13 March 2026

English translation of original Code of Conduct (Original CoC language: Finnish) of The Finnish Management Consultants Association LJK

Source: https://ljk.fi/eettiset-ohjeet-code-of-conduct/

Code of Conduct

The ethical code for consulting describes the rules to which LJK members and CMC-certified consultants commit themselves. The code is based on the guidance of the international umbrella organization ICMCI.

The purpose of the Code of Conduct is to strengthen trust in the consulting profession and help individuals succeed. We believe that the credibility and reputation of the consulting profession are formed on the basis of the overall impression created by the conduct of individual professionals.

A management consultant has a multifaceted responsibility – to the Client, to society, to the organization in which the consultant works, to colleagues, and to the consulting profession.

Serving the interests of Clients – as a professional Consultant, I undertake to:

1.1 Place the Client's interests first, do everything in my power to serve them at the highest possible standard, handle assignments efficiently and responsibly, and focus on impartiality, competence and legality.

1.2 Ensure that professional advice is sound and suited to the Client's needs.

1.3 Act independently and objectively, exercising professional diligence and establishing the facts of the situation so that a reasoned assessment can be made.

1.4 Take any conflicts of interest into account and take all reasonable steps to protect the Client's interests and confidentiality. Be aware of the Client's own code of conduct and take appropriate action, including informing the Client, if there are problems in complying with that code.

1.5 Comply with an assignment management process that follows the guidance of ISO 20700:2017.

1.6 Demonstrate personal qualities and good practices such as honesty, respect, integrity, independence, objectivity, commitment, robustness and transparency in communication. Maintain high personal standards, respect confidentiality, and be courteous, reliable and responsive in dealings with others.

1.7 Keep up to date with all qualifications required for the performance of assignments and bring added value to Clients. Create an environment that enables others working with me to be creative, agile, innovative and quality-driven.

Serving the interests of society – as a professional Consultant, I undertake to:

2.1 Ensure that I am aware of, and comply with, the relevant regulation in the country where I operate.

2.2 Respect social, environmental and broader corporate responsibility considerations, assess the impact of my actions on the environment and the surrounding society, and seek to conserve resources whenever possible.

2.3 Consider the application of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in all assignments.

2.4 Understand, accept and manage diversity in terms of culture, beliefs, religion, race and gender, respecting the customs, practices and reasonable aspirations of others.

2.5 Understand and apply the principles of corporate responsibility in accordance with the guidance of ISO 26000:2010 (Social Responsibility), encouraging Clients to adopt CSR principles in their organizations.

2.6 Understand and apply the principles of the OECD 2009 Anti-Bribery Recommendation.

2.7 Be honest, open and truthful in all external communications.

Serving the interests of my own organization – as a professional Consultant, I undertake to:

3.1 Do everything in my power to support the organization's overall objectives, protect its reputation and assets, and align personal values with the organization's values.

3.2 Comply with laws, other regulation, practices and procedures, and promote their improvement in the interest of good management practice.

3.3 Address matters that I consider inappropriate or falling below acceptable standards of professional practice, and apply appropriate corrective measures.

3.4 In the interests of all stakeholders of the organization, ensure that I correctly understand their interests and respond to them in a balanced manner; protect all confidential and/or proprietary information coming into my possession; create, maintain and develop business relationships based on mutual trust; neither offer nor accept gifts, hospitality or services that could create or imply improper conduct; and refrain from entering into any agreement or engaging in any activity that is unlawful or anti-competitive.

Serving the interests of my colleagues – as a professional Consultant, I undertake to:

4.1 Understand the responsibilities and authority of my colleagues and provide them with my support.

4.2 Act consistently and fairly when dealing with problem situations.

4.3 Maintain a culture of openness and transparency in communications so that matters can be addressed openly, in a timely manner and effectively.

4.4 Safeguard the physical and mental health, safety and well-being of my colleagues, recognizing their specific needs and the pressures and problems they face.

4.5 Ensure that every individual is treated fairly and that diversity is respected.

4.6 Encourage and assist colleagues in developing their skills and advancing their careers, valuing any contribution they may make and recognizing their achievements.

Serving the interests of the consulting profession – as a professional Consultant, I undertake to:

5.1 Respect the profession, uphold its integrity and good reputation, and refrain from conduct that diminishes its reputation and public trust.

5.2 Promote the image and standing of the profession, demonstrating an understanding of the nature of the consulting profession and its stakeholders.

5.3 Respect the intellectual property rights of all stakeholders, including materials that may be shared among different stakeholders.

5.4 Act on the basis of feedback from Clients and profession leaders in order to promote the development of the profession.

5.5 Comply with the requirements set out in this Code of Conduct.

Ethical guidelines