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Ethics and Code of Conduct July 2009 P a g e | 1

Ethics and Code of Conduct

Introduction

Developing a standard set of guidelines for conduct and ethics is challenging given the

diversity of WACS. With 80 countries represented, its important to note that this codewas developed as a guide and was not meant to impede or infringe in any way uponethical and moral values of the countries that make up WACS.

Essential to the structure of a comprehensive code of conduct is the establishment of the

organizations core values. This has yet to be established so this document was developedon a series of assumptions.

WACS has a responsibility to protect the brand and must develop a strategy to ensure that

these guidelines are enforced consistently. This guide could be divided into primaryareas of use, however, it is recommended that whoever represents or participates in

WACS sanctioned or sponsored events, should abide by these guidelines. Similarly, it isrecommended that anyone who uses the WACS brand (i.e. logo, letterhead, etc.), should

also abide by these standards. It is paramount for the WACS Board to put into place amechanism to monitor compliance of these guidelines and take appropriate action if they

are not respected. Failure to do so will dilute the value and purpose of having suchguidelines.

WACS Mission Statement

The World Association of Chefs' Societies (W.A.C.S.) is a non-political professional

organization, dedicated to maintaining and improving the culinary standards of globalcuisines. We accomplish these goals through education, training and professionaldevelopment of our international membership. As an authority and opinion leader on

food, W.A.C.S represents a global voice on all issues related to the culinary profession.

Ethics is a branch of philosophy which seeks to address questions about morality, how

moral values should be determined, how a moral outcome can be achieved in specificsituations and what moral values people actually abide by.

Morality means abiding by a code of conduct which is held to be authoritative in the

matters of right and wrong. Morals are created and defined by society, philosophy,religion or individual conscience. Ethics seek to address questions such as how a moral

outcome can be achieved in a specific situation (applied ethics), how moral values shouldbe determined (normative ethics) and what moral people actually abide by (descriptive

ethics).


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In normative ethics, a typical question might be whether a lie told for the sake ofprotecting someone from harm is justified.

Applied ethics examines how one should act morally and the standards for the rightness

and wrongness of actions. It implies that actions are right if they lead to the most value

for the greatest number of people maximizes value for all people. Similarly, it alsoimplies that actions are right if they maximize good for oneself and are notions based onrules.

There are many terms to describe the philosophical methods to identify a morally correct

course of action while applying applied ethics. Medical, legal, research, environmental,sports and business ethics are some examples of these.

A WACS statement of Ethics could be the following

I embrace this World Association of Chefs Societies Code of Ethics and I attest that

I shall abide by the constitution of this association and generally support thedistinction of our profession before personal gain.

I will not use unfair means to gain professional advancement or to damage the

chance of another colleague to secure or hold employment. I will at all times

conduct myself so as not to bring discredit to or dishonour upon the

World Association of Chefs Societies.

Code of Conduct is a set of rules outlining the responsibilities or proper practices for

an individual or organization.

A code of conduct is intended to be the core reference guide for use in daily decisionmaking. Its meant to parallel and support the organizations mission, values and

principles. It provides visible and transparent guidelines for behaviour and reflects thecovenant that the organization has committed to uphold.

The Codes references to guidelines and policies, as well as related expectations, re-

affirm the commitment of WACS to integrity, objectivity and professionalism indelivering services to all members. Maintaining members confidence and trust in the

Board and/or committees is of the utmost importance. The high standards of conductexpressed in this document are intended to ensure that this trust is not compromised.

Conduct shall at all times, reflect integrity, professionalism, courtesy and respecttowards others. Honesty is an essential component of trust.

All members shall work co-operatively together for the betterment of WACS andtreat one another fairly and with dignity.


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WACS is dedicated to maintaining and improving the culinary standards of globalcuisines. As such, while representing WACS, it is not acceptable to consume

alcoholic beverages in quantities that affect performance or impair judgment.

Any behaviour that could be construed as harassment or discrimination on anygrounds protected by human or civil rights law will not be condoned.

Respect the dignity and identity of all members, and acknowledge indigenousknowledge, culture, religious faith and values.

Conduct oneself at all times in such a manner as to bring credit to the industry atlarge.

Accurately represent professional training and qualifications and not knowinglypermit, aid, assist or suffer the misstatement of said training and qualifications byothers.

Support the growth of knowledge and the free interchange of ideas within theprofession, respect and honour the views and opinions of colleagues and their rightto express them.

Respect the intellectual property rights of colleagues and not knowingly use themfor personal and/or professional advantage without proper recognition.

Additional points for consideration

Each member must safeguard the reputation of WACS in general, and complywith this Code in particular, in every position, at every level, and at all times.

All members are responsible to be aware of and understand the provisions of thisCode and any other applicable WACS policies, including those specifically

identified in this Code. Failure to comply with this Code may result in onesremoval from the Board and/or committee.

WACS communications materials must not be used for personal reasons as thiscould lead to a misunderstanding and possibly damage the reputation of WACS.Specifically, care should be taken in the use of WACS stationery (including

forms, letterhead, etc), faxes where the name, address or phone number of WACSappear, or emails (paper or electronic copies) where the @website is the WACS

website.

Whenever possible, one must endeavour to seek programs, initiatives andsolutions that are cost effective, sustainable and demonstrate a responsive

approach to the care of the environment.


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WACS Sanctioned competitions

It is apparent that additional rules are required during WACS sanctioned culinary eventsto maintain the high level of professionalism. In addition to those mentioned above, the

following could be incorporated into the competition rules to ensure appropriate

behavior.

If acting as a WACS judge, respect all competitors and always strive to ensurethat professional comments and criticism of their work are both constructive andappropriate.

Culinary competitions are subjective and are interpreted differently by eachmember of the jury this must be understood and respected prior to registeringfor competition. As a competitor, respect all decisions from WACS judges and

endeavor to seek their professional critique.

Strive to achieve and maintain excellence in ones culinary work.

Constantly strive to improve and expand ones culinary knowledge. All competitors must follow dress codes, as defined by the WACS Culinary

Chair, while participating in any WACS sanctioned competition.

Willful acts of destruction to the property of others are prohibited. It is theresponsibility of the individual(s) perpetrating such acts to make restitution whererequired.

Conclusion

The challenges that WACS faces are numerous. Given the professional reputation thatthe organization is trying to maintain, these guidelines are an important part in sustaining

the growth of WACS. However, as indicated in the opening remarks, constantmonitoring of the established code of conduct is paramount in supporting the growth and

credibility of WACS.

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