Step 3
Create a code of conduct
Does your company have a code of conduct (also known as a code of ethics)?
- Get buy-in from management to create a code of conduct.
- Develop the code. It should reflect your business context, and clearly define your standards, the values most important to your company, and your expectations for how employees should act in any given situation. Consider engaging management and employees to help shape the code. The code isn’t just for your workforce; it should also apply to all suppliers, agents and partners.
- Common elements of a code include:
* A strong message from leadership on the code’s purpose
* Company values and ethical priorities
* Statements or commitments on ethical matters relevant to your business
* Guides and rules for employees, including how to handle conflicts of interest and appropriate actions to take if they encounter ethical violations
- The code can be published as its own document and/or integrated into other governance documents such as employee or supplier contracts.