Developing an ethics program model for non-profit organizations

Ethics Program

Developing an ethics program

Increased scrutiny on the actions of businesses and organizations has directly necessitated the importance of ethical programs. However, there has been an increase in attention regarding the way businesses undertake their ethical practices. In turn, organizations have come up with meaningful ethical practices encrypted in detailed ethical programs to stipulate whether the actions of members' of an organization are appropriate or not. It is important that businesses develop prudent ethical programs to manage their operations. Most organizations in the U.S. such as Enron and Tyco have witnessed detrimental consequences as a result of management ignoring ethical practices. This study will seek to develop a prudent ethics program model for a non-profit organization.

Having an ethical program is good for business. An ethics program would essentially aim at guiding individual practices and not necessarily the businesses'. Ethics has a tendency on rubbing on other aspects of business in that, when a business behaves ethically, it is bound to induce other businesses to behave in the same way. An employee who is treated ethically is more likely to treat customers and other business partners ethically too. It is common business knowledge that organizations which practice ethics are bound to benefit in the long-run. When employees and managers participate in ethical practices and are sure of their actions, they become mentally free for maximum productivity. The opposite is also true whereby, if individuals don't behave ethically, they become involved in actions that are exhaustive and subterfuge. This then limits the ability for the organization or employee to achieve maximum profitability.

However, the best approach to entrenching ethics in an organization would be in practice but not theoretical. Ethics could be taught to employees; but even if employees are taught well and understand it, it doesn't mean they would act ethically. Ethics is not only essential in business practice; it is also quite effective in other aspects of the society and a bed-rock to which a civilized society stands.

Standards and Procedures

These standards and procedures are meant to provide a sound ground work for regular operations in the organization. It will seek to promote a high standard of practice and benchmark the activities of every participant for self-evaluation. The code of ethics applies to all members of the organization. Attention should however be made in relation to the expansion of the organization; in that, if the organization increases in size, a more general code of conduct should be developed. A separate code of conduct should follow thereafter to ensure that all departments are effectively represented in the ethics program. The following guidelines should be able to provide a comprehensive standards and procedures to govern the activities of the organization.

1. Vision and Applicability

By being pioneers for the common good of humanity, we are committed to ensuring that we adhere to the vision and objectives we set for ourselves. The vision and objectives should be the benchmark in which we base our behaviors in the organization.

2. Responsibility

We should be able to take responsibility for actions on the decisions we make. The set actions should be based on the interest of the environment, humanity and safety of all individuals.

3. Respect

We should be able to respect others and especially those we serve, including ourselves and the resources availed to us. The resources entrusted to our organization include financial, safety, facilities meant to protect the environment, reputation and the safety of the people who need our help.

4. Fairness

We should be able to act in a just manner without any form of prejudice or favoritism. Our actions must be objective and impartial at all times.

5. Honesty

We should be able to act in a truthful manner in all our endeavors and also understand the concept of being truthful in our operations.

Planning and Review of Ethics Program

When reviewing ethical programs, the organization should review areas that are prone to change in legislation. This will be actually aimed at ensuring the organization does not break any of the rules. Such areas of concern include labor practices and tax policies. Priority of values should be identified so as to aid the organization avoid breaking laws by following the stipulated requirements of operation.

The top three of four values should be reviewed to help the organization determine which values currently help it fulfill its mandate. For example, in the accounting department, the organization should identify accuracy and confidentiality as the key values to the success of the department. Values needed to identify current issues should be brought to fore. This should be done by selecting a few people to interview the members of the organization in identifying key areas that require attention in the organization. Out of the issues identified, determine which ones are ethical and device ways in which the organization can solve them.

It should be noted that not all remedies can be obtained for any ethical dilemma that might arise. Emphasis should be made on dilemmas that don't occur frequently. The code of ethics should also be updated annually. This should however be done after proper consultation with all members because it should be noted that the most important aspects of a functioning ethical program is the formulation of the ethical codes and not in the implementation.

The modified codes of ethics should be announced to all members in the organization immediately, unless management would want to do this when introducing new codes of ethics. Review should also be done by incorporation of key members of the organization. All departments should be effectively represented at all times such that, the reviewed ethics program covers the entire organization. In addition, wordings which seek to encompass the input of all members should always be included in the reviewed ethics program. Moreover, wordings that stipulate the procedures which members can follow when aggrieved should also be established in the reviewed ethics program.

The reviewed code of ethics should be associated with each value portrayed in it. At least two examples should be made on each value to represent the true meaning of the intended values and avoid any instances of ambiguity. The general stake holders of the organization should also be considered in that; their prized concerns should be addressed. For instance the consideration of employees, government, donors and members of the community should be considered when reviewing the code of ethics.