Discussion Question:
There has been a serious critique on codes of ethics that they are only used for employees not for organizations. It is said that a code of ethics only transfers responsibility and accountability of ethical behavior from organization to individual employees. For instance, it is expected by an employee to perform efficiently and effectively along with loyalty and dedication. He is also ethically bound to disclose his all other activities, assets and sources of income to the organization. But at the same moment, if government announces some benefits for employees, e.g. to increase the pay of all government employees, the private organizations do not comply.
There has been a serious critique on codes of ethics that they are only used for employees not for organizations. It is said that a code of ethics only transfers responsibility and accountability of ethical behavior from organization to individual employees. For instance, it is expected by an employee to perform efficiently and effectively along with loyalty and dedication. He is also ethically bound to disclose his all other activities, assets and sources of income to the organization. But at the same moment, if government announces some benefits for employees, e.g. to increase the pay of all government employees, the private organizations do not comply.
Question:
Do you think a code of ethics is also valuable for an organization; and if organization does not follow it, what are the repercussions for the employees to follow the code of ethics?
Do you think a code of ethics is also valuable for an organization; and if organization does not follow it, what are the repercussions for the employees to follow the code of ethics?
Solution:
A code of conduct is intended to be a central guide and reference for users in support of day-to-day decision making. It is meant to clarify an organization’s mission, values and principles, linking them with standards of professional conduct. As a reference, it can be used to locate relevant documents, services and other resources related to ethics within the organization.
A code is an open disclosure of the way an organization operates. It provides visible guidelines for behavior. A well-written and thoughtful code also serves as an important communication vehicle that “reflects the covenant that an organization has made to uphold its most important values, dealing with such matters as its commitment to employees, its standards for doing business and its relationship with the community.
A code is also a tool to encourage discussions of ethics and to improve how employees/members deal with the ethical dilemmas, prejudices and gray areas that are encountered in everyday work. (Snowz) A code is meant to complement relevant standards, policies and rules, not to substitute for them.
Codes of conduct offer an invaluable opportunity for responsible organizations to create a positive public identity for themselves which can lead to a more supportive political and regulatory environment and an increased level of public confidence and trust among important constituencies and stakeholders
