There exist some unwritten ethics or code of conduct in our industry set by the old / past players. It may be something not punishable by the law if it is broken but it is observed nonetheless so that there is order and harmony among the players for the work to get done.
Just like in any other game, how can it be played when there are no rules?
You can fight hard to get the business. Competition brings out enterprise, so they say. But when the deal has been sealed, there must have order and harmony among the players of the jobs. Industry rules, the unwritten codes come into play.
Long term business dealing is built on the foundation of trust, integrity i.e "I stand by the ethics" and not solely on "I know how to do the job". I have commented in the earlier post this : not at any one time will you find that there is only one clinic or accounting firm at any given place.
