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Many codes fail because they suffer an identity crisis. It
is not clear for whom they are intented or what their purpose
is. They are often not designed with their reader in mind
nor the context in which they are intended to be used.
The following should be considered in drawing up a format
for a code of ethics:
- Purpose and target audience - the style of the
document should be influenced by its purpose. Above all,
it should be helpful to employees.
- Accessibility - the language must be comprehensible
and familiar to the target audience. Hard and soft copies
should be available and accessible where they are likely
to be needed. Use of 'non-legalese' language and Q&As
are also important.
- Relevance - it needs to recognise issues relevant
to staff and be material to the business's activities and
locations
- Leadership and reach - it needs to convey the commitment
of the board and that ethical standards are applicable to
all staff
- Compliance or discursive - a code will normally
contain "must do's", aspirations and dilemmas
aimed to raise ethical sensitivity and confidence of staff.
It is important to point out that what is right and wrong
will not always be clear. Some short dilemmas should be
included to illustrate the guidance provided.
There are two main types of code of ethics:Stakeholder
and Issues (some are
hybrids)
A Stakeholder
based code sets out organisational commitments and staff guidance
based around relationships with different stakeholders.
See FAQ: Who are a company's stakeholders?
An Issues based code
offers guidance framed around issues of concern to the organisation.
See FAQ: What are some examples of business
ethics issues?
Examples of the codes of ethics of large businesses can be
found here
>> click here to look at
suggestions for the content of a code
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