Issues and Codes

Issues of Conduct:
Corruption
 Codes of Conduct
- sometimes interchangeably called Code of
Ethics
- is a management tool for setting out an
organizations values, responsibilities and
ethical obligations
- Generally accepted rules that govern and
regulate behavior, relationships and actions
of members of an organization/ institution
- Provides employees with guidance for
handling difficult ethical situations related to
the entity
 Difference between Code of Conduct
and Code of Ethics
Code of Conduct Code of Ethics
A code of conduct A code of ethics is a
typically is issued by a document, usually
board of directors, it issued by a board of
outlines specific directors, that
behaviors that are outlines a set of
required or prohibited as principles that affect
a condition of ongoing decision-making.
employment. Generally are wide-
Governs action. ranging and non-
specific.
Similarities between Code of Conduct
and Code of Ethics

Both a Code of Conduct and

Code of Ethics are similar as
they are used in an attempt to
encourage specific forms of
behaviour by employees.
 Code of Conduct: Purpose

The Code is intended to be a centra

guide and reference on the conduct
of employees in support of day-to-day
decision making.

It is also intended to clarify an

organizations vision, mission, values
and principles, linking them with
standards of professional conduct
 Code of Conduct: Purpose

It provides visible guidelines to regulate

behavior

It serves as a tool to encourage

discussions of ethics and to guide
employees when dealing with ethical
dilemmas, prejudices and gray areas
that are encountared in everday work
and life encounters.
 Code of Conduct: Purpose

It compliments standards, policies and

rules of an organization
It helps create a positive institutional
identity
Formulation of an Effective Code of
Conduct
A Code of Conduct should:
Include values, beliefs and expectations
rather than facts.
Be based on the organizations values
Be simple and precise
Provide what constitutes acceptable and
unacceptable conduct
Give examples when it is appropriate to do
so
Incorporate opinions from members of the
organization
 Common Provisions for Codes of
Conduct
Integrity Selflessness
Professionalism Objectivity
Service delivery Honesty
Respect Loyalty
Accountability Leadership
Transparency Decency
Justice
Republic Act No. 6713 Section 4
(Norms of Conduct of Public Officials and Employees )

a) Commitment to public interest

b) Professionalism
c) Justness and sincerity
d) Political neutrality
e) Responsiveness to the public
f) Nationalism and patriotism
g) Commitment to democracy
h) Simple living
Developing a Code of Conduct: A
Step-by-Step Guide
Developing a Code of Conduct: A Step-
by-Step Guide
1. Gathering Information
The initial step in developing a code of conduct is for the
code development committee to compile ideas as to
what the code should include.
Important questions to consider include:
What laws and regulations impact our business and
require strict compliance?
What types of ethical dilemmas have we faced in the
past, and what types could we face in the future?
Are there any ethical gray areas that we need to
address?
Developing a Code of Conduct: A Step-
by-Step Guide
2. Creating the Draft
Identification of the provision or topic, such as
conflicts of interest, use of company property,
discrimination, etc.
Definition of the core principle
Intent of the provision
Guidelines employees should follow for making
a decision when faced with a dilemma
Example of a typical scenario and how to
resolve the matter in accordance with the code
Developing a Code of Conduct: A Step-
by-Step Guide
3. Reviewing the Draft
The code development task force should
conduct the review and perform any necessary
edits.
Test drive the code by submitting it to a
targeted group of employees and stakeholders
who are not otherwise involved in the code
development process and incorporate their
feedback as appropriate
Developing a Code of Conduct: A Step-
by-Step Guide
4. Formally Adopting the Code
The code of conduct should be formally adopted
by the appropriate parties, which typically
involves presenting it before the organizations
board of directors for approval.
Adoption legitimizes the code and expresses the
organizations sincere commitment to instilling
an ethical culture.
In smaller companies, ownership or top
management should bear the responsibility of
adopting or approving the completed code.
Developing a Code of Conduct: A Step-
by-Step Guide
5. Introducing the Code
A wide-scale introduction of a code of
conduct is essential for its successful
implementation
Developing a Code of Conduct: A Step-
by-Step Guide
6. Enforcing the Code
Deployment of an anonymous hotline to
facilitate the process of reporting acts of
misconduct
References:
http://www.eacc.go.ke/docs/Code_of_Conduct.pdf
http://smallbusiness.chron.com/code-business-conduct-2732.html
http://www.ncda.gov.ph/integrity-development-action-plan/related-
idap-laws/rules-implementing-the-code-of-conduct-and-ethical-
standards-for-public-officials-and-employees-republic-act-no-6713/
http://www.eacc.go.ke/docs/Code_of_Conduct.pdf
https://www.lighthouse-
services.com/documents/Developing%20a%20Code%20of%20Con
duct%20[A%20Step-by-Step%20Guide].pdf
http://www.robinsonsland.com/code-of-business-conduct-and-ethics/
https://www.dole.gov.ph/files/Employee%20Guidebook%20as%20of
%202013-10-07.pdf