What Does Code of Ethics Mean

What Does Code of Ethics Mean

How to create a code of ethics with a free downloadable template.

The ethical standards that direct choices and behavior at a business or organization are outlined in the code of ethics and professional conduct. They include both broad guidelines for acceptable behavior on the part of employees and detailed instructions for dealing with problems like harassment, safety, and conflict of interest.

The ethical standards that direct choices and behavior at a business or organization are outlined in the code of ethics and professional conduct. They include both broad guidelines for acceptable behavior on the part of employees and detailed instructions for dealing with problems like harassment, safety, and conflict of interest.

 

Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct Comparison

A code of ethics is comprehensive and provides staff or members with a basic notion of the kinds of actions and choices that are permitted and encouraged at a company or organization. The focus of a code of conduct is greater. It specifies how team members or employees need to behave under particular circumstances.

 

Can a Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics Coexist?

Absolutely, given the substantial overlap between these two papers, corporations will typically integrate them into a single document. It is uncommon to come across companies with two distinct policies. Although they are technically separate agreements, having a single document to refer to will help staff remember key details about conduct and ethics.

 

Example Template for a Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct

• Be welcoming

Everyone from all ages, origins, and identities are encouraged to join us. Members of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions, as well as those who are of any race, ethnicity, national origin, social class, educational attainment, color, immigration status, sex, age, size, family status, political belief, religious affiliation, and mental and physical ability, are included but not limited to.

• Be thoughtful.

To accomplish the best work we can as a firm, we rely on one another. You should think about how your choices will impact your clients and coworkers while making selections.

• Observe decency

Although we won’t always agree, rude behavior is never acceptable. We must allow our dissatisfaction to escalate into personal assaults, even if we will all occasionally feel frustrated. An atmosphere that makes individuals feel uneasy or intimidated is not conducive to creativity or productivity.

• Choose your words wisely.

Always act in a professional manner. Respect other people. Do not disparage or offend people. Harassment and conduct that excludes others are unacceptable. To name a few, but not all of them:

• threats of physical harm
• Insubordination.
• racially offensive words and jokes.
• sharing violent or obscene content on electronic devices or through other channels.
• personal jabs, particularly ones that use racial or gendered slurs.
• unwanted sexual advances.
• supporting or promoting any of the aforementioned conduct.

 

• No harassing.

In general, you should stop if someone requests you to. Try to comprehend why we differ when we do. Most of the time, disputes and differences of opinion are inevitable. What matters is how constructively we handle differences and divergent viewpoints.

• Turning differences into assets.

We are stronger when we are diverse. Various people’s viewpoints on challenges might be helpful for finding solutions or inspiring new ideas. It doesn’t always follow that someone is incorrect if you cannot comprehend their point of view. Remember that we all make errors and that pointing the finger at one another won’t help.

Instead, concentrate on fixing problems and taking note of your errors.

 

How to Write a Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct

The four main components of a code of ethics and professional behavior are listed below. You may either briefly summarize each of them in your Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, as we have done above, or go into further depth so that staff are aware of how to address a variety of frequent scenarios.

• The setting at work.

Workers are expected to behave honorably, abide by the law, uphold a professional work environment, and adhere to corporate standards. They must always act morally toward clients, coworkers, and partners.

• Interest conflicts.

The behavior and moral character of an organization’s staff determine its reputation. They must stay away from people and things that interfere with—or appear to interfere with—their capacity to make impartial choices.

• Safeguarding corporate assets

Workers should always take action to safeguard all firm assets, including tangible, intangible, and digital or electronic goods.

• anti-corruption measures

For a business to remain credible and reputable, honesty is crucial. Workers should always carry out their tasks in a just, honest, and lawful manner.

• Attendance and promptness.

Employee attendance is required to be consistent and on time. This entails arriving at the office promptly each morning and being prepared to work. Other employees and the firm suffer from absenteeism and tardiness.

• Absent without explanation.

Workers should inform their supervisor if they will be absent from work due to illness or an accident. This enables the business to plan for covering of their responsibilities and aids others in carrying on with their job while they are away. It is commonly seen as a job desertion if an employee reports for duty and the employer is not informed of their status for three days.

• Both general and sexual harassment

This firm is dedicated to providing a work environment free from unlawful harassment and discrimination. We do not allow any behavior that targets someone based on their gender, race, ethnicity, age, religion, or any other legally protected trait.

• using a cell phone at work

Unless under dire circumstances, such as an emergency, using a personal mobile phone while at work is discouraged.

• A dress code.

As employees interact with consumers or potential customers, a professional image is crucial. Workers should maintain a professional appearance and dress for their position and the company.

• Addiction to drugs.

On corporate property, it is unlawful to manufacture, distribute, possess, sell, or buy controlled substances for abuse. On corporate property, it is not permitted to be under the influence of illicit narcotics, alcohol, or other drugs of abuse. It is forbidden to work while under the influence of prescription medications that reduce performance.

• Tobacco items

Outside of designated places, smoking is not authorized anywhere on corporate property.

• Using the internet at work

When appropriate, employees are allowed to utilize the Internet to get the information they need to carry out work-related tasks. The company’s computer network must not be harmed or disrupted by Internet use. Employee productivity must not be hampered by Internet use.

 

Subjects for the conflict of interest code of conduct.

• contributions of corporate assets.
• The act of running for office.
• Financial ties and insider trading.
• Investments in businesses that employ people.
• political inclinations of employees.
• substantial financial stakes in other businesses.
• Securities exchanges.
• obtaining loans.

 

Subjects for the anti-bribery and conduct code.

• Dealing with governmental entities.
• Selection and upkeep of service providers.
• Receiving entertainment and presents.
• Loans, kickbacks, and bribes.
• Connections with old coworkers.
• Obligations to leaving employees and previous workers.
• Interacting with rivals.
• Relationships with foreign organizations, clients, and affiliates.

 

Topics for the company assets code of conduct.

• Keeping accurate records and making them available for disclosure.
• Protection of data.
• Safeguarding information and communication technology systems.
• Safeguarding outside communications.
• Use of corporate assets.
• Usage of another person’s property.
• Building security
• Defending property that is intellectual.

 

How to Create an Ethics and Conduct Code

• Examine your basic principles and mission statement

An organization’s or company’s code of ethics is intended to assist staff in making decisions that are consistent with its beliefs. This is a fantastic place to start since it should be condensed into your mission statement and core beliefs.

• Consult with key players.

What do the company’s management, staff, and customers consider to be its core principles? Seek feedback from everyone involved to make sure your code embodies the values of the business. They can all review a sample code of conduct to obtain ideas for how their own might seem.

• Examine prior ethical concerns.

Where has your organization historically stumbled when it comes to ethics? What places has it shone? Draw attention to issue areas and emphasize your current strengths.

• Analyze where previous businesses have failed.

Have there been recent ethical lapses at other businesses in your sector? By addressing these problems in your code, you may avoid the same difficulties.

• Make a draft of the code for feedback and discussion.

Invite everyone to debate and provide feedback on a draft so they may all have a say in deciding what should be in the code of ethics.

• Make a final draft, then distribute it.

Share the final document with the whole company once it has been accepted. Make sure your employee handbook has a copy of it as well.

 

Subjects for the workplace conduct code

• Similar opportunities.
• Harassment and discrimination.
• Violence prevention.
• safety regulations
• Addiction to drugs.
• Gaming regulations.
• Privacy statement.
• Policy and justification for misconduct.

 

Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct Examples

Company	Code of Ethics
Alphabet	Employees of Alphabet and its subsidiaries and controlled affiliates (“Alphabet”) should do the right thing – follow the law, act honorably, and treat co-workers with courtesy and respect.
Hershey	No matter what job you do or where you do it, you are Hershey. Think about that as you watch over every business relationship, every transaction, and every product, and make sure your actions always reflect our values.
Starbucks	Starbucks empowers all partners to make decisions that impact our reputation. Individual actions at work shape how the world views Starbucks, which is why it’s so important that we each take responsibility for our Starbucks Mission and act ethically in all situations.
Under Armour	Make the Right Call. It’s as simple as it sounds. Whenever you’re faced with a decision—big or small—always do what you know is ethically right, and, of course, always follow the law.
Verizon	We know that bigness is not our strength, best is our strength. Bureaucracy is an enemy. We fight every day to stay “small” and keep bureaucracy out.

 

The significance of an ethics code

In the absence of a clear regulatory or direct supervision, a code of ethics is crucial because it aids workers or organization members in making decisions that are consistent with the company’s values. A company’s decision-making processes can be enhanced by a code of ethics, which also facilitates employee autonomy.

 

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