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 (and doesn’t), and how it is communicated all play instrumental underlying roles in whether it has the power to influence not only perceptions, but actions.

BENCHMARKING DEFINED
A complete Code of Conduct analysis using Ethisphere Council methodology typically examines 43 elements. This benchmarking analysis focuses on eight of the more critical components. To download a copy of the Ethisphere Council’s whitepaper on the full 43 elements of an effective Code of Conduct, please click here.

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

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

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

Non-retaliation
Is there a stated and explicit non-retaliation commitment, and if so how clear is it?

Commitment to Stakeholders
Does the Code identify its stakeholders (e.g. customers, shareholders, employees, vendors, public) and if so, what level of ethics or compliance commitment is offered?

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

Learning Aids
Does the Code provide any learning aids: Q&As/ FAQs, checklists (e.g. do’s and don’ts), examples, case studies to help employees and other stakeholders understand key precepts?

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 August 31, 2007. If your Code has been revised and you would like an updated rating, please contact an Ethisphere representative.

CODES OF CONDUCT BENCHMARKED
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