Code of Ethics of Institutions and Organizations

The code of ethics of institutions and organizations It is a guide of principles designed for members of these to conduct themselves honestly and with integrity..

This set of institutional guidelines is used to reduce ethical vagueness within an organization. In the same way, they serve as a means to reinforce ethical conduct..

In this sense, it is the organizational leaders who establish these principles based on moral values..

These codes generally contain general expectations, not specific ones. Therefore, by reducing vagueness, they help reduce the burden of ethical decision-making regarding gray areas..

Functions of codes of ethics in institutions and organizations

1- They define rights and duties

A code of ethics begins with the definition of the principles on which it is based, establishing two normative axes: rights and duties..

When rights are defined, the code of ethics fulfills the function of delineating the profile of the group members. Meanwhile, when defining the duties, it determines the parameters of conduct of the whole group..

2- They establish standards, principles and rules

Codes of ethics can define standards, determine principles, and prescribe rules. A distinction must be made between these concepts to understand the scope of these types of codes..

Standards guide human behavior. These outline the desirable traits, which must be exhibited; and the undesirables, to be avoided.

The principles establish responsibilities, but do not specify the required conduct. Finally, the rules specify a particular conduct, leaving no room for personal judgment..

Codes of ethics hold people accountable for their performance and define professional behavior, to promote a sense of pride, tolerance and responsibility.

3- They serve as a disciplinary element

Similarly, a very important function is that they often serve as the basis for disciplinary action related to ethical violations..

Example of a code of ethics

In general, the code of ethics of institutions and organizations must reflect the philosophy, values ​​and style of these entities. Some codes are brief and set out only general guidelines. Others are lengthy manuals, covering a wide variety of situations.

Food company

For example, the code of ethics for a very successful mayonnaise company has only 10 very short rules..

In the introduction he suggests that employees should allow values ​​to guide their actions in all cases. It also emphasizes that if something doesn't seem right, it should be addressed directly..

It also includes an exhortation policy that requires employees to speak up if they become aware of any code violations. This includes those cases in which they see themselves compromised.

The 10 rules of the code of ethics of this company are the following:

1. Prepare foods that can be eaten safely.
2. Market responsibly.
3. Treat people fairly.
4. Respect the free market.
5. Compete fair.
6. Respect the enviroment
7. Deal with the government honestly.
8. Keep accurate books and records.
9. Never exchange inside information.
10. Offer the company total commercial loyalty.

Prisa Group

PRISA is an audiovisual media conglomerate founded in Spain in 1972. Its presence includes written press (El País, AS), television (Canal +), radio (Cadena Ser) or editorials (Santillana).

This company has a Compliance Unit, which is in charge of supervising and promoting the ethical behavior of employees and the internal regulations of the organization..

In turn, this unit performs other functions such as the operation and compliance with the Group's criminal prevention model or compliance with current legislation in each country where it is present..

For this, it has an ethical code that is approved by the Board of Directors and that is updated according to the needs of the moment..

References

1. Investopedia. (s / f). Code of ethics. Retrieved on November 29, 2017, from investopedia.com
2. Dutelle, A. W. (2011). Ethics for the Public Service Professional. Boca Raton: CRC Press.
3. Fisher, F. (2002). Developing and Managing Professional Codes of Ethics. Nairobi: UN-HABITAT.
4. Greenberg, J. S. (2001). The Code of Ethics for the Health Education Profession: A Case Study. London: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
5. Magloff, L. (s / f)). Examples of a Code of Ethics for Business. Retrieved on November 29, 2017, from smallbusiness.chron.com