Code of Conduct in the Workplace

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.”

In 1993 when Chipotle first opened their first store the idea was simple, to demonstrate that food served fast didn’t have to be a “fast-food” experience. Chipotle. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://ir.chipotle.com/ Now twenty years later, and more than 1,500 restaurants later the importance of having an effective Code of Conduct that reaches all levels of employees is imperative. There are key areas that are of significant importance to Chipotle including Integrity, Harassment, and Chipotle’s

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

From personal experience I think that everything in the Code of Conduct is expressed thoroughly, I think if anything needs to be changed it how well employees and management are watched. Rules are not always followed as well as people being treated fairly.

The code of ethics and business conduct provide guidance to all employees on what is required of them when faced with multiple ethical and legal issues that may arise during their work shift. The code provides more

A code of conduct is a tool used by management to implement an organization’s values, duties, and ethical standards. According to the Ethics Resource Center, a code of conduct is a written set of guidelines and a point of reference used to support day-to-day decision making. It clarifies the mission, values and principles of an organization to ensure professional and ethical standards are withheld (Why Have a Code of Conduct, 2009). A code of conduct offers guidance on how to deal with circumstances associated to the business in an ethical manner.

I have selected the code of ethical conduct from one of America’s top restaurants and that is the Cheesecake Factory and I’m the lucky CEO of the company. Key areas of the Cheesecake Factory code of conduct that are of significant importance to the business are… General standards of conduct, Conflict of interest, Protection of the Company. These conducts I feel are most important and here’s why. General standards of conduct is very important it’s like the foundation of the code of conduct. It helps The Cheesecake Factory to encourage all employees to have a relationship of trust with the company; No matter what level the employee is on with the company.

code of conduct can then be passed on to the employees with expectations for participation and

I received your email in reference to feedback. I understand that you are looking for a comprehensive code of conduct framework which includes the three policies I have already created, standard policies that you feel should be included and additional policies that I feel are pertinent. This is what I have constructed for you. The Code of Conduct usually starts with an opening message or letter from the top CEO (‘s) of the company, briefly stating what the company’s vision or culture is.

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 corporate code of conduct establishes the “tone at the top” of the importance of honesty and integrity and can also provide more specific guidance about permitted and prohibited behavior. Example of items typically addressed in a code of conduct include expectations of general employee conduct, restrictions on conflicts of interest, and limitations on relationships with clients

Chipotle is committed to providing the highest standards of quality, integrity, and service to their broad array of patrons. Corporations such as this require code of conduct that is constructive for corporate general obligation which is instrumentality used to oversee employee’s behavior and create an ethically regulatory philosophy. Chipotle envision their employees to use good decision making skills and high moral ethical standards to avoid any unforeseen conflicts between their employees and their company.

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.

For the most part the topics discussed in their code of conduct are fairly standard of the codes of conduct I have seen in the past and the section titles do a fairly good job of summarizing their content on their own. In short, their code of conduct instructs there employees to follow the laws/rules, avoid conflict of interest, do not commit insider trading, do not use company assets or information for you own personal benefit, don’t compete with the company, do not except bribes or inappropriate gifts, perform your work in a fair and honest fashion, don’t discriminate or harass, work safe and report accidents/hazards, don’t use or be under the influence of drugs at work, keep accurate records, don’t violate confidentiality, don’t steal company property, be careful to no damage company property, report violations, a guideline for making ethical decisions, and technical details concerning waivers and guidelines specifically for the CEO and senior financial officers.

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.