Ethical Practice of the Staff of Faculty of Public Health, Khon Kaen University, 2009

Abstract

This research is a descriptive investigation into the level of ethical practices and perception of the staff
of the Faculty of Public Health in 2009. The participants were 48 instructors and 44 supporting staff. The data
were collected by using a questionnaire during 16 to 30 July, 2009. Descriptive statistics; frequency,
percentage, average and standard deviation, were used to analyze the result of a questionnaire.
The overall level of ethical behavior of the staff was excellent. The average score of the relevant
questions was 4.66 (S.D. = 0.34). Ethical consideration was highest in connection with service recipients and
society (the average was 4.77 (S.D. = 0.38). The ethical consideration in the connection with students was
4.74 (S.D. = 0.36) and in connection with instructors was 4.69 (S.D. = 0.49). Ethical reflection towards
themselves was 4.61 (S.D. = 0.41) and towards the organization they were working with was 4.60 (S.D. = 0.39).
The average score of ethical thoughtfulness towards colleagues (everyone in the faculty) was 4.60 (S.D.=
0.39). As far as ethical issues had been concerned quite some staff (48.1%) was not aware that there is a
committee to support and encourage following the ethical guidelines. Asking about the Khon Kaen University
Council Regulations regarding the compliance with ethics, Khon Kaen University, 2007, it was found that the staff
learned about the ethical practices via a circulars (46%), and from the signs related to ethics (teaching of monks
of the 4 moral reasons) (94.4%). It was known that there was a room for religious practices by 72.2% and
83.3% followed the suggestions they took from the signs.
Ethical practices and perception for the staff of Faculty of Public Health should be made known
through a circular as the main means for supporting ethics. Honoring staff or students with good practice is
also recommended. Moreover, it is suggested to invite speakers to elaborate about the ethical issues
continuously and a competition related to ethical practice should be organized.