Ethics in Coaching The ethical principles of the International Association of Coaching (IAC) and the code of ethics of the International Coach Federation (ICF) both provide a framework of ethical standards for professional coaches. While both provide standards of professional conduct for coaching, the ICF code of ethics resembles a set of guidelines and the IAC ethical principles are addressed as a rigid set of instructions. I would first like to distinguish the difference between the two bodies. The IAC is an independent certification organization for the coaching industry. The ICF is an individual membership organization and also the premier professional and credentialing body for the coaching profession. The ethical codes of conduct discussed in this document are often used as a basis for distinguishing standards of conduct within the coaching profession. According to the ICF Code of Ethics, the purpose of their code is to promote professional and ethical coaching practices and to increase the awareness of people outside the profession regarding the integrity, commitment and ethical conduct of ICF members and ICF coaches (International Coach Federation website, 2008). The IAC Ethical Principles have a threefold purpose: (a) to provide broad principles and values ​​for coaches, (b) to provide rules, and (c) to serve as a building block for ethical and moral standards for coaches (International Association of Coaching website, n.d.). Each individual coach must agree to follow and integrate the IAC code of ethical principles. The General Standards or Code of Ethics The general standards or code of ethics for both organizations, collectively, are similar. Standards or codes of ethics cover wide-ranging topics such as professional conduct, ethical responsibility, liability for any ethical infraction. Website of the ReferencesAssociation for Professional Executive Coaching & Supervision. (2007). Retrieved from http://www.apecs.org/coachingethicalguidelines.asp#natureFlaherty, J. (2011). Coaching: Evoking excellence in others (3rd ed.). New York, NY: Taylor & Francis website. International Association of Coaching. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.certifiedcoach.org/index.php/about_iac/iac_code_of_ethics/International Coach Federation. (2008). Retrieved from http://www.coachfederation.org/about/landing.cfm?ItemNumber=854&navItemNumber=634Peltier, B. (2009). The psychology of executive coaching: Theory and application (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Taylor & Francis.Society for Industrial & Organizational Psychology, Inc. website. (2014). Retrieved from http://www.siop.org/workplace/coaching/ethical_and_legal_i.aspx