Write a Code of Ethics for your organization.
Ethics can be broadly defined as moral principles that address what is considered good and bad; and an individual’s obligation. A code of ethics is a set of standards to guide members of an organization in the way they should conduct themselves. Any kind of organization, formal or informal, has a code of conduct for its members.( i.e. Girl scouts, gangs, churches) This code of conduct is decided upon by the leader, or collectively by the members. A code of ethics is also used as a place where rules are set forth, values explained, and guidance provided to members of an organization.
The ethics resource centre website provides a definition of Ethics as “A central guide and reference for users in support of day-to-day decision making. It is meant to clarify and communicate an organization's mission, values, ideals and principles, linking them with standards of professional conduct. A code is also a tool to encourage discussions of ethics and to improve how employees/members deal with the ethical dilemmas, prejudices and gray areas that are encountered in everyday work. A code is meant to complement relevant standards, policies and rules, not to substitute for them. (Ethics resource centre, 2008)”
A code of conduct helps organizations build a strong culture, and create a positive public image for themselves, which may benefit the organization’s public confidence and trust. Davis writes that “it is important to develop a code of ethics that is ‘user-friendly’, one that suits those who will use it.” (Davis M, 2007) That mean the code must be written concisely and in simple language that everyone can understand. When addressing the subject of how to write code the ‘right’ way, Davis argues that there isn’t a ‘right’ way,” Some people claim that codes of ethics should be short or they will not be used; others say that they must be long or they will not say much of use. Some claim that a code should include principles of...