Codes of Ethics and Codes of Conduct

Codes of ethics and conduct have proliferated in part because of increasing public concern about the way Governments, organizations or companies do business and engage with public or customer.

Codes of ethics, which govern decision-making, and codes of conduct, which govern actions, represent two of the most common ways that companies/Gov./Org. self-regulate. These codes provide direction to employees and establish a public image of good behavior, which is beneficiary for all.

Code of ethics and code of conduct specify the ethical standards that a group (e.g., staff or a professional group) should follow in order to continue as a member of the group. They are generally formally stated and members are required to accept them as part of their membership of the group while accepting employment/membership.

Code of Ethics

A code of ethics is a document that outlines a set of principles that affect decision-making. For example, a code of ethics might stipulate that XYZ Corporation is committed to environmental protection and green initiatives. The expectation is that individual employees, when faced with the option, will select the greenest solution.

Code of Conduct

A code of conduct outlines specific behaviors that are required or prohibited as a condition of ongoing employment. A code of conduct ‘outlines a fundamental set of principles’. It helps to explain why members of an organization should behave in a certain way, what actions are prohibited and also how to determine which action is ethical or unethical.

A code of conduct might forbid sexual harassment, racial intimidation or viewing inappropriate or unauthorized content on organization computers. These are rigorous standards that usually are tightly enforced by leaders.

There is considerable information that codes, along with other measures, have helped pull some organizations out of the morass of scandal, and have helped many organizations build a healthier work climate and reputation.

For Indian Civil Services, there is Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964.

The Narendra Modi government has issued a revised code of conduct for bureaucrats that requires them to be politically neutral, honest, impartial and maintain high ethical standards. The amended rules state that every member of the All India Services, which includes the IAS and IPS, shall be courteous and responsive to the public, particularly the weaker sections, and ensure accountability and transparency in discharge of his duties.