ABSTRACT
Organizations function within a complex web of stakeholders, and their interests range from profit maximization, brand and market share protection and expansion, and compliance with laws and regulations. Adherence to ethical practices is a common expectation. The Code of Ethics (COE) should be as comprehensive as feasible, providing guidance and examples of acceptable and unacceptable behaviors. The COE should be presented to newly hired employees during the onboarding process upon hire, and opportunities to ask questions should be available so new employees understand its applicability and intent. The COE should be reviewed periodically to make sure it is meeting the organization's needs and is updated as conditions change. The COE outlines the mission and values of the organization, how those affiliated with it are supposed to behave, make decisions, and approach problems. The COE is an important component of an organization's governance infrastructure and should be included in an audit of the corporate culture.
