Persuasive Report

Should companies be required to have, and follow, a code of ethics? Why or why not?

Prepared by

Report Distributed October 7, 2012

Prepared for Brenau University

Abstract

This paper explores why the code of ethics in business promotes ethical behavior. Businesses should have a code of ethics in place to provide the rules and behavior it expects from all employees. Rules are put in place to dictate what is right or wrong or unacceptable in the organization.

Business should provide employee awareness and training of the code to assist in promoting ethical behavior. Having a code of ethics in place alone does not impact ethical behavior. It is not sufficient when employees are not trained on ethical behavior. When the code of ethics is well written and pertains to the specific business, it provides a clearer understanding for the employees. Incorporating employee values into writing the code of ethics impact how the employee will perceive the company and make decisions.

Research shows that when employees are aware and trained it impacts the decision made. By properly communicating these codes will be embedding in the employees to make the best decision. Employees will know how making the unethical decision will affect them, the company, and the shareholders. Employees will then use this as a guide to make ethical decisions. By adding and implementing changes on the code of ethics will significantly impact positive behavior among the employees.

KEY WORDS: code of ethics, ethical behavior, awareness, communication, training

Introduction

All business strives to promote ethical behaviors within their organization. Most businesses have a code of ethics in place and provide their employees with a handbook to read. The ethics and morals wanted by employees should be encouraged from the Business. Employees are not motivated to learn and understand the code of ethics from a piece of paper or handbook provided. This report will talk about problems of having...