Establishing ethics by using a committee can simplify the process.
Establishing a code of ethics can be challenging for any business organization. The multicultural nature of the business world makes it difficult to establish a universal ethics system that does not challenge or run completely contrary to the ethics of workers, clients and potential business partners. A presentation on the University of Auburn website notes that the reputation of a business is closely tied to its ethics system. Properly done, a code of ethics can serve as a source of motivation for all involved.
Instructions
1. Establish a committee to determine the ethics guidelines. Trying to establish an ethics code on your own can be a frustratingly cumbersome process. An ethics committee should consist of several different representative points-of-view. By having a committee determine what the major ethical guidelines will be for your organization, you can help ensure that these mandates do not violate the basic rights of individuals you work with or those that work for you.
2. Apply the "Golden Rule" as the standard by which your guidelines are established. This is the idea that ethical behavior involves treating others in the same manner that you would prefer they treat you. By making this the standard by which you establish the remainder of your ethical guidelines, you can ensure that employees and colleagues make decisions with other people in mind besides themselves. This attitude of selflessness can have a contagious effect and boost the morale of everyone in the organization.
3. Establish a system for educating employees about ethical guidelines. Educating employees regarding expected standards will assist you in ensuring that employees not only what they should do but also how they should do it as well. Teach employees to ask a series of questions when faced with an ethical dilemma. Questions to ask can be those related to the action's legality, how it will make the employee and other employees feel as a result of the action and where employees should go to ask further questions when faced with an ethical problem.
4. Codify your ethics by putting them into print and making them available for all employees. Ethics guidelines should be readily available to employees so that they can utilize them as a reference guide whenever they need to. Require your employees to read the guidelines in their entirety. You can give them a quiz or examination afterward to reinforce learning and to ensure that they fully understand the requirements.
