6th 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/

The ethical guidelines for consulting describe the rules to which LJK members and CMC-certified consultants commit. The guidelines are based on the guidelines of the international umbrella organization ICMCI .

The purpose of the Code of Ethics is to increase trust in the consulting industry and help individuals succeed. We believe that the credibility and reputation of the consulting industry are shaped by the overall picture created by the behavior of individual professionals.

A management consultant has a multifaceted responsibility – to the client, society and the organization in which he works, as well as to his colleagues and the consulting industry.

Serving the interests of clients – as a professional consultant, I am committed to:

1.1 To put the client's interests first, to do my utmost to serve the client’s interests at the highest possible level, to handle assignments efficiently and responsibly, focusing on impartiality, competence and legality.

1.2 To ensure that professional advice is competent and appropriate to the client's needs.

1.3 To act independently and objectively, exercising professional care, ascertaining the facts of the situation in order to make a reasoned assessment.

1.4 To consider potential conflicts of interest and take all reasonable steps to protect the client's interests and confidentiality. To be aware of the client's ethical guidelines and take appropriate action, including informing the client, if there are problems with compliance with the guidelines.

1.5 To follow a consulting engagement management process that follows the guidelines of the ISO 20700:2017 standard.

1.6 To demonstrate personal qualities and good practices such as honesty, respect, integrity, independence, objectivity, commitment, resilience and transparency in communication. Set high personal standards, respect confidentiality and be courteous, trustworthy and responsive when dealing with others.

1.7 To stay up to date with all the competencies needed to complete assignments and bring added value to clients. To create an environment that enables others to work with me creatively, agilely, innovatively and with an appreciation for quality.

Serving the interests of society – as a professional consultant, I commit to:

2.1 To ensure that I am aware of and comply with the relevant regulations in the country in which I operate.

2.2 To respect social, environmental and broader areas of corporate responsibility, to assess the impact of my actions on the environment and society around me, and to strive to conserve resources whenever possible.

2.3 To consider applying the UN Sustainable Development Goals in all assignments.

2.4 To 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 To understand and apply the principles of corporate responsibility, following the guidelines of the ISO 26000:2010 (Social Responsibility) standard, encouraging customers to adopt CSR principles within their organization.

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

2.7 To be honest, open and truthful in all external communications.

Serving the interests of my own organization – as a professional consultant, I commit to:

3.1 To do my utmost to support the overall goals of the organization, to protect its reputation and assets, and to reconcile personal and company values.

3.2 To comply with the law, other regulations, practices and procedures and to promote their improvement in the interest of good management practice.

3.3 To address matters that I consider inappropriate or that fall below acceptable standards of professional practice, and to apply appropriate corrective action.

3.4 In the interests of all stakeholders in the organization, I ensure that I understand their interests correctly and respond to them in a balanced manner; I protect all confidential and/or proprietary information that comes into my possession; I establish, maintain and develop business relationships that are based on mutual trust; I do not offer or accept gifts, hospitality or services that could create or suggest improper conduct; I refrain from entering into any agreement or engaging in any activity that is illegal or anti-competitive.

Serving the interests of my colleagues – as a professional consultant, I commit to:

4.1 To understand the responsibilities and authority of my colleagues and offer them my support.

4.2 To act consistently and fairly when dealing with problem situations.

4.3 To maintain a culture of openness and transparency in communication so that matters can be handled openly, timely and efficiently.

4.4 To care for 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 To ensure that every individual is treated fairly and that diversity is respected.

4.6 To encourage and help colleagues to develop their skills and advance in their careers, appreciating the contribution they may make and recognizing their achievements.

Serving the interests of the consulting industry – as a professional consultant, I commit to:

5.1 To respect the profession, maintain its integrity and good reputation, and refrain from conduct that undermines its reputation and public trust.

5.2 To promote the image and status of the profession, demonstrating understanding of the nature of the consulting industry and its stakeholders.

5.3 To respect the intellectual property rights of all stakeholders, including materials that may be shared between different stakeholders.

5.4 To act on feedback from clients and professional leaders to advance the development of the profession.

5.5 To comply with the requirements set out in these guidelines.

Ethical guidelines