Code Of Conduct Review And Suggestions

Absent or poorly written codes of conduct are the reason for unethical conduct in organizations. Just look at the recent outbreak of unethical events with Wells Fargo, Enron and Volkswagen (McLaverty & McKee, 2016). Companies and their upper management push for better profits and forget to create a strong ethical culture. Creating large incentives for employees and management for achieving lofty targets create an environment for people to act unethical to meet their numbers. In 2016, Wells Fargo associates opened over 1.4 million accounts without their customers even knowing about the account (Goldfarb, 2017).

Ethical behavior in the workplace is paramount to a successful organization. Commitment to supporting ethical behavior in the workforce must be a top priority for all public service employees. The ethical culture of the organization starts at the very top of the organization. The standards of the agency are adhered to across the entire structure through fair and consistent ethical conduct as defined by leadership. Effective leaders must demonstrate through their behavior that they believe what they say. Those who pronounce that their supervisors and street level workers must adhere to the highest ethical standards must themselves adhere to those same standards (Menzel, p. 70, 2016). Actions may not be considered illegal, however if the action is contrary to organizations

We as business owners, management and or in a role of authority must set, address and comply with a solid foundation of ethics. “A code of conduct is the single most important element of your ethics and compliance program. It sets the tone and direction for the entire function. Often, the code is a standalone document, ideally only a few pages in length. It introduces the concept of ethics and compliance and provides an overview of what you mean when you talk about ethical business conduct.”

There are multiple steps to be followed closely to ensure the code of conduct is followed company-wide. We must give each new employee the company standards upon hiring. There will be monthly team meetings where all strengths and weaknesses will then be discussed to be able to determine what steps will be necessary to correct any problems. We all must be active in not only posting but engaging and living the code of conduct from employees, officers, and board members. If all levels of the company are operating on the same standards, it will be easily noticed by one when there is a void in the system.

A code of conduct and a statement of formal statements describe and explain what an organization expects from its employees and a code of ethics generally consists of statements that serve as principles and basis for rules of conduct. Leaders and managers must be role models for organizational success. If employees see leaders and management demonstrating the organizational values then it adds to the commitment and credibility of leadership and reinforces the importance of the organization’s values which leads to employees who are more engaged and committed to the organization. Also turnover among employees tends to be lower and productivity tends to be high. On the other hand, if leadership demonstrates behavior that is inconsistent with the code of conduct then a negative message is sent to the employees. Therefore, employees may disengage and compromise company standards as seen in the

“Another function of a code of ethics is to provide guidance to organization members in resolving dilemmas when they must choose among competing values” (Plant, cited by Grobman, 2007, p. 247). In addition, this employee adhered to the Code of Conduct adopted by the organization, when addressing this type of dilemma involving unethical behaviors of colleagues. Codes of Conduct” are one attempt to improve the organizational climate so that individuals can behave ethically” (Shaw &Barry, cited by Adams, Tashchian & Shore, 2001, p.199). This ethical dilemma pertaining to misusing of company’s funds and it left this employee no other choice, but to do the next right thing and hold these colleagues accountable for their unethical

Upon completion of the investigation, if it has been determined that the accused employee has in fact engaged in inappropriate behavior, disciplinary action will be taken. Depending on the nature of the act and the severity this can include counseling with a written reprimand, suspension, or termination.

Every organization is requires a code of ethics and mechanisms to address risk management and the clear disclosure of financial practices. Every organization has a compliance code that must fallow according to the Miami Valley Hospital (2010) compliance codes are updated periodically and anyone who does not fallow the Compliance Plan of Conduct can face fatal consequences such as criminal charges or can permanently lose his or her job. Not meeting compliance codes can also affect the organization because can be fine, or face criminal charges losing reputation and prestige.

Knight Medical recognizes the problem fraud and other deliberate misconduct in the health care industry poses to society and seeks to prevent and detect unlawful and /or unethical conduct by its employees and agents. Knight Medical is committed to establishing and maintaining an effective compliance program in accordance with the compliance program guidance published by the Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Health and

“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.

Every Company staff member has a responsibility to help enforce this Code of Ethics. Additionally, staff members are expected to ensure that all of our suppliers and contractors are aware of, understand and adhere to these standards, as well. If you have a question concerning a potential or possibly existing conflict of interest involving you, another staff member, or any supplier, contractor, or customer, or you otherwise have a question regarding this Code, ask your supervisor or the SVP of Human Resources. If you observe a staff member, supplier, or contractor who has taken, or is planning to take, an action which could be a violation of our Code of Ethics and/or Company policy, or you believe that you may have taken any action, intentionally or otherwise, in violation of this Code, you have the obligation to promptly report the action to your supervisor or a Vice President responsible for your restaurant or department.

We found that although a code of conduct, ethics hotline, and newsletter exist, none were consistently used, enforced, or reinforced by company employees or management. For example, upon joining the company, employees must sign a code of conduct; however, management has not made a sustained effort to implement or reinforce the code.

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.

It is one thing to establish a code of ethical conduct for an organization in the public sector, but it is quite another to really impress upon all employees the importance of living up to that code of conduct. What makes a code of conduct and how can management be assured that all employees understand the code and follow it's values and guidelines? How do not-for-profit professions stack up against for-profit professionals when it comes to ethics? This paper delves into codes of conduct in the public and sector and provides a review of several scholarly articles that present specific instances where codes of conduct are part of the workplace culture.

Codes of conduct are policies including rules such as maintaining honesty, attitude, and respect (Traveler, 2009) for co-workers, the organization and customers. Only by separation of personal ethical choices in the work place, will an organization succeed and flourish. It is never appropriate for any employee, management or otherwise, to conduct business for personal gain. The people who become harmed lose trust, confidence, and the expectation of themselves and of the people who chose to put their personal ethical choice before the needs of the customer and business.