Building a Code of Ethics
Shared values are more than lists of words hung on walls. They are operative
beliefs that people of any description can apply in their labor toward
a common vision. This common vision can be codified into a functional
Code of Ethics.
For more than twenty five years, the Institute for Global Ethics has surveyed
thousands of people worldwide, conducted focus groups, and worked with
organizations to define sets of core, shared, ethical values. Sometimes
these values sets become codes of ethics. Not surprisingly, the important
values chosen by people everywhere tend to look rather similar, even when
the value definition exercise is conducted in a language other than English.
Five values have typically dominated the landscape:
- Honesty
- Responsibility
- Respect
- Fairness
- Compassion
Creating a code by seeking and listing the values is not enough. The sincere
organization will request employees at all levels to decide how to apply
those values in their everyday activities. They will look at how the values
will affect planning and the process of determing organizational strategy.
The values will also function as analytical tools in making mission decisions
and in setting policy for personnel.
Contact the Institute today to schedule a time to discuss how we can help
your organization revise or develop its Code of Ethics.