Writing a code of conduct for a corporation may be a difficult task in the beginning. The guidelines should be as impartial as it can go. It should never be pro-company or pro-employee alone. A definite balance between the two should be observed. In writing a code of conduct, the goal is to promote humanity and harmony between individuals' in spite of the difference in race, background, and beliefs.
Guidelines for developing a code of conduct.
A code of conduct should:
- Include Values, belief and expectation rather than facts.
- It should also be based on the organization’s values which are the basic upon which the code of conduct will grow.
- It should be simple and precise so that everyone can understand.
- Incorporate opinions from members of the organization so as to ensure rights of the document.
A code of conduct can be brief or comprehensive depending on the objective. It should address a wide variety of issues.
Three key factors when writing a code of conduct.
The choice of topic to be included in a code will be influenced by three factors:
- What are the principal laws and regulations applicable to the organizations?
- What guidance do we need to offer our intended users?
- What values and principal do we want to impart?
Management should ensure that all employees get a copy of the code.There is also a need to identify ethical principles that are most relevant to the organization.
Some of the values that need to be considered in drafting the code are:
- Integrity
- Justice
- Abuse of office
- Discrimination
- Conflicts of interest-policy which clarifies a conflict of interest is what staff should do in case of conflict and declaration of interest.
- Employee health and safety
- Maintaining records and information
- Privacy and confidentiality
- Punctuality, absenteeism and desertion
- General conduct and behaviour.
Moreover, certain company can have other rules and regulations that suits its need and unique circumstance.
The purpose of a code of conduct is to capture the spirit of the organization and to protect its culture.
By: S.Ramrekha
ReplyDeleteThe above discussion os too long and not relevant to the question. The question simply demands the definition of "code of conduct"
You difined that right at the beginning. C
A code of conduct can be defined as generally accepted rules that govern and regulate behavior relationship and action of members of an organization. Its objective is to promote a higher standard of practice within the organization.
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