Integrating Ethics Into Your Organization
Ethics remains an essential element of any responsible company. Here are some important points to keep in mind to help integrate ethics and values into your organization.
1.Understand that the intensified focus on value and ethics is not
a passing fad. It's here to stay - encouraged by an around-the-
clock news cycle and latest reputation-defining tools such as
blogs. Like it or not, transparency owns the future. Values
and ethics are bedrock issues for organizations of all types
and sizes.
2. Live your code of ethics. Make sure behaviors match words.
Be very clear about what constitutes unacceptable behavior.
Go beyond compliance - aspire to integrity.
3. Understand that it's all about the T-word - trust - and that trust
is bankable. Share the best and worst practices of others with
your management team. Hold yourself accountable and
expect others to do the same.
4. Reputation starts with your own employees and builds up from
there. Drive the ethics conversation deep into your
organization. Use real-life scenarios to demonstrate the
importance of every employee doing the right things. Empower
every employee to talk about what your company stands for.
5. Emphasize problem prevention. Listen to the signals of
potential trouble and take action. Protect those who come
forward. Be an organization committed to constant
improvement and provide a range of training that supports this
goal.
Article by Davis Young for The Public Relations Strategist, Winter, 2009 Edition