Using of a Code of Ethics in the Office

Not all business decisions are based on whether an action makes legal or fiscal sense. Sometimes, you’ll be confronted with the question of whether a particular action is morally right or wrong.

One way to help you deal with ethical concerns is to consult your company’s Code of Ethics. A Code of Ethics refers to a system of principles that govern right or moral behavior. If you have a statement in your Code that refers to the situation you are concerned with, then you automatically know how to move forward.

When it comes to ethics education, the fundamental question all employees must confront is not “Can I?” but “Should I?” Generally, history has demonstrated that ethical misconduct ends careers more quickly than mistakes in business judgment. Further, it is not always the perpetrator who suffers because the one who “does as he was told,” without fully considering the ethical consequences, often becomes the scapegoat when events turn sour.

A failure to be conscientious and ethical at work can affect relationships with family and friends. Conversely, adherence to moral standards on the job can have positive influences on society by promoting strong ethical behavior in all aspects of life.

While the basic principles that govern one’s professional life mirror those of one’s personal life, make sure you are familiar with your company’s specific Code of Ethics and/or operational guidelines. Ultimately, adhering to these principles will help propel you and your company to greatness.