ABSTRACT
A business code can be said to consist of different layers that can be depicted in the shape of a pyramid. This code pyramid consists of four layers. The lower the layer the more concrete and detailed the expectations of the conduct of managers and employees. At the top we find the mission and vision of the organisation and directly below the core values of the organisation followed by the organisation's responsibilities towards stakeholders. The bottom layer comprises the norms and rules applicable to managers and employees. These distinct dimensions of the code do not stand alone, but together they form the moral structure and fibre of the organisation. Business codes diverge as to scope. Many companies opt for individual sub-codes to supplement the business code. Organisations that do not have a business code often have specific regulations: for example, for the use of the internet, sideline jobs, security, privacy, insider trading, harassment and complaints.
