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Codes of Ethical Conduct: A Bottom-Up Approach

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  • Ronald Hill
  • Justine Rapp

Abstract

Developing and implementing a meaningful code of conduct by managers or consultants may require a change in orientation that modifies the way these precepts are determined. The position advocated herein is for a different approach to understanding and organizing the guiding parameters of the firm that requires individual reflection and empowerment of the entire organization to advance their shared values. The processes involved are discussed using four discrete stages that move from the personal to the work team and to the unit to the full company, followed by the board of directors’ evaluation. The hoped-for end product is dynamic, employee-driven, codes of conduct that recognize the systemic and far-reaching impact of organizational activities across internal and external stakeholders. Operational details for and some issues associated with its implementation are also provided. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2014

Suggested Citation

  • Ronald Hill & Justine Rapp, 2014. "Codes of Ethical Conduct: A Bottom-Up Approach," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 123(4), pages 621-630, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:123:y:2014:i:4:p:621-630
    DOI: 10.1007/s10551-013-2013-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Vitolla, Filippo & Raimo, Nicola & Rubino, Michele & Garegnani, Giovanni Maria, 2021. "Do cultural differences impact ethical issues? Exploring the relationship between national culture and quality of code of ethics," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 27(1).
    2. G. Venkat Raman & Swapnil Garg & Sneha Thapliyal, 2019. "Integrative Live Case: A Contemporary Business Ethics Pedagogy," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 155(4), pages 1009-1032, April.
    3. Mukhtaruddin Mukhtaruddin & M. Adam & Isnurhadi Isnurhadi & Luk Luk Fuadah, 2020. "Implementation of Social Culture in Corporate Governance: A Literature Study," International Journal of Financial Research, International Journal of Financial Research, Sciedu Press, vol. 11(1), pages 293-306, January.
    4. Zdeněk Caha & Jan Urban & Tomáš Mrhálek, 2022. "Codes of ethics in Czech companies: prevalence and differences in creation, evaluation and amendment," Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Issues, VsI Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Center, vol. 10(2), pages 362-374, December.

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