Institute Governance · Code of Ethics

Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct

Integrity. Professionalism. Accountability. Strategic Leadership.

The African Institute of Strategic Managers (AISM) is committed to promoting the highest standards of ethical leadership, professional competence and responsible management practice. Every member shall uphold the reputation of the Institute and demonstrate integrity, fairness, competence and accountability in all professional activities.

Sixteen Professional Obligations

Professional Obligations of AISM Members

  1. 01

    Compliance with Laws & Professional Standards

    Comply with the Constitution, Bylaws, professional standards, policies and practices established by AISM, as well as all applicable laws and regulations within the jurisdiction of practice.

  2. 02

    Continuous Professional Development

    Maintain and improve professional competence through AISM training programmes, seminars, conferences, research and other recognised professional learning activities.

  3. 03

    Integrity and Honesty

    Act with honesty, integrity and transparency. Members shall not knowingly make false, inaccurate or misleading statements, or engage in conduct intended to secure improper advantage.

  4. 04

    Professional Competence

    Accept only professional assignments, responsibilities or engagements that the member can reasonably perform with the required knowledge, skills, experience and competence.

  5. 05

    Due Care and Diligence

    Exercise professional care, sound judgement and appropriate planning in the performance of management responsibilities, ensuring adequate supervision and proper execution of duties.

  6. 06

    Conflict of Interest

    Disclose in writing any actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest and take reasonable steps to avoid favouritism or the appearance of impropriety in procurement, recruitment and contracts.

  7. 07

    Gifts, Compensation and Benefits

    Disclose any compensation, commission, gratuity, gift or other benefit received or offered in connection with a professional engagement. Do not accept benefits that could influence professional judgement.

  8. 08

    Fairness and Stakeholder Rights

    Treat clients, employees, colleagues and other stakeholders fairly and respectfully, respecting established rights, due process and legitimate channels for review or appeal.

  9. 09

    Financial Accountability

    Safeguard funds, assets and resources entrusted to your care. Prepare accurate and timely financial and management reports in accordance with applicable agreements and professional standards.

  10. 10

    Protection of Records and Information

    Recognise that official records, documents, files and organisational materials remain the property of the relevant client or organisation, and properly protect, preserve and return them.

  11. 11

    Confidentiality

    Maintain the confidentiality of information obtained through professional relationships. This duty continues after the end of employment, membership or consultancy, except where disclosure is required by law.

  12. 12

    Professional Respect

    Maintain professional relationships with colleagues, peers and competitors. Refrain from malicious, defamatory or deliberately misleading criticism of other professionals or organisations.

  13. 13

    Duty to Employers and Clients

    Act in the legitimate best interests of employers and clients while maintaining professional independence, ethical judgement and compliance with applicable laws and standards.

  14. 14

    Professional Conduct

    Conduct yourself professionally at all times when representing AISM. Avoid conduct capable of bringing the Institute or the management profession into disrepute.

  15. 15

    Fair Competition

    Do not participate in price fixing, unlawful anti-competitive practices, collusion or any activity that undermines fair and ethical competition.

  16. 16

    Intellectual Property

    Respect the intellectual property and proprietary work of colleagues, organisations and competing management firms. Do not present another person's professional work as your own.

Commitment to Ethical Leadership

Leadership Is Not Only About Results. It Is About How Results Are Achieved.

Every AISM member is expected to demonstrate integrity, accountability, competence, fairness and strategic responsibility. By accepting membership of the African Institute of Strategic Managers, members commit themselves to upholding this Code and protecting the reputation of the Institute and the strategic management profession.

Member's Declaration

Accept the AISM Code of Ethics

Complete the declaration below to record your commitment to the AISM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct. Your electronic acceptance forms part of the AISM membership application record.

I hereby declare that I have read, understood and agree to abide by the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct of the African Institute of Strategic Managers (AISM).