How to Promote a Company's Code of Ethics

A code of ethics is an important business document used to outline a company's beliefs, mission, goals, future plans, and what the company considers ethical or unethical in terms of everyday operating practices. A business' code of ethics can be promoted to employees and consumers, as well as to the press and the community. The code of ethics should be carefully, clearly and descriptively worded. In general, it should display honesty, integrity and adherence to professional standards in every aspect of the company's operating system.

Instructions

1. Distribute copies of the code of ethics to every employee. Make sure the code of ethics is presented well. Use company letterhead and date the material, since it might change. Comprise a preface to the code of ethics or cover letter, letting employees know the purpose of the document.

2. Schedule a staff meeting to go over the code of ethics. Present the code of ethics to employees in a way that will increase their enthusiasm about working for the company. According to Psychology Today, certain psychological factors can increase morale at a company. One of those is when team members see their work directly contributing to others lives, rather than simply bringing in profit. Employees also respond well to optimism from the company leaders, who can "help people see a brighter future beyond" the everyday aspects of business.

3. Use the code of ethics to increase morale, since this document can be particularly apt at doing so. The code of ethics should contain information about the company's beliefs, goals, moral standards, and specific operating practices that are considered ethical and unethical to the company.

   According to AllBusiness, a code of ethics can also be particularly affective when it contains rewards for ethical behavior, not just punishments for unethical behavior. Include ethical behavior in performance appraisals, for instance. Rewards make employees more likely to continue enforcing the ethics code if they are warded for doing so.

4. Present the information to employees in such a way that highlights their importance in the company's mission. According to Psychology Today, employees are more motivated to work when they feel like they are a part of the collective work. An important part of that is feeling like their ideas are heard, taken seriously and used in operating procedure. Offer employees an opportunity to voice their opinions on the code of ethics.

5. Use the code of ethics to increase consumer confidence. Post a copy of the code of ethics on the company's website or blog. Allow customers to comment on the code of ethics and contact the company about any questions concerning the code of ethics.

6. Take advantage of the public relations opportunity. Schedule a press conference with the local media to go over the tenants of the code of ethics. The community will likely respond well to such openness on the part of the company's representatives.

References

• Psychology Today: Boosting Employee Morale During Difficult Times
• AllBusiness: How Can We Encourage Ethical Behavior?