A code of conduct brings together the values and standards that accompany the philosophy, vision and mission of a company or organization to achieve harmonious coexistence, facilitate decision-making and contribute to the fulfillment of collective purposes.
Code of conduct is the name of a tool that is used in numerous areas to establish guidelines and guidelines that must be complied with and respected on a mandatory basis.
This expression, as deduced from the theory, encompasses rules and regulations that are adopted in companies, entities, associations and public organizations in order to maintain a certain behavior or way of proceeding corporately among all members of an entity.
It is a concept present in multiple branches of Law , having applications and its own identity in the segments of Competition , Administrative , International Private and Commercial Law.
The document designed to constitute a code of conduct must be written with clarity and precision with the objective of specifying how personnel should act and promote optimal organizational performance.
Purposes of the code of conduct
The purposes of a code of conduct are aimed at achieving a good work environment, a harmonious coexistence based on respect and ensuring that no one's rights are violated, always adapting to the laws in force in the nation corresponding to said publication.
The content, prepared with formal language, must detail rules, measures, criteria and values that ensure a safe work environment and professional ethics. In addition, it must serve as a behavioral guide to prevent misdemeanors and crimes, leading each member of the company or organization to behave in accordance with the corporation's code of ethics .
In this way, there is room in this type of writing for all actions and reactions that are based on professionalism and integrity . Courtesy , responsibility , transparency and honesty are usually required in this text, beyond seeking to safeguard privacy through confidentiality , data protection and non-invasive interactions. At the same time, it is made clear that any inappropriate behavior will be subject to a sanction.
Common sense indicates that acts such as harassment , violation of human rights or acts of discrimination , to list a few, should never be endorsed, justified or forgiven in the public or private sector (or anywhere).
Through the code of conduct, guidelines are drawn up to promote cooperation and camaraderie, simultaneously discouraging any crime or unfair, unethical or degrading practice.
Beyond serving to indicate which behaviors are permitted and which are prohibited, the code of conduct can be used to mention dress standards and explain how to manage and confront a possible conflict of interest .
Preparation, management, implementation and scope of the document
It is essential, for an adequate result of the code of conduct , that time, commitment and work be allocated to the preparation, management, implementation and evaluation of the scope of that document.
It is suggested, first of all, to form a committee or board with authorities and representatives of areas in charge of human resources and legal issues. The ideal is to form a group that has an odd number of members to facilitate the voting process.
It is also valuable to invite each member of the company or organization where the material is made (regardless of the position or hierarchy of the workers) to contribute ideas and suggestions.
The commission in charge of writing must analyze the proposals, select the most enriching and appropriate ones and incorporate them into the general text, of which a draft is first made. Among the aspects to be discussed and resolved is the disciplinary policy to be implemented when non-compliance or faults are detected, that is, what sanctions will be imposed for violations of the code of conduct and how they will be applied. After discussing each item and reaching a general agreement, the approval and signature stage takes center stage. Next, the work must be disseminated and communicated through appropriate channels and methods.
Over time, holding meetings and sending internal communications will serve to remember this content. And if you hire new employees or add members to the team of a non-profit organization, you must read and sign a copy of the code of ethics and conduct along with the contract . Far from being archived, the code of conduct needs to be valued, enforced effectively and be subjected, every certain period of time, to a review and update plan.
Good customer treatment requires active listening, respect, cordiality, fair treatment and ethical and efficient actions by the staff of a company or organization.
Benefits of the code of conduct
Implementing and enforcing a code of conduct in a work environment has multiple benefits.
Thanks to it, business policies are reaffirmed, consolidated and communicated, order is strengthened, ethical decision-making is stimulated and social ties are improved.
Cooperation is even encouraged, a key point for the success of the teamwork modality and it is guaranteed that both the corporate vision and mission can be implemented on a daily basis.
Broadly speaking, this ally of the combo based on harmony , health and well-being at work constitutes a great tool to establish good employment and coexistence practices, added to its usefulness to mark the identity and commitment framed in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). ) .