Essay on "Ethics Program"

Essay 6 pages (1667 words) Sources: 0

[EXCERPT] . . . .

Ethics Program

Developing an ethics program

Increased scrutiny on the actions of businesses and organizations has directly necessitated the importance of ethical programs. However, there has been an increase in attention regarding the way businesses undertake their ethical practices. In turn, organizations have come up with meaningful ethical practices encrypted in detailed ethical programs to stipulate whether the actions of members' of an organization are appropriate or not. It is important that businesses develop prudent ethical programs to manage their operations. Most organizations in the U.S. such as Enron and Tyco have witnessed detrimental consequences as a result of management ignoring ethical practices. This study will seek to develop a prudent ethics program model for a non-profit organization.

Having an ethical program is good for business. An ethics program would essentially aim at guiding individual practices and not necessarily the businesses'. Ethics has a tendency on rubbing on other aspects of business in that, when a business behaves ethically, it is bound to induce other businesses to behave in the same way. An employee who is treated ethically is more likely to treat customers and other business partners ethically too. It is common business knowledge that organizations which practice ethics are bound to benefit in the long-run. When employees and managers participate in ethical practices and are sure of their actions, they become mentally free for maximum productivity. The opposite is also true whereby, if individuals don't behave ethically, they become involved in actions that are exhaustive and subterfuge. This then limits the ability for the organization or employee to achieve maximum profitability.

However, the best approach to entrenching ethics in an organization would be in practice but not theoretical. Ethics could be taught to employees; but even if employees are taught well and understand it, it doesn't mean they would act ethically. Ethics is not only essential in business practice; it is also quite effective in other aspects of the society and a bed-rock to which a civilized society stands.

Standards and Procedures

These standards and procedures are meant to provide a sound ground work for regular operations in the organization. It will seek to promote a high standard of practice and benchmark the activities of every participant for self-evaluation. The code of ethics applies to all members of the organization. Attention should however be made in relation to the expansion of the organization; in that, if the organization increases in size, a more general code of conduct should be developed. A separate code of conduct should follow thereafter to ensure that all departments are effectively represented in the ethics program. The following guidelines should be able to provide a comprehensive standards and procedures to govern the activities of the organization.

1. Vision and Applicability

By being pioneers for the common good of humanity, we are committed to ensuring that we adhere to the vision and objectives we set for ourselves. The vision and objectives should be the benchmark in which we base our behaviors in the organization.

2. Responsibility

We should be able to take responsibility for actions on the decisions we make. The set actions should be based on the interest of the environment, humanity and safety of all individuals.

3. Respect

We should be able to respect others and especially those we serve, including ourselves and the resources availed to us. The resources entrusted to our organization include financial, safety, facilities meant to protect the environment, reputation and the safety of the people who need our help.

4. Fairness

We should be able to act in a just manner without any form of prejudice or favoritism. Our actions must be objective and impartial at all times.

5. Honesty

We should be able to act in a truthful manner in all our endeavors and also understand the concept of being truthful in our operations.

Plan for Ethics Training Program

The ethics program is virtually useless unless all members are effectively taught how to practice and orient themselves with the ethical procedures. The training program should be handled in an open and honest manner so as to avert any suspicion that might arise. It should also be noted that no matter how updated the ethics program is, the law will always stipulate the ethical conduct of members rather than the written down policies. All members should be aware of this fact at all times. The following should stipulate the training program.

1. A syllabus should be created using a Microsoft word document that stipulates the training requirement, objectives of the training program and the reference being used for the program.

2. The ethics program should be proof-read to eliminate any inconsistencies with the objectives of the organization. It should thereafter be stapled and ready for distribution to all members.

3. Several copies should be printed about articles relating to pervious non-profit organizations that have succeeded as a result of practicing ethics or failed in the same. All members should then be given an opportunity to discuss their opinions on the same.

4. Device a program to depict Microsoft word's five-level template by clicking on "files" from the menu bar, choosing "new" from the resultant options on the drop- down menu and thereafter, inserting the words "five-level template" in the search category on the right side of the window. Thereafter, choose the link "ethical practices in a non-profit organization" as your guiding textbook in the creation of an outline.

5. The multiple word templates "multiple choices" should be used to give members in attendance choices for evaluation at the end of the session. The testing kit should come from materials used in the course of the training program and not from the book "ethical practices in a non-profit organization." This is because the book doesn't provide a testing manual.

Monitoring, Auditing and Reporting systems

It is important that ethical practices are monitored regularly in the organization to ensure that members are safe and focus on their roles in ensuring ethical guidelines are adhered to. However, auditing, monitoring and reporting systems are a sensitive topic because of the advancement in technology and the constant ability to monitor members. It is therefore imperative that this issue be handled carefully so as not to impact negatively on the members. This is because monitoring and reporting procedures might have an impact on the morale, culture and legal rights of the organization. However, fear should not be manifested in implementing the following principles because it will ensure sound practices are adhered to in the organization.

1. Create a chain of priority whereby the most important items needed by the organization are monitored first. The financial resources should be first in the priority list.

2. Develop a model based on logic whereby monitoring systems follow each other in the way they are handled in the organization.

3. Only meaningful things should be monitored which entails financial resources, employee conduct, environmental concerns and proper treatment of the population being served. This is to minimize wastages in areas that aren't beneficial to the organization.

4. Create a requirement for a short-term result to evaluate whether the monitoring, Auditing and reporting systems are on track.

5. Stipulate a chain of command whereby members can report ethical issues and let it be known to all of them.

6. Provide abrupt, internal audit sessions without the knowledge of the administrators to ensure ethical financial procedures are being followed.

7. Always be proactive by ensuring proper compromise of the requirements for reporting among all members.

8. Ensure that the monitoring, auditing and reporting systems are up-to-date.

Planning and Review of Ethics Program

When reviewing ethical programs, the organization should review areas that are prone to change in legislation. This will be actually aimed at ensuring the organization does not break any of the rules. Such areas of concern include labor practices… READ MORE

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