What does internalized responsibility equate to in ethical principles?

Internalized responsibility is closely associated with the concept of accountability in ethical principles. Accountability refers to the obligation of an individual to account for their activities, accept responsibility for them, and disclose the results in a transparent manner. In the context of ethics, it emphasizes the importance of individuals acknowledging their actions and the consequences that follow, ensuring they are answerable to others, which is foundational in professional practices, including nursing.

When a person internalizes responsibility, they embrace the notion that they must adhere to ethical standards and be prepared to explain their decisions and actions. This internalization helps foster trust in professional relationships and ensures that individuals operate within the bounds of ethical conduct.

The other concepts, while essential in their own right, represent different ethical principles. Veracity refers to the obligation to tell the truth, justice pertains to fairness and equity in treatment, and authority involves the right to make decisions or enforce rules. Although important in the realm of ethics, they do not specifically capture the essence of internalized responsibility as effectively as accountability does.