An organization’s Code of Conduct, alternatively referred to as Code of Ethics or Code of Business Standards, is the stated commitment of the behavioral expectations that an organization holds for its employees and agents. Such Codes are now commonplace for most corporations, increasingly shared not only with employees, but with customers and the public at large as well. To be successful, a Code must be believable by all stakeholders to which it applies. Certainly the subject corporation’s commitment in action has significant impact.
However, how the Code itself is written, what it contains, omits and how it is communicated all play instrumental underlying roles in whether it has the power to influence not only perceptions, but actions. Having reviewed over 800 Codes of Conduct, the Ethisphere editorial team has created the following methodology:
*These Codes were found publicly available on each company’s website as of February 10th, 2009. If your Code has been revised and you would like an updated rating, please contact Stefan Linssen at slinssen@ethisphere.org.
Each Code is rated by a panel of experts from the Ethisphere Institute and an aggregate score is derived through application of the following sub-scores:
1. PUBLIC AVAILABILITY: 5% A Code should be made readily available to all stakeholders. What is the availability and ease of access to the Code?
2. TONE FROM THE TOP: 15% Level at which the leadership of the organization is visibly committed to the values and topics covered in the Code.
3. READABILITY & TONE: 20% What is the style and tone of the language used in the document? Is it easy to read and reflective of its targeted audience?
4. NON-RETALIATION & REPORTING: 10% Is there a stated and explicit non-retaliation commitment and dedicated resources available for making reports of code violations? If so, is it presented clearly?
5. VALUES & COMMITMENTS: 10% Does the Code embed corporate values or mission language? Does it identify the ethical commitments held to its stakeholders (e.g., customers, vendors, communities)?
6. RISK TOPICS: 20% Does the Code address all of the appro- priate and key risk areas for the com- pany’s given industry?
7. COMPREHENSION AIDS: 5% Does the Code provide any comprehension aids (Q&As/FAQs, checklists, examples, case studies) to help employees and other stakeholders understand key concepts?
8. PRESENTATION & STYLE: 15% How compelling (or difficult) is the Code to read? This depends on layout, fonts, pictures, taxonomy and structure.
