Characteristics of a code of ethics
INTRODUCTION
• This paper focuses on the characteristics of a code of ethics.
• However, to understand these characteristics we first must understand what ethics is all about as well as the importance of ethics and a code of ethics.
• Most organizations believe that their employees are ethical so they do not need to pay attention to Ethics and or have codes of ethics.
• This is however a false assumption because you do not know if your employees are ethical. This is because principles are relative and vary from each person to the other.
• Another common belief is that ethics cannot be managed and that managing business ethics in the workplace has little to no practical relevance.
• This is once again a
…show more content…
• Ethics is all about conduct and character rather than objects so it is different from aesthetics.
Qualitative characteristics of a code of ethics
• As mentioned earlier, the qualitative characteristics of a code of ethics are comprehensiveness, clarity and enforceability.
Clarity
• Clarity refers to lack of ambiguity, doubt and or vagueness.
• Ambiguity is the doubtfulness, inexactness or uncertainty of meaning or intention.
• In order for a document to have clarity, when writing it you must ensure that it is understandable, specific, honest and concise.
• If a code of ethics is clear, then it is easy to keep within the conduct that is deemed proper and ethical and any conduct that is contrary to the code becomes an obvious violation and is considered to be unethical.
Comprehensiveness
• This means that the code of ethics should cover virtually any conduct.
• This is a necessary characteristic though it sounds unreasonably broad.
• It is necessary because of the idea that one would conform to the spirit as opposed to the letter of the law.
• An employee of an organization cannot be punished for breaking rules which are not
A code of ethics is a vital for any business, because if breaches of ethics accrue it can put companies in serious trouble with consumers, other organizations or government authorities. Making a code of ethics helps decision-making easier at all levels of an organization by reducing doubt and considerations of individual viewpoint in ethical standards.
A code of ethics is important because it provides individuals within a group, organization, club or society with a set of rules, standards and guidelines to operate within. When employees don't have a code of ethics, they could engage in less-than-socially acceptable behavior. This can establish a bad reputation for an organization.
An appropriate code of ethics is a “form of legislation within a professional organization” which “binds it employees”, with “specific sanctions for violation” of the code of ethics set forth ("Code of Ethics," 2015). It’s a “formal document” and does not pertain to the “environment” or an “understanding” a consensus or unwritten rule, or aspect of the organizations culture ("Code of Ethics," 2015). An appropriate code of ethics is based on the “best-practice that applies to universal ethical deliberation” and recognizes, and encourages the “notion that personal and professional ethics cannot be dealt with as separate domains” ("Code of Ethics," 2015).
A code of ethics is a formal document in which is used to assist members of an organization, to know what’s ‘right’ and what is ‘wrong’ in the work place and applying it to their decisions. A code of ethics is a written set of rules or guidelines to help the workers and management ‘conduct’ or direct their actions with its primary values and ethical standards. A code of ethics is important because without it, employees and management wouldn’t have guidelines and the establishment would resemble a crazy house. Consider the establishment, Dunkin Donuts. Dunkin Donuts is a food establishment well-known for their famous donuts, coffee and their slogan “America runs on Dunkin”. Without a code of ethics, the industry would most likely be
A code of ethics is defined as a set of principles, values, beliefs, and rules that define the conduct of a person. This helps a person to determine the correct behaviors that should be expressed in every moment of his/her life as well as analyze what is good or bad in present. Practice the code of ethics is important in all situations because the moral is implicit in everything we do. Hence, the importance of making sure that what you do is right. In the article “How to Write a Personal Code of Ethics?” shows the importance of dedicate time to do a Code of ethics about us. This is because develop a code of ethics is not harder as too many people belief, but because it requires a lot of thinking. There is explain the importance of follow four
Another important factor to consider is if each of the organization's employees is being treated fairly. An organization should ensure that they create and follow a code of ethics in which employees feel that both the employee and the employer are held accountable and encouraged to be ethical in treatment to one another. This translates as a feeling by employees that the employer trusts them in their jobs and professions and that all employees are treated fairly and justly in all actions and company pursuits. This means that each employee should be treated
Code of Ethics is a written set of rules issued by an organization to its employees and administration to aid them provide treatment in accordance with its prime values and ethical standards.
“Analytically, a corporation’s code of ethics is the documented, formal, and legal manifestation of that organization’s expectations of ethical behaviors by its employees” (Adelstein & Clegg, 2016, p. 55). The corporate credos and code of conducts provide employees with an understanding of the policies of the organization and the organizational ethical position. For these codes to be effective, all employees of the organization must be aware of them. The visibility of the code of conduct that enables the organization to be judged as ethical.
Yes I agreed with the authors that a code of ethics should do more than establish minimum acceptable standards. As noted that, ethical behavior in any profession is about making correct judgment or decision that are based on established code of ethics. Businesses always drive the behavior that is expected in an organization. Successful businesses try to build high ethical culture from the top management level to the lowest and setting the standards for acceptable and unacceptable conduct in an organization.
A code of ethics highlights the responsibility and accountability standards of each and every employee within the organization. These codes are also motivating factors that guide the employees’ behavior, set the standard regarding ethical conduct, and build an organizations trustworthiness within
The Code of Ethics “offers a set of values, principles and standards to guide decision making and conduct when ethical issue arise…specific applications of the Code must take into account the context in which it is
The code of ethics and conduct is a written set of rules and regulations that provides guidance to employees of an organization on how to conduct themselves and carry out their duties in line with the organization’s principles. The code of ethics and conduct is also be backed up by suitable disciplinary actions. A code of ethics and conducts helps employees deal with ethical issues and other gray areas that they face as they execute their daily activities. An effective code of ethics and conduct is required for an organization to run smoothly and maintain a positive image. Having an ineffective code of ethics and conduct is almost like having none.
When working in an organization, it is usually important to establish professional ethics while following consistent ethical principles. Professional ethics are personal and corporate standards of behavior that are set by businesses, associations, and organization. It creates an institution that reflects our own values and make us feel more confident about what is an acceptable behavior and what is not. This type of ethic could vary depending on the various types of situations, professions, and personal values. Many professionals that are trusted by the public like doctors, accountants, engineers and even an information technologist all have a Code of Ethics, which sets out expectations of the member’s behavior and how they operate internally and externally.
The Code of Ethics is absolutely essential for every education major to have a strong understanding of. This code presents the main rules and regulations that apply to future teachers to ensure the best behavior and actions possible, inside and outside of the classroom. It is a clear guide of unethical activities that teachers may never indulge in without risking suspension, revocation, denial, or reprimand of any teaching certificate. The code is broken down into eleven different standards which are easy for educators to understand and abide by.
In their personal and professional lives, people can and, unfortunately, sometimes do go against their moral and ethical standards. Ethical standards are what it means to be a good person, the social rules that govern our behavior. Ethics in business is essentially the study of what constitutes the right and wrong or the good or bad behavior in the workplace environment. A business is an organization whose objective is to provide goods or services for profit. The organization has a group of people that work together to achieve a common purpose. The moral challenges that these men and women face each day along with a whole range of problems that could occur, are why ethics plays such an important