieving the highest certification or degrees to professionalism. From my understanding of professionalism encompasses all of these characteristics, but, it also covers much more.
First and foremost, professionals are known for their specialised knowledge. They have a deep personal commitment to progress their knowledge of their field. Professionals must prove themselves to be trustworthy and honest while never compromising their values. Professionals hold themselves accountable for their thoughts, words and actions, especially when they've made a mistake. Genuine professionals exhibit a business-like demeanour and show themselves to be calm, even when under pressure RICS rules of conduct for members.
The following guidelines have been set out by the RICS for all its members worldwide. The five guild lines are a commitment to maintain the highest standards for which the CS have become synonymous with. All members must be able to demonstrate that they:
Act with Integrity
“Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching” C. S. LewisIntegrity requires a strong set of moral values, it is a personal choice to hold one's self to consistent standards. Standards of honestly, transparency and pride in any action you take as a chartered surveyor. This involves respecting clients and anyone to whom you may have professional dealings with. Examples of this vary from not offering or accepting gifts to respecting confidentiality. It is also expected that a CS will allude to any conflicts of interest he/she or their firm may have with their prospected client.
Always provide a high standard of service
In order to provide the highest standard of service one must be completely transparent with their client. All costs for work carried out must be outlined clearly, including referral fees and commissions. For those fees, client must know what is expected of your work in the clearest possible terms. Should you feel the specification of work be outside your area of expertise. You may either seek expert advice or explain to the client you may not be best suited for the work.
Act in a way that promotes trust in the profession
“Act in a manner, both in your professional life and private life, to promote you, your firm or the organisation you work for in a professional and positive way. ”
From my interpretation, the RICS expects its members to excel in every part of their life not alone their career. Standards are set as a minimum requirement and every chartered surveyor should aim to surpass them.
Treat others with respect
Business is based on respect, without it any given business would struggle. Chartered Surveyors in real estate are no different. Everyone deserves to be treated with curtesy and consideration, regardless of age, Race gender, sexual orientation, religion, country of birth etc.
Take Responsibility
Each member of the RICS must be stand on their own two feet and be accountable for their actions. If a mistake has been made be prepared to amend to the best of their abilities. The RICS is available if a member is unsure if they have made an error in an event or action. Mistakes will happen but it’s our reactions that define them, a CS must learn from their mistakes and take that knowledge forward.
The importance of maintaining ethical standards
Ethical standards are vital to the growth of the RICS. For any Industry to be successful it requires consumer confidence. This is achieved through professionalism, starting with RICS and then being practiced by every single member of the organisation. What this means for real estate businesses is that customers will be more attracted to their products and/or services, meaning more sales and profits. More people will seek to become CS, which will mean more talented individuals in the field. Any practicing Chartered Quantity Surveyor should Professional ethics is fundamental requirement of the role.
