Question

You are an IT manager at a hypothetical company. Draft a code of ethics for your organization based on the tools and strategies presented in the text.

Answer 1

A code of ethics is a guide of principles designed to help professionals conduct business honestly and with integrity. A code of ethics document may outline the mission and values of the business or organization, how professionals are supposed to approach problems, the ethical principles based on the organization's core values, and the standards to which the professional is held. It is a written set of guidelines issued by an organization to its workers and management to help them conduct their actions in accordance with its primary values
A code of ethics also referred to as an "ethical code," may encompass areas such as business ethics, a code of professional practice and an employee code of conduct.

Important points to be noted about code of ethics

• A code of ethics is a guide of principles designed to help professionals conduct business honestly and with integrity.
• Breaking the code of ethics can result in termination or dismissal from the organization.
• In some industries, including banking, specific laws govern business conduct. In others, a code of ethics may be voluntarily adopted.

The general components of code of ethics:

• Respect for others. Treat people as you want to be treated positively.
• Integrity and honesty. Tell the truth and avoid any wrongdoing to the best of your ability.
• Justice. Make sure you’re objective and fair and don’t disadvantage others.
• Lawfulness. Know and follow the law – always.
• Competence and accountability. Work hard and be responsible for your work.
• Teamwork. Collaborate and ask for help.

Our sample code of ethics

Policy

It is the policy of the Company to provide our Code of Ethics and Business Conduct, which will serve as a guide to proper business conduct for all employees. We expect all employees to observe the highest standards of ethics and integrity in their conduct.

Respect every employee.

We all deserve to work in an environment where we are treated with dignity and respect for every level of employee working in the company.

Open Communication with confidentiality

Every employee is able to contribute to the decision making process with open and direct communication but the confidentiality has to be maintained for the domain of our company. Follow the rules, regulations and the laws in every concerned department

Our commitment to integrity begins with complying with laws, rules and regulations where we do business. Further, each of us must have an understanding of the company policies, laws, rules and regulations that apply to our specific roles. If we are unsure of whether a contemplated action is permitted by law or Company policy, we should seek the advice from the resource expert. We are responsible for preventing violations of law and for speaking up if we see possible violations.

Proprietary Information

It is important that we respect the property rights of others. We will not acquire or seek to acquire improper means of a competitor’s trade secrets or other proprietary or confidential information. We will not engage in unauthorized use, copying, distribution or alteration of software or other intellectual property.

Avoid Conflicts of Interest

We must avoid any relationship or activity that might impair, or even appear to impair, our ability to make objective and fair decisions when performing our jobs

Accurate Public Disclosures

We will make certain that all disclosures made in financial reports are full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable. This obligation applies to all employees, including all financial executives, with any responsibility for the preparation for such reports, including drafting, reviewing and signing or certifying the information contained therein.

Recordkeeping

We create, retain and dispose of our company records as part of our normal course of business in compliance with all Pilot policies and guidelines, as well as all regulatory and legal requirements.

Use of Company Resources

Company resources, including time, material, equipment and information, are provided for company business use. Nonetheless, occasional personal use is permissible as long as it does not affect job performance or cause a disruption to the workplace.

Intellectual Property

You must respect all copyright and other intellectual property laws, including laws governing the fair use of copyrights, trademarks, and brands for all types of Software, Hardware and related resources used.

Accountability

Each of us is responsible for knowing and adhering to the values and standards set forth in this Code and for raising questions if we are uncertain about company policy. If we are concerned whether the standards are being met or are aware of violations of the Code, we must contact the Human Resources department. We take seriously the standards set forth in the Code, and violations are cause for disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.

Compliance

Compliance with these principles is an essential element in our business success. Our Compliance Committee is responsible for ensuring these principles are communicated to and understood and observed by all employees. Day to day responsibility is delegated to all management members who are responsible for implementing these principles, if necessary through more detailed guidance. Assurance of compliance is monitored and reported each year.