AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE PROFESSIONAL AND ETHICAL BEHAVIOURS OF GRAPHIC DESIGNERS IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN INDUSTRY.

Abstract

Designers have an important role to play regarding how communication is promoted around products and services. Design is often a difficult term to define especially because its elements are fractured across various disciplines. Graphic design is the practice of producing and planning knowledge carefully in a way that is understandable on any intellectual level. Professional and ethical codes of conduct guide graphic designers during decision-making within difficult situations. Unfortunately, in some instances (such as in South Africa) such a code of conduct is not available. The aim of this research is to investigate the possible variation between the prescribed/ideal professional and ethical behaviours of graphic designers listed in literature in contrast with actual behaviour of graphic designers in the South African industry. The methodology of this research consists of an online mixed method questionnaire. The findings indicated that a difference exists between the prescribed/ideal professional and ethical behaviours of graphic designers and those that are practiced in industry. In conclusion, a framework of recommendations is derived from the findings and interpretations of the data collected. This can be used to guide graphic designers in the South African industry during decision-making within difficult situations with regards to professional and ethical behaviour.