Simply, the focus is work behavior of each and every employee...from the most senior person (the role model) on down!

 

An organization that manages the behavior of employees on a regular basis is likely to be more in touch with how well they are complying with the ethical standards of that organization.  The performance review process is the most valuable way to determine adherence, as such a process both improves communications and focuses on behaviors tied to performance.

  

It is very important that there is a mechanism for employees to express problems and concerns and managers are able to detect potential issues and appropriately handle them.  If your organization has an HR department, ethics is a topic that the department should ensure is a  focus when writing policies and assisting management with monitoring performance/behaviors related.

 

Ethics audits will ensure that employee behavior is consistent with the organization's code of conduct.

 

Neglecting ethics in an organization can result in severe outcomes.  Loss of faith in the employer by employees.  Morale declines.  Customers and clients will also take note. Customers leave hurting business significantly.  We know that what matters most in life is relationships, being respectful, honest, objective and fair are at the core of good relationships.  To violate any one of these is to put up some red flags and to reduce the credibility of your organization.  Relationships at all levels suffer, the costs are tremendous to any business or organization.

 

So, "put your  money where your mouth is" .  Put the time and energy into ensuring that your written stance on code of conduct and how you expect your organization's employees to behave/function is supported by ensuring the policies are being followed and violations are being handled appropriately.