Business Ethics in the Workplace
They must be honest themselves and expect honesty from their employees by establishing clear-cut guidelines and rewards. Unfortunately for some it will only be worth the paper it was written on. You can put out there what the expectation is but it is up to the individual to make the right decision. This is why it is so important that the people that are not following the rules are reported. It is vital to the success of the company.
Ethics play such a large role in whether a business is a success or failure. Without strict ethical policies in place it is difficult for a corporation to maintain the trust and loyalty of its customers. Employees want clear ethical standards to help guide them through unclear situations. No one wants to work for a company that does not stand by the beliefs of high ethics and integrity. Having high ethical standards increases pride and loyalty to the company. Look at what the lack of ethics cost Enron and the amount of devastation that followed.
There are not many ways to improve on the fifty-one-page document of the Worldwide Rules of Conduct. It speaks to most every ethical situation. There will always be situations that arise that are up to some self-interpretation. The key here is communication. What good will these rules do sitting around collecting dust? It is important that the rules are talked about and supported. It is equally as important that as an employee and a person, that we have a firm grasp on what is morally right and wrong.
References
Ruggiero, V. (2001). Beyond Feelings: A Guide to Critical Thinking. Mountain View:
Mayfield Publishing.