A Code of Ethics in the Workplace

Corporate Values Establish Ethical Obligations in the

Workplace

What comprises a code of ethics in the workplace? This is an

issue I have addressed before and want to revisit in light of recent
questions raised about corporate ethics. It is critical for the
success of the American capitalistic economic system to start
focusing more on the ethical behavior of those at the top and pay
less attention to managing earnings, increasing stock prices, and
enhancing stock option packages. The Occupy movement started
with this concept in mind but, unfortunately, it has morphed into
a demand by the occupiers for economic equality and the
redistribution of wealth. Perhaps if companies made decisions
more ethically, the result would be a better balance of wealth
between the top earners in our country and the middle class.

In order to develop an effective code of ethics in the

workplace we must first identify potential ethical issues to
be covered by such a code. Here is my list. Ive restricted
the list to the top ten ethical issues from the perspective
of top management and employees in the workplace.

Misreporting the amount or number of hours worked.

Taking credit for the work of another person.

Stealing resources (i.e. cash, inventory) or falsifying financial

statements.

Treating others unfairly including employees, customers, and

suppliers.

Accepting gifts or other forms of payment that might cloud

ones objectivity in decision-making.

Getting too personal with any colleague or superior in a

professional setup. Sexual harassment occurs when such
actions create a hostile work environment.

Violating ones confidentiality obligation to the organization

by divulging sensitive information.
 Using sensitive company information for personal gain
including insider trading.

Misrepresentation of data, knowingly or unknowingly. It also

involves failing to report such misrepresentation by other
employees of the organization.

Failing to disclose all the information the public has a right

to know. This would include product safety and financial
information.

In developing a code of ethics my preference is to use a

values-based approach. I have previously discussed what I
call the six pillars of corporate character. Here they are:

Honesty

Do not lie or deceive stakeholders in conducting business

operations fully disclose all the information that stakeholders
have a right to know

Trustworthiness

Act in a reliable manner by exercising diligence in business

decision making

Be consistent and dependable in word and deed

Fairness

Judge performance in the workplace in an unbiased manner act in

accordance with established standards of behavior (i.e. code of
conduct)

Integrity

Keep promises and carry through decisions with ethical action act
to prevent improper behavior or to stop it once it has been
detected

Responsibility

Meet obligations to stakeholders accept the consequences of

decisions and act to improve corporate behavior

Civic virtue
Follow the laws and customs of society Act in a socially
responsible manner

I believe these values cover virtually all activities and

relationships that confront corporate America. They are
inspirational statements that cry out for meaningful
corporate commitment to save our free-market economic
system. I hope this blog stimulates debate on the ethical
obligations of corporate management at a time when our
very economic system is under attack.