1. What is the purpose of a code of conduct? 2. List six things that would be included in a code of conduct. 3. Imagine your team runs an organisation that supplies sports goods. In your code of conduct, would you include guidance on whether to offer promotional items as part of your marketing strategy? 4. Would you allow your employees to accept gifts from suppliers as part of their marketing strategy? 5. Think of two reasons why the CEO requires employees to adhere to the code of conduct. 6. If you were to draft a code of conduct; give 4 examples of items, you would include. 6.1. From the examples above, link the two principles of ethics that informed the code of conduct. 6.2. Do you think that there is a relationship between having a code of conduct and successful business operations? 6.3. In your opinion, does having a code of conduct have any implications for the organisation? (It may be positive or negative). Explain your answer.
1. The purpose of a code of conduct is to set out guidelines and expectations for behavior, conduct, and decision-making within an organization. It helps to establish a common set of values and standards, ensuring that employees understand what is expected of them and how they should conduct themselves.
2. Six things that could be included in a code of conduct are:
- Respect for all individuals, regardless of their background or characteristics
- Prohibition of harassment, discrimination, or any form of unethical behavior
- Compliance with laws, regulations, and company policies
- Confidentiality and protection of sensitive information
- Honesty, integrity, and ethical decision-making
- Respect for the environment and sustainable practices
3. Yes, it would be appropriate to include guidance on offering promotional items as part of the marketing strategy. The code of conduct should address acceptable and ethical marketing practices, including the proper use of promotional items.
4. Acceptance of gifts from suppliers should be addressed in the code of conduct. It is generally not advisable for employees to accept gifts from suppliers as it may create conflicts of interest or compromise their ability to make objective decisions. However, the specific guidelines and circumstances for accepting or declining gifts should be clearly outlined in the code of conduct.
5. Two reasons why the CEO requires employees to adhere to the code of conduct are:
- To ensure a positive organizational culture based on ethical principles and values.
- To mitigate legal and reputational risks that may arise from unethical behavior within the organization.
6. Examples of items that could be included in a code of conduct:
- Prohibition of insider trading and ensuring compliance with securities laws.
- Guidelines for handling conflicts of interest and disclosure requirements.
- Promotion of fair competition and adherence to antitrust laws.
- Accountability for protecting company assets and resources from theft or misuse.
6.1. The two principles of ethics that could inform the code of conduct based on the examples above are integrity and responsibility. Integrity in complying with laws, regulations, and ethical standards, and responsibility in making ethical decisions and avoiding conflicts of interest.
6.2. Yes, there is a relationship between having a code of conduct and successful business operations. A code of conduct provides a framework for ethical behavior, which instills trust in customers, employees, and stakeholders. It helps to establish a positive organizational culture, promotes employee accountability, and reduces the risk of legal and reputational issues.
6.3. Having a code of conduct has several implications for the organization. Positive implications include fostering a strong ethical culture, attracting and retaining ethical employees, enhancing the organization's reputation, and mitigating legal and reputational risks. However, it may also have negative implications if not enforced effectively or if there is a lack of alignment between the code of conduct and actual organizational practices.