Code of Ethics for Certified Analytics Professionals
Prepared by the INFORMS Certification Task Force
®
Background. The Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS) does not have an
established code of ethics or guidelines for ethical practice that applies to the general membership. However, Article 1,
Paragraph 2.v., of the INFORMS constitution states, “The Institute will strive to promote high professional standards and
integrity in all work done in the field.”
Applicability. This Code of Ethics applies specifically to those seeking (re)-certification as a Certified Analytics
Professional (CAP®), but may be useful to other practitioners who use analytics. Clients, employers, researchers,
policymakers, journalists, students and the public should expect analytical practice by CAP® certified individuals to be
conducted in accordance with these guidelines. Application of these or any other ethical guidelines generally requires
good judgment and common sense.
Purpose. This code exists to clarify the ethical requirements that are important; to inform the individual regarding rules
and standards; to hold the profession accountable; to aid analytics professionals in making and communicating ethical
decisions; to help deter unethical behavior and promote self-regulation; and to list possible violations, sanctions, and
enforcement procedures.
General. Analytics professionals participate in analysis that aids decision makers in business, industry, academia,
government, military, i.e. all facets of society; therefore, it is imperative to establish and project an ethical basis to perform
their work responsibly. Furthermore, practitioners are encouraged to exercise "good professional citizenship" in order to
improve the public climate for, understanding of, and respect for the use of analytics across its range of applications. In
general, analytics professionals are obliged to conduct their professional activities responsibly, with particular attention to
the values of consistency, respect for individuals, autonomy for all, integrity, justice, utility, and competence.
Responsibilities. This Code recognizes that analytics professionals have obligations to a variety of groups, including:
society, employers and clients, colleagues, research subjects, INFORMS, and the profession in general. Responsibilities
regarding each of these groups are further described below.
Society. All professionals have societal obligations to perform their work in a professional, competent, and ethical
manner. Professionals should adhere to all applicable laws, regulations, and international covenants.
Employers and Clients. In general, it is the practitioner’s responsibility to assure employers and clients that an
analytical approach is suitable to their needs and resources, and include presenting the capabilities and limitations of
analytical methods in addressing their problem. Analytics professionals should clearly state their qualifications and
relevant experience. It is imperative for analytics professionals to fulfill all commitments to employers and clients, guard
any privileged information they provide unless required to disclose, and accept full responsibility for their performance.
Where appropriate, professionals should present a client or employer with choices among valid alternative approaches
that may vary in scope, cost, or precision. Professionals should ǒ