What’s In A Name Of An Ethics Code? DISCUSSION AND REPLY TO JEFFREY AND LORITA

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DISCUSSION:

Read Consider: What’s in a Name of an Ethics Code? in Chapter 9, then answer these following questions from the text:

  • Describe how the title of a company’s ethics document affects your  attitude about the content?. Do you find one title more attractive than  another?
  • Describe  the message that the title  “code of conduct” conveys?.  Does it reflect the purpose of the document to provide employee guidance  on expected conduct?
  • Propose creative titles for ethics codes for a pharmaceutical company and a restaurant. (Gonzalez-Padron, 2015).
  • Identify two other company ethics documents and share the titles of  their ethics documents (consider your own organization or one that you  are familiar with for this question).

Your response must be a minimum of 300 words.

Guided Response: Review several of your classmates’  posts and respond to at least two of your peers by 11:59 p.m. on Day 7  of the week. You are encouraged to post your required replies early  during the week to promote more meaningful interactive discourse in the  discussion.  When responding to your classmate, explain what you like  about his or her two proposed creative titles and offer suggestions for  improvement.

Your responses must be a minimum of 150 words.

JEFFREYS DISCUSSION REPLY:

 

Describe how the title of a company’s ethics document affects your attitude about the content?

Gonzalez-Padron (2015) described how the title of a company’s ethics  document can influence or affect how one might feel towards the  contents. For example, a rules-based code title may sound very  direct, strict, and punitive. It may even sound a little condescending;  you need to follow these rules or else. If the title has the term compliance,  it may imply that it’s only in place so that laws are followed and  adhered to but not convey the importance of business ethics as well.  Having the word values in the title describes an approach of  connecting employee behaviors with the company’s values. Integrity is  another possible word that can be used in a title to suggest good  business ethics.

Do you find one title more attractive than another?

Personally, I like the code of conduct term in a title. This  sounds like a guide in which to follow and adhere to without sounding  negative. It also sounds general and all-encompassing rather than just  being one sided on rules or business ethics.

Describe the message that the title “code of conduct”  conveys? Does it reflect the purpose of the document to provide employee  guidance on expected conduct?

Yes, I believe the title code of conduct properly reflects the purpose of the document. The word code means something in which to follow. Conduct means how you should act or behave. Therefore, code of conduct  is a set of rules or regulations in which one should act or behave.  This is both applicable towards ethical behavior in the workplace and  creating an ethical culture.

Propose creative titles for ethics codes for a pharmaceutical company and a restaurant. (Gonzalez-Padron, 2015).

Some creative titles for a pharmaceutical company could be:

  • Dispensing Healthy Values
  • A Prescription for Positive Conduct
  • Just what the doctor ordered.

Some creative titles for a restaurant could be:

  • Acting in Good Taste
  • Savory Expectations
  • Avoid Getting Burned

Identify two other company ethics documents and share the  titles of their ethics documents (consider your own organization or one  that you are familiar with for this question). 

At my current employer, they have an ethics document called Compliance – Code of Ethics.  This document covers topics such as: compliance with laws, rules and  regulations, conflicts of interest, fair dealing, books and records  (accounting controls and disclosures), waivers, corporate opportunities,  and confidentiality. It also describes: protection and proper use of  company assets, gifts and entertainment, compliance resources, and  reporting procedures if employees witness any violations of the code.  Finally, it covers disciplinary action if there are any violations.

I found an ethics document from a previous employer. Their document is called Business Conduct Guidelines.  In this document they articulate their commitment to integrity and  compliance. They cover topics such as trust, employees, and assets.  Finally, they describe: legal obligations, honesty, respecting  intellectual property rights, treating others ethically, and business  responsibilities.

Reference:

Gonzalez-Padron, T. (2015). Business ethics and social responsibility for managers [Electronic version]. Retrieved from https://content.ashford.edu/

LORITAS DISCUSSION REPLY:

 

Describe how the title of a company’s ethics document affects your  attitude about the content? Do you find one title more attractive than  another?

When working for large and sometimes small organizations, you are  going to have to review and sign an ethics code eventually. Some people  believe ethics codes are to punish wrong doers when in fact the code of  ethics are put in place to protect employees and staff. The ethics code  documents provides tools to know exactly what behavior is expected on  your job. I find the code of business conduct more attractive because I  am familiar with that information. We have a business code of conduct  that is completed each year. The online course is a 2 hour class and the  document to sign electronically is at the end of the course. Many times  it is stressful because it describes everything that is accepted and  not accepted. It puts you in the mind frame to do the right thing all  the time.

Describe the message that the title “code of conduct” conveys? Does  it reflect the purpose of the document to provide employee guidance on  expected conduct?

The title code of conduct simply states the rules and regulations  that are accepted by the organization. “The individuals designing the  code should tailor it to reflect the organization’s unique culture,  risks, and history” (Gonzalez-Padron, T., 2015).

Propose creative titles for ethics codes for a pharmaceutical company and a restaurant.

Pharmaceutical company creative titles:
• Pure, Healthy and Clean and products
• Trusted and approved by doctors and nurses
• Products safe for the environment

Restaurant creative titles:
• Clean atmosphere for kids and adults
• Eat happy and stay healthy
Identify two other company ethics documents and share the titles of their ethics documents:

Coke Cola – Ethics & Compliance.  The core of the ethics and  compliance program at The Coca-Cola Company is our Code of Business  Conduct. The Code guides our business conduct, requiring honesty and  integrity in all matters. All of our associates and directors are  required to read and understand the Code and follow its precepts in the  workplace and larger community.

First American Insurance – CODE OF ETHICS AND CONDUCT
First  American Financial Corporation (the “Company”) is committed to the  promotion of compliance and ethical business conduct. The Code of Ethics  and Conduct (the “Code”) is intended to guide the Company’s employees,  officers and directors to support their efforts to comply with the laws  and regulations that impact the Company’s business.

Gonzalez-Padron, T. (2015). Business ethics and social responsibility  for managers [Electronic version]. Retrieved from  https://content.ashford.edu/