Code of Ethics

Code of Ethics

Doctors, lawyers, sports teams, basically any and every type of organization, has some form of a written Code of Ethics. A Code of Ethics, also known as Code of Conduct or Code of Practice, is a written document that an organization, it's supervisors, and all employees, or people who are part of the organization, should be introduced to and familiar with. This document serves as the basis for the actions of all persons belonging to the organization and as a result of this, if the Code is not followed, repercussions may be a result. BusinessDictionary.com defines Code of Ethics as: "written guidelines issued by an organization to its workers and management, to help them conduct their action in accordance with its primary values and ethical standards (BusinessDictionary.com, n.d). Organizations create these guidelines based on items that are necessary to ensuring their organizations run smoothly and that each member act honorably, with integrity, and treat each other and their customers fair and decent. Since these guiding principles are created by each individual organization they may be unique to an organization and cover items that another organization may not. In any event, a Code of Ethics is necessary "to define accepted/acceptable behaviors, to promote high standards of practice, to provide a benchmark for members to use for self-evaluation, to establish a framework for professional behavior and responsibilities, as a vehicle for occupational identity, and as a mark of occupational maturity." (MacDonald, n.d.). Having something like this documented in writing is an important first step but a Code of Ethics means nothing if the organization doesn't put forth the effort to ensure it is followed.

Acting ethically may be the one thing that can make or break even the best of organizations. Any organization can put words down on paper, cover them with all new employees and then post them on a bulletin board as a reminder but do they really think the employees are actually reading and remembering that information? Having a Code of Ethics in writing does not mean an organization and its members actually understand what the words actually mean and how important they are. An organization needs to ensure its members are provided with ethical training so they understand just what all these words mean to the organization. These Codes are only as effective and the organization makes them. Reinforcing these guidelines annually and providing training is a must if an organization wants to show its members that these are important guidelines and if they are not followed their will be consequences. Some components that should be covered as part of an ethics training program include: making it mandatory for all (including senior members), a strict standard for behavior in areas like responsibility, respect, fairness, and honestly, covering any relevant laws related to the organization, decision making models that individuals can discuss, resources for possible questions in the future, and role-playing scenarios (Mello, 2011, pp. 51-55).

Discussion

I decided to discuss my current employer, Southwest Region Fleet Transportation, for this section because I was never provided any type of ethical training and honestly never even knew they had a Code of Ethics until I was asked in a previous class to provide my organizations Code of Ethics. I asked a supervisor and he explained that the document was posted on the board in the break room (we have two boards that cover about 75% of two walls and the boards are completely covered with "important" documents to read). The Code of Ethics for U.S. Government Service was adopted July 11, 1958. It states that "any person in Government service" should follow the ten items outlined (About.com, 2011). Most of the items are basic and cover things like loyalty to moral principles