A code of ethics is important for an individual’s own life, but it is extremely important for a company to have in order for them not to be led down a road of immoral business practices. The example used as the classic case of unethical and immoral conduct in the business word is the case of Enron, which at the turn of the century was one of the most blatant examples of business impropriety. The issue of Enron and other businesses like it are ethical questions. Enron's first mistake was not that of breaking any laws, but in choosing to defy ethic rules thatthat if they had been addressed early on and corrected, Enron's stock might never have reached the heights that it did, but the company would likely exist still today.
A code of ethics does not to be complicated. Below are four pillars I would enshrine in a code of ethics of my company.
1) See employees as ends and not means. Companies rely upon people both as consumers of their product and also workers to create and deliever the product. Sometimes people get lost in seeing clients and employees as tools and not autonomous people with their own hopes wants and needs.
2) Cause no harm This would be meant in the broadest of terms. Cause no harm to the environment, to other businesses, or to anyone within the company.
3) Conduct honest business The business world lends itself to many opportunities where dishonesty could be of advantage. But the ethics code of my company would encourage honest regardless of if dishonesty could bring in higher profits.
4) Look for opportunities to help other. Within a company’s primary goal, there are always also opportunities to help others in secondary ways.
Reference:
Shaw, William H., Barry, Vincent, Sansbury, Georgo, “Moral Issues in Bussiness” 2009 Cengage Learning Australi Pty Limited
