Organizational Ethics
General overview of organizational ethics policies
Rationale for the design of code of ethics
The written code of ethics
Discussion and comparison
General overview of organizational ethics policies
The standards which help business to operate are often described as organizational ethics. The ethics and the policies of ethical conduct in business are usually demonstrated through acts that exude fairness, integrity, honor, compassion and responsibility. The policies on organizational ethics are formed keeping in mind the vision and objectives of the company as well as pressure from the external forces (Snoeyenbos, Almeder, & Humber, 2001).
Policies of organizational ethics are often related to uniform and fair treatment of the employees of the company. This means that the organization needs to set a certain standard for equal treatment of all employees that demand the same respect for each regardless of the race or religion or cultures or lifestyles of the individuals. The chances for betterment at work should be presented equally to each and all. Often these are policies that are written down and well communicated within the organization. Organizations often include training programs to promote ethical treatment of employees in their ethics policies (Cooper, 2001).
Organizations also require to be ethical towards the society and almost every organization has a well-developed strategy and code of ethics that seeks to fulfill its commitment and responsibility towards the society where it works. These can include giving back to the...
Other ethical policies of business organizations include engaging in programs for the betterment of the immediate community.
Most organizations also have a code of ethics and policies for it suppliers. Such organizations draw up policies and code of ethics that its suppliers and distributors in the
supply chain needs to follow. Often these codes of conduct are in line with the established code of ethics of the organization itself or conform to certain standards applicable in the business segment. Such policies can include issues like ethical sourcing of raw materials, maintenance of
corporate social responsibility and equal and fair treatment of employees and workers (Snoeyenbos, Almeder, & Humber, 2001).
In modern business, organizations also draw up policies and strategies for maintaining a certain level of ethics in maintaining financial transactions and records. These code of ethics or standards of ethics are related to the manner in which companies show their expenditure and income such that they are understandable by people who are interested in the company. The aim of these ethical conducts is to ensure that companies do not conceal important financial facts from the common people -- especially the
investors and suppliers.
Rationale for the design of code of ethics
The rationale for designing a code of ethics is to deliver assurance among the investors and the other
stakeholders of the organization about the commitment of the organization for upholding of fair treatment for employees, investors and the society and adhering to the ethical rules of conduct in relation to authorities. Furthermore, creation of a code of ethics helps employees to gain confidence in an organization developed through the creation of transparent means of functioning. Similar confidence is developed among other stakeholders such as the investors and suppliers. Having a code of conduct such as ethical sourcing of products has also assumed importance with resp3ct to modern customers who often look to purchase products that are environmentally friendly and ethically sourced. For example, many customers are tilted towards making purchases of food products that were organically grown (Barth, 2003).
Hence, development of a code of conduct is to ensure that all important stakeholders of an organization are treated fairly and are…
