Code of ethics policy template

In fact, this may involve decisions that some people may not understand but would ethically and eventually set the company on the right track. Code of Ethics Policy for Companies ecgi. Creating a code of ethics policy will guide the people in the company through long-term goals and decision-making. This way, setting ethical standards from the highest-ranking member of the organization down to the last employee will be easier. It also evokes a clearer understanding of different perspectives among members.

Having a code of ethics policy ensures that all managerial decisions are guided through a common framework and a shared understanding that makes for a stronger foundation of future decisions. There are standards by which the company conducts itself when dealing with other stakeholders. Code of Ethics Policy and Code of Conduct oecd. A bad word here, an ethical error there, will find the business in an ugly proposition, one that you may never get out of.

It also sets the boundaries for dealing with other stakeholders. In this case, having a clear, formally-written and well-communicated code of ethics will safeguard the company from someone inside who decides to threaten it. Integrity is a trait that unfortunately, not everybody can seem to go by. From the beginning, make it a point to show your employees that the company values integrity in the workplace and will operate according to its moral philosophies. Aside from that, third-party groups also feel reassured by the existence of a Code of Ethics in an organization so that they tend to favor those having this policy in place.

Code of Ethics for Organizations lcsd. It should seek to address the consequences an individual, or the company would face, should anyone violate or breach it.

It would be better if you include the ways in which an employee can report violations of a code, no matter how light of an offense they may seem. When creating the code, avoid unnecessary phrases and be direct in communicating expectations. Both the code of conduct and the code of ethics are formal documents that organizations create to encourage certain behavior from their employees.

They need to be accepted before a member can join the organization. Both outline the standards in which members must adhere to remain part of the organization, including specific scenarios or forms of behavior. The level of accountability is reflected in the sanctions for failure to comply with either code. The code of ethics is an aspirational document designed to influence individual decision-making and the thought process of the employees.

The business provides more specific practices and behavior covering many scenarios, and therefore, it has a narrower scope and longer length. Finally, the code of ethics is typically published online for the benefit of customers and shareholders, while the code of business conduct is a more internal agreement.

Both codes can be in separate forms or combined into one document that blends ethical principles into professional action. The business conduct and the code of ethics contain policies and guidelines which are specific to the company. The rationale behind the document must be written in clear and inspirational tones to motivate employees towards benefitting the organization.

The introduction is sometimes a statement by a high-level executive showing personal commitment and support for the code of ethics and business conduct. It helps frame the code of ethics and business conduct following a bigger picture. It may also include practical financial objectives and social and organizational goals that require good ethical practices and business conduct.

Certain companies or organizations may be dealing in a profession governed by a particular law, such as those encoding accounting rules or medical ethics. Commitment to government standards and licensing requirements may also be reinforced here. Specific rules of conduct may be divided into separate sections, as discussed later.

The focus of the specific rules depends on the interests of your employees, customers, shareholders, suppliers, and even wider society. One of the more important guidelines to include in your code of ethics and business conduct are rules on diversity. All types of businesses must strive to create an inclusive environment free from discrimination.

Employees must feel comfortable in their place of work, so a commitment to employee privacy is one way to show employees that the code of ethics and business conduct is also for them. Stating principles related to consumer privacy helps build confidence in the company. The code of conduct is an agreement between members of the organization.

As such, it also outlines the professional and respectful treatment of employees to employees and managers to employees. Companies are required to create and contribute to a safe working environment. The code should detail what will be done to ensure implementation. It includes administrative activities in reporting possible violations, the process for establishing facts, and issuance of warnings.

Consequences such as the issuance of warnings, counseling or reeducation, suspension, litigation, and dismissal should be discussed. As smaller businesses grow, ethical hazards and risks will increase, solidifying the need for a clear code for employees to follow. Many well-known companies have their own code of ethics published for the interest of the general public.

Always conduct yourself professionally. Be kind to others. Do not insult or put down others. Harassment and exclusionary behavior aren't acceptable. This includes, but is not limited to:. In general, if someone asks you to stop something, then stop.

When we disagree, try to understand why. Differences of opinion and disagreements are mostly unavoidable. What is important is that we resolve disagreements and differing views constructively. We can find strength in diversity. Different people have different perspectives on issues, and that can be valuable for solving problems or generating new ideas. A code of ethics and professional conduct consists of four key sections detailed below.

You can cover all of them in a short summary Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct as we have above, or expand on them in detail so employees are clear on how to handle many common situations. Employees should act with integrity, comply with laws, maintain a professional work environment and comply with company policies. They should treat customers, colleagues, and partners ethically at all times. A company's reputation depends on the actions and integrity of its employees.

It is essential that they avoid relationships and activities that hurt, or appears to hurt, their ability to make objective and fair decisions. Employees should always act to protect company assets, including physical, intellectual, and electronic or digital properties. A company's integrity is essential for maintaining trustworthiness and reputation. Employees should always do their work fairly, honestly, and legally. Employees are expected to be regular and punctual in attendance.

This means being in the office, ready to work, at starting time each day. Absenteeism and tardiness burden other employees and the company. Employees who are unable to work due to illness or an accident should notify their supervisor. This allows the company to arrange for coverage of their duties and helps others continue to work in their absence.

If an employee does a report for work and the company is not notified of an employee's status for 3 days, it is typically considered a job abandonment. This company is committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination and unlawful harassment.

Personal cell phone usage during work hours is discouraged, except in extreme cases such as an emergency.