ABSTRACT
There are a number of issues related to the museum profession and the concept of common standards that are confusing. It is easy to believe that “the mission of museums as institutions grows out of tradition and is shaped by public need” (Bloom and Powell 1984:73). With this thought in mind, it is not difficult to understand that contemporary museology gives greater attention to human development as a primary force in society (Weil 1990:31). However, considering these two assumptions, it is unclear how ethical standards can have universal continuity. To have an impact on the greater museum community, ethics must be an inclusive process that is endorsed by museum workers in all parts of the globe. It would seem that the museological tradition must differ from nation to nation and that the needs and expectations of the public must be equally varied.
