Codes of Business Ethics: a guide to developing and implementing an effective code

Tags: Code of Ethics

This Core IBE Report addresses many of the questions that arise when organisations wish to provide support and guide staff in ethical decision-making. It is intended to apply to organisations of any size, regardless of the sector in which they operate and will assist those charged with implementing or updating their organisation’s code of ethics.

How do you encourage all staff, all the time, to ‘do the right thing’?

In order to promote a culture of integrity within an organisation, guidance to staff is absolutely critical. This normally takes the form of a code of ethics, or similar document, which is applicable wherever the organisation operates and at all levels of the business.

This guide to developing a code – and implementing it – is the third time we have addressed this topic in the IBE’s 30 year history. It follows the IBE 9-Step Model to assist companies and organisations of all sizes to do this effectively. It addresses many of the questions that are raised by employees on issues they come across that are not covered by laws or regulations. Organisations which recognise the need to provide guidance to staff, usually in the form of a code of business ethics, are following best practice. This guide is intended to apply to organisations of any size, regardless of the sector or location in which they operate.

The companion publication Codes of Business Ethics: examples of good practice is a collection of examples, first published in 1993 and twice revised, intended to assist all organisations in covering the main ethical issues that are now being experienced, with examples of how they are addressed in actual codes. It can serve as a check list when introducing a new code or revising one that has been in service for some time. The purpose of these publications is to help to make guidance from top management to staff on ethical matters relevant and useful.

 

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