Making it Stick | Case / Opinion | Code of Ethics 1986

Code of Ethics 1986

Your company wrote its code of ethics in 1986.  

You have been assigned to a team that has been tasked with updating the code to make it more representative of current business ethics issues like the Internet and modern business technology. 

What are your recommendations?



Source: Ghillyer_Business Ethics A Real World Approach 2e

Making it Stick | What can a well written code of ethics do? 1. It can capture what the organization understands ethical behavior to mean. 2. It can establish a detailed guide of acceptable behavior. 3. It can state policies for behavior in specific situations. 4. It can document punishments for violations of those policies

What can a well written code of ethics do?

1. It can capture what the organization understands ethical behavior to mean.

2. It can establish a detailed guide of acceptable behavior.

3. It can state policies for behavior in specific situations.

4. It can document punishments for violations of those policies.



Source: Ghillyer_Business Ethics A Real World Approach 2e

Making it Stick | What steps can be taken to create an ethical culture that is sustainable?

What steps can be taken to create an ethical culture that is sustainable?

1. Establish a code of ethics.

2. Support the code of ethics with extensive training for every member of the organization.

3. Hire an ethics officer.

4. Celebrate and reward ethical behavior demonstrated by employees.

5. Promote the organization's commitment to ethical behavior.

6. Continue to monitor the behavior as the organization grows.



Source: Ghillyer_Business Ethics A Real World Approach 2e