Code of Ethics

The National Leaderology Association establishes the following Code of Ethics as the foundational standard for professional conduct within the discipline of leaderology. These principles apply to all practitioners, educators, researchers, and leaders operating under NLA membership. The Code reflects the expectations of a scientific discipline and ensures that leadership development is conducted with integrity, responsibility, and respect for the individuals and organizations served.

Integrity

Members conduct themselves with honesty, accuracy, and fairness in all professional activities. Integrity requires avoiding conflicts of interest, presenting information truthfully, and upholding ethical standards in decision-making, research, and practice. Members must safeguard the credibility of the discipline by maintaining the highest ethical expectations in their work.

Respect

Members treat all individuals with dignity and professionalism, valuing the diversity of backgrounds, identities, and perspectives encountered in practice. Respect includes fostering an environment free from discrimination, harassment, or prejudice and promoting equitable treatment in all leadership development engagements.

Responsibility

Members accept responsibility for their actions, recommendations, and professional judgments. They prioritize the welfare and best interests of clients, learners, organizations, and the broader community. Responsibility extends to upholding the mission of the NLA and contributing to the advancement and integrity of leaderology as a scientific discipline.

Professionalism

Members maintain exemplary standards of competence, conduct, and ethical behavior. Professionalism includes adhering to NLA standards, maintaining appropriate boundaries, using evidence-based methodologies, and engaging in continual professional development. Members represent the discipline with seriousness, credibility, and academic rigor.

Confidentiality

Members protect the confidentiality of client information, organizational data, research materials, and proprietary knowledge obtained during professional work. Disclosure is permitted only with explicit authorization or when required by law or safety considerations. Proper handling, storage, and communication of sensitive information is mandatory.

Transparency

Members communicate truthfully, clearly, and in good faith. Transparency includes providing accurate representations of services, qualifications, methods, and outcomes. Members ensure that communications, decisions, and professional activities are conducted openly and that information is shared appropriately within ethical and legal boundaries.

Social Responsibility

Members consider the broader societal and organizational impact of their work. Leaderology practitioners are expected to promote ethical leadership behaviors, responsible decision-making, and organizational cultures that support human well-being, fairness, and sustainability. Members model responsible leadership practices in their own conduct.

Compliance

Members comply with all applicable laws, regulations, ethical standards, and institutional policies. Practitioners must remain informed about legal and regulatory requirements relevant to their work. Suspected violations of ethical or legal obligations must be addressed promptly, including reporting to appropriate authorities when necessary.

Commitment to the Discipline

Adherence to this Code signifies commitment to the credibility, integrity, and advancement of leaderology as a scientific field. Members uphold the standards of the NLA, contribute to the discipline’s scholarly and practical development, and support the professional community in maintaining excellence.

Updated: 12/08/25