As a group, discuss the following topics and record your research and key notes.
1. What is the purpose of a code of conduct?
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3.
List six things that would be included in a code of conduct.
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?
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Would you allow your employees to accept gifts from suppliers as part of their marketing strategy?
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 establish a set of guidelines and expectations for individuals within an organization to ensure that they act in an ethical and responsible manner. It provides a framework for employees to understand what is considered acceptable behavior and helps to create a positive and respectful work environment.
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3. Six things that could be included in a code of conduct:
- Respect for others: treating colleagues, customers, and suppliers with respect, promoting diversity and inclusion, and maintaining a harassment-free workplace.
- Honesty and integrity: being truthful and transparent in all business dealings, avoiding conflicts of interest, and protecting company assets.
- Compliance with laws and regulations: abiding by all applicable laws and regulations in conducting business operations.
- Confidentiality: maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive information and ensuring the protection of customer and business data.
- Fair and ethical competition: adhering to fair competition practices, avoiding anti-competitive behavior, and respecting intellectual property rights.
- Environmental and social responsibility: promoting sustainable and responsible business practices, respecting the environment, and contributing to the welfare of the community.
4. In the code of conduct for a sports goods supply organization, it would be appropriate to include guidance on offering promotional items as part of the marketing strategy. This could address issues such as ensuring that promotional items are offered in a fair and transparent manner, avoiding excessive or misleading promotions, and considering the environmental impact of promotional activities.
5. Whether to allow employees to accept gifts from suppliers as part of their marketing strategy would depend on the organization's policies and the specific circumstances. It is generally advisable to have clear guidelines in the code of conduct regarding gifts and benefits to ensure that any such acceptance follows ethical standards and does not create conflicts of interest.
6. Two reasons why the CEO requires employees to adhere to the code of conduct:
- To maintain the reputation and integrity of the organization: Adhering to a code of conduct helps establish a trustworthy and reliable image for the company, which can contribute to its long-term success and sustainability.
- To foster a positive work culture: A code of conduct sets clear expectations for behavior and encourages employees to act in a professional and respectful manner, creating a positive and harmonious work environment.
6.1. Examples of items that could be included in a code of conduct:
- Conflict of interest policy: Guidelines for identifying and managing conflicts of interest that may arise in the course of business operations.
- Whistleblower protection: Procedures for reporting unethical behavior or misconduct, ensuring that employees are protected from retaliation.
- Social media usage: Guidelines for appropriate use of social media platforms in relation to the organization, including respecting confidentiality and maintaining professionalism.
- Anti-bribery and corruption policy: Policies and procedures to prevent bribery and corruption, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
6.2. Yes, there is a relationship between having a code of conduct and successful business operations. A code of conduct sets the foundation for ethical behavior and promotes a positive work culture, which in turn can lead to increased employee productivity, customer satisfaction, and reputation enhancement. It also helps prevent legal and ethical violations that could negatively impact the organization's operations and profitability.
6.3. Having a code of conduct can have several implications for the organization. Some positive implications include:
- Enhanced reputation: A strong code of conduct can enhance the organization's reputation and attract customers, suppliers, and employees who value ethical practices.
- Improved employee engagement: A clear code of conduct can contribute to higher employee engagement and satisfaction, as employees understand the organization's values and expectations.
- Legal compliance: Adhering to a code of conduct helps ensure compliance with laws and regulations, reducing the risk of legal consequences and reputational damage.
However, there may also be some negative implications:
- Restrictive policies: Some employees may perceive certain aspects of the code of conduct as overly restrictive, potentially leading to a sense of constraint and reduced autonomy.
- Compliance challenges: Ensuring consistent adherence to the code of conduct across all levels of the organization can be a challenge, requiring ongoing monitoring and enforcement efforts.
- Potential conflicts: In some instances, the code of conduct may conflict with external factors or individual values, creating tension and ambiguity.