CODE OF ETHICS OF INSTITUTIONS AND ORGANIZATIONS - JOB - 2025

The code of ethics of institutions and organizations is a guide of principles designed so that their members conduct themselves honestly and with integrity.

This set of institutional guidelines is used to reduce ethical vagueness within an organization. Likewise, they serve as a means of reinforcing 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 lessen the burden of ethical decision-making regarding gray areas.

Features

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, she determines the parameters of conduct for the entire 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, which must 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, promoting 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.

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 food 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.

References

1. Investopedia. (s / f). Code of ethics. Retrieved on November 29, 2017, from investopedia.com
2. Dutelle, AW (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, JS (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