NZBCA Ethical Framework

A guide for self-reflection, integrity, and professional confidence in boutique consulting.

Purpose

This framework is designed to support members of the NZ Boutique Consultancy Association (NZBCA) in navigating ethical questions and maintaining professional standards. It reflects the values we share as a community of consultants and provides a foundation for trusted, respectful, and capable practice.

The framework is not intended as a tool for enforcement or external judgement. Instead, it is a reference point for self-reflection, peer discussion, and long-term trust-building. By applying these principles thoughtfully, members contribute to a stronger, more respected consulting sector in Aotearoa New Zealand.

1. Act with Integrity and Fairness

We do not engage in collusion or conduct that compromises transparency or fairness. Our independence and processes must remain above suspicion.

Example: Shaping procurement specifications, or passing sensitive information, to favour a pre-selected vendor compromises integrity and fairness.

Reflection prompt: Am I acting in a way that would still feel right if it were fully transparent?

2. Manage Conflicts of Interest Openly

We identify, disclose, and manage conflicts of interest. Transparency builds trust. Where our judgement could be influenced by personal, financial, or relational interests, we take steps to surface and resolve them appropriately.

Example: Recommending a software platform which provides you with a referral fee ,without disclosure, risks misleading the client.

Reflection prompt: Would a reasonable person feel fully informed about my interests?

3. Empower, Don’t Create Dependency

We strengthen client capability. Our work should not require clients to rely on us indefinitely. Knowledge, tools, and documentation should be shared so the client can sustain progress beyond our engagement.

Example: Withholding documentation to ensure repeat paid work runs counter to client empowerment.

Reflection prompt: Am I building something the client can use without me?

4. Recommend What’s Right for the Client

We propose solutions that meet the actual need — not what serves us commercially. Our role is to provide honest advice, even if it means recommending less work, a smaller scope, or a different provider.

Example: Suggesting a full transformation when a targeted review would suffice undermines trust.

Reflection prompt: Is this recommendation shaped more by the client’s need or my revenue goal?

5. Compete on Value, Not Volume

We avoid unjustified inflation of scope, pricing, or deliverables. Our competitive edge lies in clarity and results, not in exploiting complexity or ambiguity.

Example: Billing senior rates for junior-level delivery erodes credibility.

Reflection prompt: Would this proposal stand up to a client-side value-for-money review?

6. Protect Confidentiality and Trust

We handle client information with care. This includes both formal data and informal knowledge. Trust can be eroded by both intentional disclosures and casual comments.

Example: Mentioning a client’s strategic project at a networking event — even without naming them, can still do harm.

Reflection prompt: Would the client be comfortable with how I’ve spoken about them?

7. Represent Yourself Honestly

We present our experience, role, and outcomes truthfully. Our credibility depends on accurate representation of what we’ve done and how we’ve contributed.

Example: Claiming to have led a project that you were only was a part of misrepresents your contribution.

Reflection prompt: Does this representation of my experience match reality,  and how others would describe it?

8. Respect Intellectual Property

We do not copy or repackage others' work without permission or attribution. This includes frameworks, tools, and content, even when lightly modified. Intellectual labour deserves respect.

Example: Rebranding proprietary toolkits from a previous employer as our own crosses ethical and legal boundaries.

Reflection prompt: Have I properly acknowledged the origin of the ideas or tools I’m using?

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