Our Ethical Rules

ILEDAK Communication Research Association administrators and members of the ILEDAK Communication Education Evaluation Accreditation Board, as well as ILEDAK personnel (members of ILEDAK boards, employees, or program evaluators), are expected to conduct themselves ethically. These individuals must operate with high levels of professionalism, honesty, and integrity. ILEDAK endeavors require impartiality, fairness, and equity. Those involved in ILAD/ILEDAK activities must perform their duties with the utmost ethical behavior.

The purpose of this document is to provide details on the ethical standards related to ILEDAK activities.

The board members of ILAD and ILEDAK, along with ILEDAK personnel and program evaluators, sign the Confidentiality and Ethics Statement at the end of this document in accordance with Articles 9 and 10 of the ILEDAK Working Regulation.

ILEDAK Ethical Rules:

1. ILEDAK personnel conduct program evaluations according to ILEDAK evaluation criteria and in the interest of public safety and welfare, accepting the responsibility to disclose any factors that may directly or indirectly conflict with these duties.

a) They avoid conflicts of interest when representing ILEDAK in any activity or situation.

b) They disclose any conflicts of interest that may affect the quality of the services provided or the decisions they make.

c) They refrain from providing consultancy on program evaluations to any institution or unit. Program evaluators providing consultancy on program evaluations to an institution or unit inform ILEDAK of this situation and refrain from participating in any stage of the evaluation process for the programs of the relevant institution.

d) They do not undertake any tasks or engage in any discussions that may create conflicts of interest between themselves and ILEDAK or between themselves and the organizations whose programs are being evaluated.

e) If ILEDAK personnel have knowledge that an accredited program does not meet ILEDAK criteria or if they have reasons to believe so, they report this information to ILEDAK in writing and collaborate with ILEDAK for further information if necessary.

f) They do not request or accept any gifts from organizations and employees whose programs are being evaluated.

g) They do not request or accept any payment, directly or indirectly, to influence the outcome of program evaluations from organizations and employees whose programs are being evaluated.

1. Individuals involved in ILEDAK activities accept assignments only in areas where they are trained and/or experienced.

2. ILEDAK personnel accept the confidentiality of all documents and information related to program evaluation decisions, except in situations that endanger the public or require disclosure for legal reasons.

a) They keep all documents and information confidential during their duties and do not use them for personal gain under any circumstances.

b) They do not disclose confidential documents, information, or findings except for legal reasons.

c) If they are required to disclose confidential documents, information, or findings, they must obtain permission from both ILAD and the relevant organization. In such cases, the information or document is disclosed in accordance with the permission received.

d) They do not copy, reproduce, or retain self-assessment reports and any other documents obtained from the institution; these documents are either destroyed or returned to ILEDAK at the end of the evaluation task.

1. ILAD/ILEDAK personnel acknowledge that their statements made within and outside of ILEDAK activities will be impartial and accurate. Individuals involved in ILEDAK activities:

a) Will ensure that their reports, statements, and expressions are impartial and accurate. Any reports, statements, or expressions made on behalf of ILEDAK will contain only relevant and appropriate information. They will refrain from behaviors that may highlight personal preferences that could adversely affect the evaluation process.

b) They will not use any statements, criticisms, or justifications influenced or prompted by others in their statements. If they must use such information, they must disclose that it is a quotation, cite the source, and disclose if they have a personal interest in using this information.

c) They will not use statements that misinterpret or conceal the truth.

d) They acknowledge proven personal errors and do not distort or alter facts to justify their mistakes or decisions.

1. ILEDAK personnel accept the responsibility to act responsibly, ethically, and legally to further enhance the usefulness and credibility of ILEDAK.

a) Individuals involved in ILEDAK activities avoid deceptive behaviors towards the public.

b) They do not distort or allow the misunderstanding of their or their collaborators' academic or professional qualifications.

c) They do not intentionally or unintentionally harm the professional reputation, expectations, practices, or work of others. If they believe that others are engaged in unethical or illegal behavior, they report their knowledge to the appropriate authorities through ILEDAK.

1. ILEDAK personnel accept the principle of equal treatment regardless of race, language, religion, gender, disability, age, marital status, or political opinion. Those involved in program evaluation activities treat all parties equally and fairly.

2. ILEDAK personnel accept the responsibility to assist their colleagues and those they work with in professional development and adherence to these ethical rules.

a) ILEDAK informs all its personnel and all parties involved in program evaluation about these ethical rules.

b) ILAD/ILEDAK provides training for all new personnel to understand and apply these ethical rules.

c) Individuals continuing to work in ILEDAK activities ensure the continuity of their professional and ethical development and participate in related activities.

1. Program evaluators found to have violated these ethical rules may have their duties terminated by the Communication Education Evaluation and Accreditation Board (ILEDAK), ILEDAK Board members may have their duties terminated by the ILAD Honorary Board, and other ILEDAK personnel may have their duties terminated by the ILAD Board of Directors.