Article on Code of Conduct
Article on Code of Conduct
The article entitled “What a Code of Conduct ‘Says’ About a Company” written by Lunday (2010) and published online in Corporate Compliance Insights presented pertinent concerns relative to an organization’s conformity to a specifically designed code of conduct and its commitment to standards of ethics. Accordingly, the code of conduct reveals much about the organization’s values and belief systems through its commitment to act responsibly and ethically. The author presented comparative differences between a strong code of conduct and one which is categorized as lackluster by examining the following nine variables: leadership tone, culture, operations, code topics, compliance systems, accountability, writing, visual design, and accessibility . Likewise, the author also revealed the stakeholders who are reading an organization’s code of conduct. In addition, three crucial elements were noted to be instrumental in assisting the users to comprehend and use the code according to their personal and professional needs: (1) accessibility, (2) contents, and (3) style.
Under the discussion on culture, it was disclosed that an organization with a strong code of conduct affects the ability to support and sustain the organizational culture. An organization with lackluster code of conduct apparently disregards the organizational culture; as well as the ability to attain the identified mission and vision statements. Thus, the code of conduct actually provides the most appropriate direction and guidance on the behavior that all members of the organization should adhere to. The code enables them to make the most effective decisions which adhere to ethical, moral, and legal standards. Overall, the ability of the organization to project a positive corporate image takes into account their compliance with a well-designed code of conduct that governs various stakeholders’ behavior and the way that decisions are made.
Reference
Lunday, J. (2010, August 18). What a Code of Conduct ‘Says’ About a Company. Retrieved from Corporate Compliance Insights: http://www.corporatecomplianceinsights.com/what-a-code-of-conduct-%E2%80%98says%E2%80%99-about-a-company/
