Ethics & Standards
VISION AND MISSION STATEMENTS
Vision
To be the leading edge organisation promoting the innovative use of MBTI within New Zealand and the Pacific.
Mission
To increase the understanding of the importance of personality differences:
- in all levels of society
- in order that human potential is maximised.
The New Zealand Association for Psychological Type (NZAPT) is a network of people interested in personality type.
NZAPT's purpose is to:
1.Promote the constructive use of individual differences based on C.G. Jung's theories of psychological type, and the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) assessment tool.
2. Provide quality information and training in the use of the MBTI instrument.
3. Promote the ethical principles and standards integral to the professional use of the MBTI instrument.
® Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and MBTI are registered trademarks of the Myers-Brlggs Type Indicator Trust in United States and other countries.
Copies of this booklet are available from NZAPT, PO Box 4146, Marewa, NAPIER 4143
Contents
VISION AND MISSION STATEMENTS.
A. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES.
B. STANDARDS OF PRACTICE.
1. Interpretation of Results.
2. Confidentiality of Results.
3. Professional Competence.
4. Moral and Legal Standards.
5. Research.
C. PROCEDURE FOR COMPLAINTS.
D. HOW TO RECOGNISE MBTI PROFESSIONALS AND PRACTITIONERS.
A. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES
Members of the New Zealand Association for Psychological Type (NZAPT) subscribe to the following ethical principles:
Principle 1:
Information about a person's type is used for the maximum benefit of the Individual.
Principle 2:
Interpretation of type results emphasises the appreciation and constructive use of individual differences.
Principle 3:
Practitioners work safely within the limits of their own type knowledge and professional competence.
Principle 4:
Practitioners accept the professional and legal responsibilities associated with their use of the MBTI Instrument.
Principle 5:
Practitioners maintain high standards in using the MBTI instrument.
B. STANDARDS OF PRACTICE
MBTI professionals and practitioners are bound by professional standards for the effective and ethical of the MBTI Instrument in the following areas:
1. Interpretation of Results
2. Confidentiality of Results
3. Professional Competence
4. Moral and Legal Standards
5. Research
1. Interpretation of Results
MBTI professionals and practitioners interpret results carefully accurately.
Professionals and Practitioners:
1.1 Ensure that people's use of the MBTI instrument is voluntary and informed.
1.2 Provide person -to- person interactive interpretations, preferably face-to -face, and in workshops, and provide time to answer individual questions.
1.3 Empower the individual receiving feedback to be the best judge of his or her best-fit type.
1.4 Explain that type scales indicate consistency in voting for the preferences and not skills, maturity or likelihood of success
1.5 Present MBTI results as working hypotheses, allowing for deeper and richer exploration of self and others.
1.6 Provide:
i. A history of and credit for the type theory
ii. An opportunity for clients to self-assess their type and verify reported type results
iii. A process for validation of "best-fit" or "true" type
iv. Materials that include descriptions of all 16 types.
1.7 Acknowledge that no psychological instrument or theory can give a full explanation of all human complexity.
1.8 Distinguish between stereotyping and type, affirming that people are complex, dynamic and capable of unique patterns of behaviour and development.
1.9 Avoid oversimplifying or misusing type theory.
1.10 Emphasise that all types are valuable, and indicate that there are no 'bad' types.
1.11 Present types and type preferences as describing probable patterns of behaviour and tendencies rather than-fixed traits.
1.12 Use language that distinguishes preference from compulsion, such as "tend to" "may prefer” rather than "You are..." or “Thinkers do..”
1.13 Distinguish between research outcomes and anecdotal evidence when discussing type data.
1.14 Guard against their own type biases in communications about type.
2. Confidentiality of Results
MBTI professionals and practitioners respect the confidentiality of the MBTI results they obtain in the course of their work.
Professionals and Practitioners:
2.1 Preserve the confidentiality of the individuals' MBTI results.
2.2 Ensure MBTI records are treated as the property of their subject.
2.3 Make provisions for maintaining confidentiality in the storage and disposal of MBTI records.
3. Professional Competence
MBTI professionals and practitioners demonstrate competence in their use of type.
Professionals and Practitioners:
3.1 Represent their competence/ education/ training and experience accurately.
3.2 Advertise their services accurately.
3.3 Continue to develop their, knowledge of psychological type theory and practice.
3.4 Ensure their instruction is accurate and current.
3.5 Limit their MBTI services to those for which they are qualified through training and experience.
3.6 Facilitate the professional development of other MBTI professionals they employ or supervise.
3.7 Monitor people they supervise to ensure that their use of the MBTI instrument does not go beyond their level of knowledge and competence.
4. Moral and Legal Standards
MBTI professionals and practitioners abide by laws and legal guidelines.
Professionals and Practitioners:
4.1 Adhere to New Zealand governing the conduct of professionals who use psychological instruments.
4.2 Do not appropriate, reproduce, or modify the MBTI instrument or materials without permission from the publisher.
4.3 Observe copyright laws.
4.4 Maintain professional control of materials.
4.5 Make every endeavour to prevent misuse of type by institutions or agencies with which they are working.
4.6 Educate and correct others who misuse type material.
5. Research
MBTI professionals and practitioners who conduct research adhere to ethical, legal, and professional guidelines on research with human subjects.
Professionals:
5.1 Ensure that research is undertaken with the informed consent of its subjects.
5.2 Establish and fair agreements that articulate the obligations and responsibilities of the researchers and participants.
5.3 State known variables and conditions that may affect the outcome of studies or the interpretation of data when reporting results.
5.4 Make sufficient data available for qualified professionals to replicate studies.
5.5 Give appropriate literary citations and references.
C. PROCEDURE FOR COMPLAINTS
Step 1.
Clearly identify what the situation involves, and identify practices that you consider or that have been referred to you as unethical.
Step 2.
If appropriate, approach the person discuss the issue(s) directly with them.
If you are satisfied that the issues are resolved, the process stops here.
Step 3.
If it is not possible to approach the person directly, or the issues remain unresolved/, refer to the NZAPT Ethics committee. Below is a content format to assist you with putting a concern in writing.
The Ethics committee can only act if it has detailed reports, hard copy, and facts regarding a complaint.
Step 4.
The Ethics committee will examine the matter in relation to the NZAPT ethical standards, and reach a decision about how to address the situation. Sometimes further information about the situation and the practitioner will be sought.
Step 5.
A letter setting out the decision and recommendations of the Ethics committee is sent to the person or company involved. The committee will minute this decision with the NZAPT Board.
Some typical ethical responses:
- Advice about the required levels of training and qualification for users of the MBTI instrument.
- Reminders about copyright of materials and acknowledging MBTI Registered Trademarks.
- Reminders about possible damage when psychometric material is used inappropriately.
- Correcting faulty interpretations.
- Identifying invalid uses of the Indicator.
- Referral of copyright abuse to the publisher.
- Referral of MBTI misuse to the publisher.
For further Information/ or to report ethical concerns, contact:
Ethics Convenor, NZAPT,
PO Box 4146, Marewa. Napier 4143. New Zealand
Ph: 0800 756 675
Ethical concerns/complaints should be written and include:
Date
Names
Contact Phone, Fax, Email
Description of concerns (who, where/ when, what, how)
Actions already taken
Recommendations for follow-up action.
D. HOW TO RECOGNISE MBTI PROFESSIONALS
MBTI professionals and practitioners are qualified. They have completed the MBTI Qualifying or Accreditation Programme, passing its internationally defined examinations. Their certificate and NZAPT confirm this.
The New Zealand Council for Educational Research (NZCER) has exclusive rights to sell the MBTI instrument inNew Zealand. NZCER recognises those qualified to purchase the MBTI instrument. A MBTI professional practitioner should be recognised by both bodies. Registered Psychologists are also able to be professional practitioner members.
MBTI professionals and practitioners are up to date. The MBTI instrument has been developed through various versions. MBTI Form G was revised into Form M in 1998. Users should be familiar with Form M, and able to advise about the uses of it.
MBTI professionals and practitioners practice ethically. They hold to the New Zealand ethics and standards, own a copy of it, share it, know how to discuss ethical Issues, receive and act on complaints.
MBTI professionals and practitioners maintain networks with other MBTI professional users. They belong to NZAPT and communicate with other MBTI professionals and practitioners. They can contact others with type expertise to support them. They have access to the current NZAPT membership directory, and in respect of contacting these members are bound by the Electronic Messages Act 2008.
MBTI professionals and practitioners update their practice and knowledge. They attend conferences/ seminars, training and interest group events, read the research and general literature/ and take opportunities to develop their understanding and use of MBTI instruments and research.
MBTI professionals and proactitioners follow the guidelines and observe the ethical constraints detailed in this booklet.
MBTI professionals and practitioners can provide research Indicating the validity and reliability of the MBTI Instrument, and speak to links with other psychological instruments.
MBTI professionals and practitioners provide both the indicator, and face to face interpretation for those who complete it. They are approachable and easily related to, as well as professionally competent in their use of the MBTI instrument. If they operate with groups, they have a high level of expertise in group dynamics and group facilitation skills.
MBTI professionals and practitioners can communicate cleariy and enthusiastically about the MBTI instrument. They are able to define its appropriate uses, and clarify questions about it.
MBTI current professionals and practitioners are listed In the NZAPT membership directory. Names of MBTI professionals and practitioners equipped and willing to use the Indicator with individuals or groups are available from the NZAPT office on 0800 756675.
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