Holistic Ethical Culture

Introduction

Establishing an ethical organizational culture is essential for the American University of the Middle East (AUM) to foster an environment that promotes integrity, trust, and social responsibility. A holistic approach to ethical culture ensures that ethical principles permeate every aspect of the university's operations, encompassing academics, administration, student affairs, and beyond. This report outlines the strategies employed by AUM to promote a comprehensive and ethical organizational culture.

Leadership and Values

AUM's leadership plays a pivotal role in setting the tone for the entire organization. Leaders lead by example, demonstrating unwavering commitment to ethical values and practices. They communicate and reinforce a clear set of ethical principles that guide decision-making and actions throughout the university.

The University declares in various official statements its commitment to ethical culture and to developing leaders who are committed to global ethical values. Links are provided in the evidence part.

The six values below encapsulate the bedrock on which the organization's success has been built.

Ethical Code of Conduct and Principles

AUM has established a robust and comprehensive ethical code of conduct that outlines expected behaviors for students and faculty / staff. This code acts as a guiding document, defining ethical boundaries and ensuring accountability across the institution.

The Student Code of Conduct available in the Student Handbook provides the student with detailed information about academic and non-academic misconduct that includes cheating, plagiarism, dishonesty, use of unauthorized material, and the consequences of the failure to comply with exam rules and regulations. AUM has a comprehensive practice in place to maintain high standards and ensure academic integrity that can be comparable to the academic integrity resources provided by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) to their international members, among which AUM.

Guarding against intolerance of any kind of discrimination against faculty / staff 

At AUM, we have taken significant steps to ensure an ethical organizational culture that guards against intolerance of any kind of discrimination against faculty / staff. Our approach involves multiple interconnected elements, deeply integrated into our core values publicly available and displayed on the walls inside the campus. More information is provided in GG1.4 Grievance procedure for staff.

Ethics Training and Education: Ethical Values-based Training at AUM to Foster an Ethical Culture

To nurture an ethical culture, AUM provides regular ethics training and education for faculty, staff, and students. These programs emphasize the importance of ethical decision-making, ethical reasoning, and the consequences of unethical behavior.

Recognizing the significance of an ethical organizational culture, AUM prioritizes the proactive education of its community members. Beyond mere articulation of ethical values, ethical Values-based Training at AUM underscores the university's commitment to cultivating an ethical culture. By providing comprehensive, practical, and mandatory training, AUM empowers its faculty, staff, and students to embody ethical values in their daily actions and decision-making. This dedication to ethical education contributes to the creation of a cohesive community that upholds integrity, trust, and social responsibility, aligning with AUM's vision for a holistic ethical organizational culture.

Additional detailed evidence provided separately

• Ethics Training and Education

• Office for Ethical Compliance, with a designated official with oversight on ethical matters across the institution

• Grievance procedure for staff 

• Anti-bribery and corruption policies

• Anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies

• Diversity and Inclusiveness Committee and officers to advise on and implement policies, programmes and trainings