Why ethical codes are important

It can also serve as a valuable reference, helping employees locate relevant documents, services and other resources related to ethics within the organization. For additional information about the benefits of a code, see Creating a Workable Company Code of Ethics pp.

Externally, a code serves several important purposes: Compliance : Legislation i. Marketing : A code serves as a public statement of what the company stands for and its commitment to high standards and right conduct.

Another avenue to dust off your Code of Ethics is to review your communication regarding your Code of Ethics. Take a walk in your prospect and members shoes by verifying that your Code of Ethics is easy to find on your website. Also, take a moment to review your new member welcome email and renewal emails for Code of Ethics value statements. Published violation procedures reinforce the validity of your code. Ready to learn more about what benefits your organizations can offer to retain members?

Download the Member Engagement and Loyalty Study. This will close in 0 seconds. Contact Us Client Support. Join YM for a free minute demo to learn how to save staff time with streamlined operations. Get tips to what to look for and checklists of basic functionality and technology considerations. This guide includes tips and techniques that make it easy to develop personas — even if your association has a small staff.

How member sentiments and industry changes are making way for associations to better serve their membership — even in uncertain times. Select Page. For example, Rule 1. Competent representation requires the legal knowledge, skill, thoroughness and preparation reasonably necessary for the representation. Like lawyers, physicians are held to a universal code of conduct because of their chosen profession.

The American Medical Association addresses everything from patient care to relationships with other staff members. For example:. A physician shall respect the law and recognize a responsibility to seek changes in those requirements which are contrary to the best interests of the patient. Financial advisers are legally bound to a code of ethics known as a fiduciary duty.

This code requires them to act in the best interest of their clients. Certified public accountants CPAs are expected to follow similar ethical standards of truthfulness, objectivity and integrity. Professional educators are typically held to a universal code of ethics that is designed to protect the rights of all students.

The code of ethics can vary from school to school or differ slightly in each state, but the basic principles always remain the same: Teachers are required to show impartiality, integrity and ethical behavior in the classroom and in their conduct with parents and colleagues.

Businesses often establish a professional code of ethics to help employees decide if certain behaviors are acceptable. Some examples of this are:. Obeying the law: Companies may specify guidelines that require employees to abide by the law.

Caring and consideration policies: Companies may establish policies requiring employees to behave in a caring and considerate manner. For example, if you provide home healthcare services to senior citizens, treating the patient and their family with care and consideration can impact your ability to obtain new clients.

Employers could also include these policies about how employees treat one another. This can ensure everyone understands that behaving with consideration and compassion is a baseline expectation and that other behavior will not be tolerated. Related: Valuable Examples of Integrity at Work. Here are the steps you can follow to create your own professional code of ethics for your company:. The first step to creating a code of ethics is deciding the values that are important to your company.

Putting these rules in place early on will help your company grow the way you want it to. For example, as your organization develops and expands, you will be hiring new employees, and you want them to understand the values of your organization before you bring them into the workplace. Request your employees participate in crafting your code of ethics.