Code of Conduct
A code of conduct can be referred to a set of instructions or rules that outline the religious responsibilities and rules, the social norms and last but not least the proper behavior or practices of an individual. It is written to protect society and inform the subjects of their expectations. In most cases, codes of conducts are formulated by organizational leaders such as the leaders of society or those of a business entity who tend to manifest their personal ethics in their behavior and attitude. For effective implementation of the code of conduct, the implementation should be part of the process of learning requiring training, consistency in enforcement as well as continued improvement. The aim of this paper is to express a personal perspective on the code of conduct through a review of its strengths and weaknesses.
Studies have shown that codes of conducts tend to focus on personal obligations as well as those of the organization for the case of companies or business firms. Most codes of conducts or ethics codes are designed in a manner that broad principles are found in a preamble (Carolei, 1). Having a good code of conduct in an organization or society aids in the building of credibility and trust among stakeholders advancing the overall benefit of all. Codes of conduct ensure that everyone conforms to the stipulated rules and regulations ensuring equality as all stakeholders work from a similar playbook (Bohler, 2). This way, it supports the mission and aids in the self-definition.
Bohler, (2) asserts that through the documentation of ethics, subjects such as employees in a firm have the ability to raise alarm in cases of an ethical sidestep, preventing band behavior from going unchecked. Therefore the code of conduct gives them the ability to speak the truth in power. Similarly, it affirms social responsibility in cases where for instance an individual leads by example an others are obliged to follow his or her footsteps(Carolei, 1). Through this means a sense of responsibility is achieved in a society in general. Last but not least, a code of conduct brings about recourse and accountability through which individuals have the ability to redress their grievances.
Despite the success associated with codes of conduct, there are limitations and shortcomings associated with codes of conduct such as lack of stability. In spite of the fact that they are developed from co-operating values and nothing holds societies or corporations to their codes, therefore, the respective heads can revise them to suit the organization’s current desires and needs (Bohler, 2). Similarly, there are codes of conducts that promote unethical corporate behaviors such as those limiting the subjects’ ability to speak out upon oppression just to keep them from losing their jobs. Such codes of ethics result in further oppression of individuals.
In conclusion, despite the downfalls associated with the code of conduct, it still remains to be the most powerful measure that is responsible for most of the improvements in co-operating governance as well as the establishment of senior management in institutions. A society with an acceptable code of conduct remains well-administered as well as profitable and therefore, from a personal perspective, codes of conducts are worth keeping for a better future.
Cited works
Bohler, S. (2018). Accommodate disabilities when applying the conduct code. Student Affairs Today, 21(2), 7-7. Pg. 2 doi: 10.1002/say.30470
Carolei, D. (2019). Charity self-regulation: a commentary on the NCVO’s Code of Ethics 2018. Voluntary Sector Review. Pg. 1 doi: 10.1332/204080519×15478198972992