Corporate and business ethics across organizations

 Extensive research regarding issues of ethical concerns provides two main viewpoints: internal and external ethics. This division refers to ethics in in a strictly business environment and those affecting the market. Authors Svensson and Wood further summarize “a need to establish ethical structures, processes, and performance measures…” (Svensson & Wood, 2011, p. 21). While consumer-based ethics is highlighted for a general overview, the research is designed to investigate the issue of internal, or organizational, ethics. The analysis starts with a concentration on ethical structures which requires a company to create a code of ethics and an enforcement policy. All subdivisions of these structures focus on the creator’s design of a feasible and realistic code of conduct. Additionally, this would require the implementation of checks and balances to include protection for whistleblowers. Research further reveals people willing to report unethical behavior would require a haven to divulge negligent practices. Another important aspect is the ethical process. It describes communication and training of ethical practices and is designed around the structural subdivisions previously mentioned. The majority of these subdivisions require dissemination of any pertinent information. The company is required to ensure all integrated parties clearly acknowledge their understanding of the ethical standards they are accountable to.

Ethical performance is the ability to resolve ethical dilemmas that require an understanding of principle guidelines. The effectiveness of the ethical code of conduct is vital for business success. Overall, corporate ethics is a strategic method to adjusting to a continuously evolving market.

References:

Svensson, G., & Wood, G. (2011). A conceptual framework of corporate and business ethics across organizations. The Learning Organization, 18(1), 21-35.