Ethical Codes in Urban Planning: A Comparative Analysis of Professional Standards and Ethical Values

This article emphasizes the importance and complexity of ethical codes in the discipline of urban planning. Ethical challenges encountered in urban planning processes exhibit diversity at both national and global levels. The study analyzes universal and local values embedded in ethical codes shaped by different national and cultural contexts. It highlights the necessity for planners to communicate these values clearly and comprehensively, thereby ensuring consistent ethical decision-making and societal acceptance. In light of this information, the aim of this article is to review and evaluate how ethical issues are addressed within the planning discipline and how planners fulfill their ethical responsibilities. Furthermore, it conducts three classifications based on the content analysis of ethical principles and codes of conduct prepared by various planning institutions, examining their language, audience, and professional ethical definitions and expressions related to sustainability. Ultimately, the existence of ethical codes emerging from discussions on professional ethics in urban planning underscores their significance for the validity of planning as a profession. Additionally, it identifies that the dynamics of ethical values in the planning discipline vary according to universal and local characteristics. Analysis of the practical applicability and effectiveness of ethical codes provides an important framework for future research. It emphasizes the need for future studies to focus on the practical applicability and effectiveness of ethical codes, thereby contributing to the development of more ethical and sustainable cities in urban planning.