//BY GREG ALLEN AND DOUGLAS ALLEN

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 revised its methodology to more accurately reflect the most up-to-date best practices.

OVERALL GRADE METHODOLOGY
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: Public Availability (5%); Tone From the Top (15%); Readability & Tone (20%); Non-Retaliation & Reporting (10%); Values & Commitments (10%); Risk Topics (20%); Comprehension Aids (5%); Presentation & Style (15%).

BENCHMARKING DEFINED

A complete Code of Conduct analysis using Ethisphere Institute methodology typically examines 57 elements. This benchmarking analysis focuses on eight of the more critical components:

Public Availability A Code should be made readily available to all stakeholders. What is the availability and ease of access to the Code?

Tone from the Top Level at which the leadership of the organization is visibly committed to the values and topics covered in the Code.

Readability and Tone What is the style and tone of the language used in the document? Is it easy to read and reflective of its targeted audience?

Non-Retaliation & Reporting 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?

Commitment & Values Does the Code embed corporate values or mission language? Does it identify the ethical commitments held to its stakeholders (e.g. customers, vendors, communities)?

Risk Topics Does the Code address all of the appropriate and key risk areas for the company’s given industry?

Comprehension Aids Does the Code provide any comprehension aids (Q&As/FAQs, checklists, examples, case studies) to help employees and other stakeholders understand key concepts?

Presentation and Style How compelling (or difficult) is the Code to read? This depends on layout, fonts, pictures, taxonomy and structure.

*These Codes were found publicly available on each company’s website as of July 31, 2008. If your Code has been revised and you would like an updated rating, please contact an Ethisphere representative.

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