Annual Online Ethics Training

Business ethics are about distinguishing between right and wrong in work-related decisions and behaviors. According to the International Business Ethics Institute, ethics in the business world apply to how employees conduct themselves. To ensure employees adhere to a company's ethical standards, annual online ethics training is often a company-wide requirement.

Function

The purpose of annual online ethics training is to provide employees with a refresher course in the company's policies on ethics and ethical conduct. Most human resource departments track when annual online ethics training is due for the workforce, and reminders are sent to employees to complete the training within a fixed time frame.

Modules

Companies may create their own online ethics training through eLearning modules, or refer employees to external resources, such as companies that specifically create ethics training for business people. After completion of ethics training, employees get a certificate and/or credits that serve as documentation that they completed the course.

Effects

Enforcing annual online ethics training allows companies to do their due diligence to keep the workplace free from ethical violations. When ethics rules are breached, either intentionally or accidentally, the company can suffer from poor public image, the loss of investors and even law suits.

References

• International Business Ethics Institute: Business Ethics Primer