What Are The Pros and Cons To Having A
What Are The Pros and Cons To Having A
What Are The Pros and Cons To Having A
the Code
Written Code of Ethics? Personal values and integrity should
By: Debra Kraft augment and build upon the code, not stand
apart from it. A code of ethics is not a
An organization's written code of ethics complete play-by-play rule book. It does not
should outline the integrity of the business clearly define everything everyone needs to
by embracing common, core values. make an ethical decision.
Company cultures that are grounded in
ethical business practices help build trust If employees are not made aware of this
among various stakeholders. Internally, trust limitation, they could come to believe that
builds a positive workplace environment something is ethical because it is not
among employees. Externally, trust builds expressly covered in the code. Training and
solid relationships with customers, awareness programs should make it clear
suppliers, investors and the communities in that questions should be brought to
which companies operate. A code of ethics management or human resources
sets the stage for such a culture. But if it’s representatives if the code of ethics in
too vague, not followed properly or unclear with regard to specific situations.
improperly used, a code of ethics can have
the opposite effect. Reviewing the pros and Local vs. Global Code
cons of having a code of ethics and code of A code of ethics that does not provide
conduct will help you decide how to manage standards for doing business outside the
them as a boss and subordinate. U.S. could allow for unethical business
practices to occur during global projects.
For example, employees might be led to
Writing vs. Living the Code believe that standard modes of business in
Writing a code of ethics does not some parts of the require undisclosed cash
automatically mean employees will adhere payments to government agents or other
to it. Managers should never believe the practices that lead to unfair competition.
real work is done after the code of ethics
has been written. Releasing the document Transacting such business opens the door
into the workplace is only the first step. to practices that can ruin a company's
Employees need to be aware it’s out there. reputation. A code of ethics must be specific
They then need to read it, understand it and and consistent across all known variables.
follow it. There is no value in a code of For companies that already have a global
ethics that isn’t followed. It is up to footprint, the same code must apply to all
management to ensure that employees are locations, worldwide.
educated on proper conduct as it pertains to
their jobs and work relationships. Guide Questions:
1. Write your reaction comprehensively on
the Article.
Using vs. Abusing the Code
Using the code of ethics properly builds a
professional, ethical workplace, but abusing
it builds distrust that can contradict
everything it stands for. Employees can
abuse the code of ethics if they use it to
engage in personal agendas and vendettas,
such as accusing colleagues they dislike of
working against the code.
I agree with the author that an organization's code of ethics can be an effective tool for encouraging
ethical behavior. The possible disadvantages of having a code of ethics, such as the chance that it would
be misused or misapplied, should also be considered, in my opinion.
The author makes a valid point regarding how crucial it is to guarantee that workers are aware of
the code of ethics and comprehend how it applies to their jobs. For the code to be genuinely followed and
to avoid becoming a pointless document, this is crucial.
I agree with the author that a code of ethics ought to be clear and uniform everywhere. This is
crucial for establishing a strong ethical culture within a company, no matter where its employees are
situated.
Finally, I agree with the author's position regarding the significance of individual values. While a
code of ethics can offer direction on how to make moral decisions, it cannot take the place of the need for
employees to exercise their own judgment and make choices that are in line with their own values.